As the sun sets over Madrid’s spires and rooftops, casting long pink shadows down grand boulevards, the city truly comes alive. Madrid, with its spirit of inclusivity and warmth, offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other European capitals. While Barcelona often steals the spotlight with its beaches and clubs, Madrid holds its own with a thriving cultural scene, world-class museums, top-tier shopping, and an exceptional culinary landscape. There’s never been a better time to visit Madrid, with a resurgence of cultural vibrancy following pandemic lockdowns and the arrival of a new wave of five-star hotels. From the minimalist Edition Madrid to the opulent Four Seasons, these hotels offer a fresh perspective on the city’s dynamic energy.
The Edition Madrid
The Edition Hotel chain continues its expansion, bringing its signature sleek, minimalist design to Madrid. The hotel’s expansive lobby, accessed via a sculptural staircase designed by John Pawson, evokes a futuristic atmosphere. Subtle details, like a faded tapestry and flamenco shawls, subtly nod to the city’s history and local culture. The hotel’s design, a collaboration between Ian Schrager, John Pawson, and François Champsaur, reflects the vibrant energy of Madrid, offering a more colorful aesthetic than typical Edition properties. Dining options include Jeronimo, serving elevated Mexican cuisine, and the lively Oroya rooftop, offering Peruvian fare under the direction of renowned chef Diego Muñoz. The Edition Madrid boasts the largest rooftop pool in the city center, perfect for a refreshing dip during Madrid’s scorching summers.
Four Seasons Madrid
For understated opulence, the Four Seasons Madrid delivers. The hotel resides in El Palacio de la Equitativa, a former bank beautifully restored to its former grandeur. The cavernous marble-floored lobby with its delicate glass skylight and the leafy rooftop bar and restaurant offering stunning views onto the bustling Calle Alcalá and Calle Sevilla create an unforgettable experience. Perfectly situated near the Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s vibrant nightlife, shopping, and culinary scene. Step inside the hotel, however, and you’ll find an oasis of tranquility. The plush, peaceful rooms, adorned with subdued neutrals and tasteful gilded accents, foster an instant sense of calm. The designers worked with curator Paloma Fernández-Iriondo to incorporate over 1,500 pieces from emerging Spanish artists, adding a unique Iberian flavor to the space. The hotel offers several dining options, including the vibrant rooftop restaurant and bar Dani, inspired by Andalusian cuisine, and the Japanese-inspired dining lounge Isa. The highlight, however, is the expansive spa located across four levels at the top of the hotel. A 46-foot swimming pool, a rooftop hanging garden, a sauna, and a steam room provide an escape from the city’s bustling energy.
Rosewood Villa Magna
For a more secluded experience, Rosewood Villa Magna offers a haven of luxury in the exclusive Salamanca district. The hotel, housed in a glamorous 1970s building, provides easy access to designer stores and a glimpse into Madrid’s elegant side. While a 20-minute walk from the city center, the distance allows for spacious rooms, even the entry-level accommodations offering luxurious amenities. The hotel recently debuted a series of lavish penthouses featuring breathtaking city views from the largest hotel terrace in Europe, complete with a private gym and sauna. The hotel features several dining options, but the standout is Amós, a fine-dining spot by acclaimed chef Jesús Sánchez, dedicated to the cuisine of his native Cantabria region. The tasting menu, featuring a blend of briny tang and fruity sweetness, offers an adventurous gastronomic journey without leaving Madrid.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Stepping into the Mandarin Oriental Ritz is like stepping back in time. The hotel, dating back to 1910, has been meticulously restored, blending historical grandeur with 21st-century amenities. The hotel’s rich history, having hosted notable figures like Ernest Hemingway, Grace Kelly, and Michael Jackson, attracts a cosmopolitan and culturally minded crowd. Situated across the street from the Museo del Prado, one of the world’s great museums, the hotel offers easy access to Madrid’s cultural treasures. The hotel provides ample opportunity for relaxation, with two all-day restaurants, a leafy outdoor terrace cafe and bar, and the two-Michelin-starred Deessa, offering innovative takes on classic Spanish dishes. The hotel’s spa features a luxurious indoor pool surrounded by white veined marble and twinkling lights, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The Mandarin Oriental Ritz embodies the perfect blend of Madrid’s illustrious past and its vibrant present.
JW Marriott
The JW Marriott, located steps away from the Puerta del Sol, offers a sophisticated and convenient option for travelers. The hotel, housed in a 19th-century building, blends historical charm with modern design. The sleek lobby, featuring columns dating back to the 19th century, pays homage to Madrid’s rich architectural heritage. The tastefully decorated rooms provide a calming retreat, and the hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments. The fitness center, with its exposed brick walls, makes working out a more appealing experience. The hotel’s primary restaurant, Qú by Mario Sandoval, features haute interpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine. The extensive wine list complements the dishes, adding to the overall dining experience.
Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, resides in a grand 19th-century neoclassical palace, offering a blend of history and luxury. The hotel, originally two mansions and a stables, features three ornate buildings set around a beautiful private garden. The hotel’s location in the prestigious Chamberi district provides easy access to galleries, theaters, and museums while offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. The hotel’s restaurant, La Biblioteca de Santo Mauro, draws a discerning foodie crowd with its inventive takes on seasonal cuisine. The hotel’s bar, La Cocteleria del Santo, provides a sophisticated setting to savor cocktails and people-watch.
7 Islas Hotel
7 Islas Hotel embodies a fusion of cultures. The hotel, opened in 2002, was envisioned as a home away from home for Canarian visitors to Madrid. The hotel’s design incorporates volcanic stone pillars from Lanzarote, reflecting its Canarian roots. Run by the founder’s three granddaughters since 2012, the hotel has become a landmark in the up-and-coming Triball neighborhood. The hotel’s open art gallery showcases fresh exhibitions from emerging local and international artists every three months. The hotel’s 79 rooms are inspired by Bauhaus minimalism, featuring woven leather and steel headboards, striking bronze accents, and handcrafted geometric carpets. The hotel also features a gym and a restaurant and bar with a focus on local botanicals.
Bless Hotel Madrid
Bless Hotel Madrid, a vibrant and eclectic hotel, is an adult playground in the chic Salamanca district. The hotel, housed in a former grand hotel, retains its historical charm while incorporating modern design elements. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a Wellbeing Terrace Villa with cutting-edge sleep technology, and a speakeasy basement bar/club with a bowling alley and pole dancing room. The hotel’s restaurants offer a variety of culinary experiences, including traditional Japanese with a twist and Basque classics by 12-time Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui.
Westin Palace Madrid
The Westin Palace Madrid, a Parisian-style landmark, has been setting hotel standards since its opening in 1912. The hotel, designed by Belgians Leon Monnoyer et fils, was once Europe’s largest hotel, offering visitors the most modern luxuries. The hotel’s grand lobby features a stained-glass cupola ceiling, creating a captivating atmosphere. The hotel boasts a small museum showcasing its rich history, having hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries. The hotel’s rooms, featuring Belle Epoque or classic styles, offer a blend of history and comfort. The hotel also features several dining options, including a Cantonese restaurant.
Tótem Madrid
Tótem Madrid, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, offers a stylish escape in Madrid’s Salamanca district. The hotel’s 64 light-filled rooms feature modern design elements, with black marble bathrooms, velvet sofas, and French windows with Juliet balconies. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are consistently buzzing with local residents and workers. The hotel’s rooftop pool provides a stunning view of the city.
The Pavilions Madrid
The Pavilions Madrid, a boutique hotel, offers a discreet and stylish retreat in the heart of Madrid. The hotel, housed in a series of converted private studios, features contemporary Spanish art throughout, curated by prestigious local gallery Alvaro Alcazar. The hotel’s design incorporates sleek lines, bold colors, and vibrant indoor greenery. The hotel’s restaurant, Guillermina, serves Mediterranean cuisine with a twist, perfect for enjoying on the hotel’s patio or rooftop.
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá, located in Madrid’s Habsburg district, offers a grand and luxurious experience. The hotel, housed in a 13th-century convent and a 19th-century palace, features ornate public spaces and opulent rooms. The hotel’s restaurant, Dos Cielos, serves Castilian cuisine with innovative twists. The hotel’s rooftop pool provides stunning panoramic views of the city.
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila, a hidden gem in Madrid, offers a charming and luxurious experience. The hotel, a converted 19th-century mansion, features Belle Epoque details and a beautiful terraced garden. The hotel’s restaurant, El Jardín de Orfila, serves traditional Spanish cuisine, while the hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments.
Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid
Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid, a stylish and eclectic hotel, blends old-world charm with contemporary cool. The hotel, housed in a 19th-century building, features a blend of traditional Spanish design elements and modern accents. The hotel’s Padrino Cocktail Bar, located in the mansion’s former library, offers a unique and sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel’s rooms, featuring quirky and luxurious details, provide a memorable experience. The hotel’s Thai Room Wellness center offers a range of treatments inspired by various traditions.
Urso Hotel & Spa, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Urso Hotel & Spa, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, offers a stylish and tranquil escape in Madrid. The hotel, housed in a neoclassical building, blends historical charm with modern design. The hotel’s subterranean spa, designed by The Lab Room, features a 12-meter hydromassage pool and steam room. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Media Ración by Cuenllas, serves traditional Spanish dishes with contemporary flourishes. The hotel’s Conservatory, lined by vivid living walls, provides a bright and airy setting for breakfast.
Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel
Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel, a Belle Epoque gem in Madrid’s Salamanca district, offers a luxurious and sophisticated experience. The hotel, featuring international antiques and a soothing palette of muted colors, provides a tranquil retreat. The hotel’s restaurant, Haroma, serves simple but refined Spanish cuisine, using local produce. The hotel’s rooftop garden offers stunning views of the city.
These are just a few of the many amazing hotels in Madrid. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern experience or a grand and historical one, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in this vibrant city.
