Hotel for 1 night in centro Madrid

We stayed in Hotel Europa on Puerta del Sol. I thought it was a great location. My husband went home before I did, and I was comfortable walking around. I walked to the palace at night. It was lovely. We used public transportation to get to and from the airport.

Every central neighborhood will have restaurants open then. That doesn't narrow it down.

I think staying near Sol is sensible for a quick walk around to see the city. You can't go wrong in Madrid honestly. The food is amazing is every neighborhood.

Thank you. I don’t mind small neighborhoods but since this is just a sleepover and morning stroll, a hotel closer to some major sites for a quick morning stroll sounds appealing. And good food nearby. I love neighborhood tapas.
I speak Spanish (will put it to the test!) so really looking for a safe location with late-night tapas nearby.

If staying near Playa del Sol, what time should I take a taxi for a 1pm international flight with no luggage? Is it about 30-40 minutes ride to airport? Plan to be at airport around 10am? I am not checking a bag.

That sounds reasonable. Barajas airport can be a challenge so that’s appropriately early. Security can take a long time, and it can easily take 20 minutes for the train/walking to your gate after your clear security. Terminal 4 is just insanely large.

I really like the app “Cabify” for taxis in Madrid. I’ve had a lot of success using that to arrange transit in Madrid and Sevilla.

Thanks again.
I arrive on Iberia flight (no idea terminal we land).

But when I leave Madrid Saturday morning, I’ll be flying Delta airlines to USA which I believe is Terminal 1.

We too have been staying at Hotel Europa on our last few trips to Madrid. It’s right at the Puerta Del Sol and a couple minutes walk to the Plaza Mayor. Both are very active until late at late.

Yes, a taxi to the airport will take 30-40 minutes.

I do not like the SoL area; its too jammed and does not showcase the best of Madrid.

I'd stay in the Barrio de las Letras, further east. I'd leave hotel at 10am in aa taxi. Have the hotel phone one for you and let the hotel desk know the night before that you need one at xxxx. time in the morning.

Barrio de las Letras would be a great choice.

There a bunch of good hotels along the Calle de Atocha there. SLEEP'N Atocha and Radisson RED Madrid I've heard good things about. And, then you're close to a lot great tapas towards Lavapies and Calle de Argumosa. Antón Martín Market is really nice too. That area might be my choice if it was me.

Loving all these recommendations. Found a good price at Ibis Styles Prado which feels like in between these areas. Can still do quick walk to Plaza Mayor/Sol and have tapas nearby at La Letras. Thoughts?

Busy enough to be safe walking by yourself and close enough to the Plaza Mayor area that you should have a nice walk around town. I haven’t stayed at that Ibis Styles, but Ibis is a good budget friendly chain. The ones I’ve stayed at have been perfectly fine and clean.

Lot of good tapas in that area.

La Casa del Abuelo and Casa Alberto are very classic. Las Bravas has great patatas bravas. There's a pretty ridiculous (in a good way) cocktail bar called Salmon Guru down the street. La Venencia is great for sherry and it's super classic and old.