Where to stay in Madrid: an overview of areas and hotels

When planning a trip to Madrid, one of the key questions you will have is: where is the best place to stay, in which neighborhood and hotel? Therefore, I'll explain which areas are better suited for exploring the attractions of the Spanish capital or for a family vacation, and which ones are ideal for those who love entertainment or shopping.

Пересечение улиц Alcalá и Gran Vía
Where is the best place to stay in Madrid (photo: Dmitry Shakin)

Choosing a hotel in Madrid depends on many factors: reasons for the trip, budget, and personal preferences. Information about city districts and various accommodation options will be useful for both tourists who prefer budget lodging and those seeking luxury accommodations.

In which area of Madrid is it best to choose a hotel?

Madrid is a large city, administratively divided into 21 districts and 131 sub-districts. Therefore, it is important to choose the right place to stay.

Before booking, carefully review previous guests’ reviews. Pay attention to comments regarding cleanliness, location, and the accuracy of the description.

Historical Center — Centro

Centro — the central district of Madrid. It suits those who come for educational purposes. This is the oldest district, home to famous landmarks, museums, and galleries, interesting places. Hotels here for every budget. Main drawbacks: tourists-bars-restaurants, hence noise. Many narrow streets with historical buildings — not much sunlight, you look out the window at your neighbor. Few trees. Centro consists of several sub-districts.

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

A modern hotel with a garden, located in the city center near museums and a train station (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Hostal Abadia Madrid ⭐️⭐️

Hostal Abadia Madrid
Hostal Abadia Madrid

The hostel is perfectly located. All attractions are within walking distance (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Hotel Mediodia ⭐️⭐️

Hotel Mediodia
Hotel Mediodia, photo ANTONIO JESUS MARTIN

The hotel is located in the famous Golden Triangle of Art (Ostrovok).

Sol Quarter

The Sol Quarter is located near the Sol metro station. Several bustling pedestrian streets converge at Puerta del Sol, where many tourist routes begin, so it’s crowded at any time of day, with buzzers all around.

Hotel Mirador Puerta del Sol ⭐️⭐️

Hotel Mirador Puerta del Sol
Hotel Mirador Puerta del Sol, photo booking.com

The hotel is located next to the Sol metro station (Ostrovok).

Gran Vía

Gran Vía — the area along one of the main streets of the capital, a center for shopping and cultural entertainment.

Dear Hotel Madrid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dear Hotel Madrid
Dear Hotel Madrid

A romantic hotel with a pool and rooftop bar (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Petit Palace Cliper-Gran Vía ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Petit Palace Cliper-Gran Vía
Petit Palace Cliper-Gran Vía, photo Daniel Vergara

Hotel on Gran Vía Street near the metro station (Ostrovok).

Malasaña Quarter

Malasaña — a district near the Malasaña/Tribunal metro station with many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The quarter is popular among students and will appeal to artistic natures.

Las Letras

Las Letras (translated as «letters») — in the 17th century, many writers lived in this neighborhood. Even today, Las Letras streets traditionally host literary festivals, fairs, and street exhibitions. Notable sites include the Spanish Theatre and the House of Lope de Vega.

Lavapiés

Lavapiés — the most international part of the central district. The local restaurants serve dishes of various cuisines.

Chueca

Chueca — a trendy and lively part of the central district of the Spanish capital. Here you will find the Palacio de Longoria (Palacio de Longoria), the House of Seven Chimneys, museums of romanticism and historical museums, a monastery, and numerous shops. This is an area with an active nightlife, where bars, clubs, various seedy places, and gay and LGBT clubs open after dark.

Other areas

La Latina

La Latina — the most lively corner of Madrid with a huge number of restaurants and tapas bars.

Posada del Dragón Boutique Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Posada del Dragón Boutique Hotel
Posada del Dragón Boutique Hotel

Stylish hotel in the center of Madrid (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Hotel Eco Vía Lusitana ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hotel Eco Vía Lusitana
Hotel Eco Vía Lusitana, photo by Alberto Carrasco Ramirez

Good value for money (Ostrovok).

Hotel Porcel Ganivet ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hotel Porcel Ganivet
Hotel Porcel Ganivet, photo by Hotelbeds

Convenient location. Guests can enjoy a hot tub on the hotel’s terrace (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Salamanca

Salamanca – an elite district of Madrid, respectable and expensive. Advantages include the concentration of luxury boutiques on Serrano Street and along the southern border of Retiro Park. Here are the Archaeological Museum and the Barclaycard Sports Palace.

Castellana

Castellana — a sub-district of Salamanca, considered the business center of the city. The longest and widest street in Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana, runs through it. Here you will find the Picasso Tower skyscrapers and the Gate of Europe, natural history and art museums, the Congress and Exhibition Palace, plus small galleries and art objects.

Fuencarral-El Pardo

Fuencarral-El Pardo – the largest district by area of the capital, but not densely populated. Its main attraction is the 16th-century El Pardo palace.

Hortaleza

Hortaleza — the district with the largest number of young residents.

Barajas

Barajas – the area of Madrid-Barajas Airport. It houses the exhibition center (IFEMA) and the Juan Carlos Park.

Arganzuela

Arganzuela – the greenest and most modern district of Madrid. Its attractions include Madrid Rio Park (Parque Madrid Rio), stretching along the Manzanares River (Río Manzanares), the planetarium, and Atocha Station.

NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares
Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares

Hotel on the riverbank with a terrace, pool, and fitness center (Ostrovok, Yandex.Travel).

Retiro

Retiro — the district largely occupied by Retiro Park.

Tetuán

Tetuán – a former migrant district with a mix of different cultures. Attractions include the local municipality building, the Congress Palace, the main mosque, and Joan Miró Square. Ethnic restaurants and shops are open in the area. Housing is noticeably cheaper.

Chamartin

Chamartin – the most expensive district of the capital, where modern skyscrapers coexist with architecture from the past. It is home to the AZCA business center, the twin towers of the Gate of Europe, the National Concert Hall, the museums of Madrid history and natural sciences, Canal Isabel II Park, and Berlin Park, the Real Madrid football club stadium, the train station. It takes about 20 minutes by metro to get to the historical center.

Chamberí

Chamberí – a modern district with architecture in neo-Gothic, neo-Mudejar, and modernist styles. It houses the Joaquín Sorolla House-Museum, the National Geological Museum, and a museum in the abandoned «Platform 0» metro station.

How much do hotels in Madrid cost?

When planning a trip, keep in mind that hotel prices in Madrid are highest in July, August, and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. In April and September, you can save a little on accommodation. Prices also depend on the location of hotels and the amenities provided.

  • A room in a B&B (bed and breakfast) will cost from €57 per night;
  • a studio in the center — around €77 per day;
  • a 2-star hotel room — from €65;
  • a 3-star hotel room — from €60;
  • a 4-star hotel room — from €85;
  • a double room in a 5-star hotel — from €180.

The central areas of Madrid are interesting for sightseeing. Here you will find comfortable hotels and apartments at very affordable prices.

In the business and new areas of the capital, such as Salamanca and Chamartin, there are only expensive new hotels with a high level of comfort. Room prices are higher than in the city center (the cost of a junior suite goes up to €700).

Search for hotels on Ostrovok (accepts Mir cards).

Mihail Schwarz
Mihail Schwarz
Статей: 1971

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