Best Hotels in Madrid

You need to give us your nightly hotel budget in euros (and for how many people) unless you truly mean "the best hotels if money is no object". And in that case, it would be helpful to know whether you prefer boutique-style places or large, grand hotels. (I'm on the other end of the budget spectrum, so I won't be able to help.)

We've stayed twice at the Hotel Europa, just off the main square Puerta Del Sol. Easy walking distance to the Palace, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor and lots of restaurants in the area. I recommend La Gloria de Montera Restaurant-mod Spanish Bistro - make sure you arrive early - opens at 8.30 and we were there before 8. No reservations.

Westin Palace Madrid. Used to be a palace...'nuf said!

That said, although it's pricey it is well worth the cost if you have it in your budget. Location is outstanding, the place is gorgeous, every time we've been there the staff has been incredible. Most "attractions" are within easy walking distance, bus stops conveniently right next to hotel. Honestly probably my favorite hotel in the world and we've been fortunate to stay in many outstanding hotels over the years. Spring for a room overlooking the fountain if you can, it's definitely worth it to watch humanity go by!!

In 2017, the best hotel for our budget was the Artrip. An easy walk to the "Big 3" museums, and to the Atocha train station. On TripAdvisor, it's currently the #8 hotel in Madrid.

https://www.artriphotel.com/en

Another vote for Hotel Europa! We were there in 2016. Our room had a balcony to enjoy the vibe of the plaza. Centrally located to walk to sites and restaurants. We especially enjoyed dinner twice at La Sanabresa in the Huertes neighborhood. It's family owned, cozy and €€. Our meal included a starter, main course, bottle of wine & dessert. Very reasonable. It was a 10 min. walk from Puerta del Sol. They do not take reservations, so we arrived about 8 pm. About 45 mins. later the restaurant was at capacity.

We loved The Principal Madrid. Great location on a side street off of Gran Via. Beautiful public rooms. Rooftop bar. Near Retiro Park and museums.
Loved our room.

We’ve stayed at Hotel Europa a few times. We like its location at the Puerta del Sol and proximity to a number of frequently visited sites. However, if you’re going to be primarily visiting the main museums and taking day trips to Toledo, Segovia, etc., you may want to stay at a hotel closer to Atocha train station, the museums, and Retiro park. On our last trip there in 2019 we were taking a train that left from Chamartin train station, so we chose Hotel Via Castellana near the station. We enjoyed it. On our return, we stayed at the Petite Palace Posada Del Peine at the Plaza Mayor. That room was small, but it had a good, included, breakfast buffet. Years ago, we stayed at what is now Sleep’N Atocha. It’s a basic, budget friendly hotel by the Reina Sofia museum and was totally adequate. My main point is, there are many nice hotels in the city, so choose one that meets your needs and budget. Best is a relative term meaning different things to different people.

Thanks all! We are looking at upscale without breaking the budget. For some reason I’m having a much harder time planning Spain than our prior trips overseas. So much to do and see and it’s a big country. Just spending 2 nights in the city.

Just spending 2 nights in the city.

In that case I think location would be the top priority, dependent on what it is you want to see/do. Then find the 'nicest' hotel in the area that fits the budget.