Hotels in Madrid, Spain

The lowdown on Madrid hotels

Situated on the Manzanares River, the vibrant city of Madrid is famed for its historic architecture, picturesque parks and scenic boulevards. Madrid is a city rich in romance and charm, where you can explore museums filled with priceless treasures or simply sample local wines in an atmospheric bar. It’s also within convenient travelling distance of popular destinations like Valencia and Barcelona.

Where to stay in Madrid

After a long flight, nothing beats the simple comfort of a hotel near Madrid’s Barajas Airport. At over 3,000 hectares in size, Barajas is one of Europe’s largest airports and is home to a wide variety of accommodation choices. An impressive array of luxury facilities, from nightclubs and bars to swimming pools and restaurants, make sticking around a tempting proposition, while regular shuttle services to the centre make getting to the city’s most beloved heritage highlights a breeze.

An unbeatable range of hotels in Madrid

From lavish honeymoons and romantic getaways to budget-conscious family holidays and no-frills business trips, Barajas Airport hotels offer something for everyone. High-end leisure seekers might opt for the 4-star Axor Feria to avail of its rejuvenating spa services and world-class health and fitness facilities. Soundproofed rooms and premium bedding keep the relaxation coming once you retire to your room. The more thrifty traveller might find what they’re looking for at the 2-star NeoMagna Madrid hotel; ideally located near cultural hot spots like the Prado Museum and El Retiro Park, this non-smoking alternative also has a restaurant and lounge to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing. A number of mid-priced properties, such as the stylishly furnished Hotel Villa De Barajas round out the region’s offerings.

What to do during your stay in Madrid

Spirited Madrid is a city of unmissable sights. These include the central square of the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Theatre with its 19^th century opera house, the Cibeles Palace and Fountain, and the 18^th-century Palacio Real, an ornate Bourbon palace with over 2,800 rooms. Other highlights include the 17^th-century Buen Retiro Park, a stunning green space with ornate architectural designs and intricately crafted water features, the elegant 18^th-century National Library, and the Golden Triangle of Art, which includes three important museums: the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Prado Museum. The Templo de Debod, an original 2^nd-century Egyptian Temple should also be on your must-see list.

To savour the sights and sounds of city life, head to the upmarket street of Gran Via at the city’s lively heart. Known as the ‘Spanish Broadway’, it’s alive with activity around the clock and is renowned for its nightlife. For chic boutiques, why not make your way to the Salamanca district, or for quirkier finds, check out the Sunday morning flea market at Ribera de Curtidores? You can also take in a world-class flamenco show while you’re there, or catch a Real Madrid football game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Just over a 3-hour journey from Madrid is the charming port city of Valencia, on the Mediterranean Sea. This culture-rich city has a number of fascinating visitor attractions, including an oceanarium, planetarium and the colourful market of Mercado Central. Valencia’s cathedral is known for its three gates, each crafted in a different architectural style: Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque. Near the city is Albufera Park, a wetlands nature reserve built around an idyllic lake. From Valencia, you can join Spain’s Mediterranean coastal route, which stretches over 1,600 kilometres from the small southern town of Tarifa to Cabo de Creus on the French border. The route includes many fascinating stops, including buzzing tourist destinations and sleepy fishing villages. It also provides access to the Balearic Islands, so it’s worth considering holiday rentals in Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, 3 of Spain’s hottest island hot spots.

A six-hour journey from Madrid opens up chic holiday homes in Barcelona, where local highlights, such as the famous Las Ramblas shopping street, the eye-catching Park Guell, Parc de Joan Miro and Parc de la Ciutadell, and of course, Barceloneta beach, which is widely regarded as one of Spain’s premier water-sports destinations, are a surefire recipe for bayside bliss. Barcelona also has a multitude of museums and galleries, including the Miro Foundation, the Picasso Museum, the Dali Museum, the Naval Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum. The Barri Gotic – or Gothic Quarter – is another must-visit locale, with its antique homes and atmospheric backstreets.

No matter what’s on the itinerary for Madrid, you’re sure to fall under the spell of this enchanting city.

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