Best Luxury Hotels in Centro

Following a meticulous two-year restoration, Madrid’s iconic landmark returns with a refined identity as The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid. Situated in Barrio de las Letras within the UNESCO-listed Paisaje de la Luz, the hotel is surrounded by cultural treasures like the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. The historic 1912 façade has been restored, along with its signature stained-glass dome and iconic glass palm tree chandelier. Interiors by Lázaro Rosa-Violán fuse classic grandeur with modern sophistication, drawing inspiration from past guests such as Picasso, Dalí, and Hemingway. The 470 redesigned rooms and suites feature hand-painted wallpapers, mid-century chandeliers, and a residential elegance. The hotel’s culinary offering includes La Cúpula, a stylish all-day dining venue, and 27 Club, a reimagined cocktail bar paying homage to the Generation of ’27 poets. Now part of The Luxury Collection, The Palace invites travellers to experience Madrid’s heritage through a lens of contemporary luxury.

The new 200 bedroom Madrid EDITION follows the launch of the brand’s Barcelona property back in 2018. Encapsulating the city’s spirit and essence, the fashionable interiors are by Ian Schrager Company, with unique pieces crafted using salvaged and recycled materials, along with rich fabrics and artistic handicrafts. There are two restaurants; Jerónimo, and the rooftop Oroya serving Peruvian-influenced fare, as well as a seductively decorated nightclub and atmospheric bars. Just across from the very centre of the country (Kilometre Zero) EDITION offers views of a 16th-century Royal Monastery and close access to the city’s highlights. Stay in the hotel’s top room – Madrid Penthouse – for a private infinity pool and eight-seater marble dining table.

This hotel had an unenviable opening date in September 2020 during one of the toughest periods ever for hospitality. Yet this hasn’t prevented the stunning new hotel in Plaza de Canalejas from becoming a huge success. A total of seven historic buildings were brought together over an eight-year refurbishment period to form the Four Seasons in Madrid. The results are impressive – a four-level spa (arguably the best in the city) with a dreamy indoor pool, a massive art collection, a lobby eatery, a gastro bar and a stunning rooftop restaurant. Many of the buildings’ original features have been maintained adding to the now single building’s authenticity. 

Set in a 19th-century building which was once one of the oldest perfumeries in the capital (and retains many original features), the JW Marriott oozes all things fragrance; from the lobby aroma, to the personalised olfactory journey curated for each guest in collaboration with the Spanish Perfume Academy, to wellness treatments and El Patio JW Garden, where many of the botanical and herbaceous ingredients used in the food and drink, are grown. Taste those uber-local flavours in the QÚ restaurant which is headed by the two Michelin-starred chef Mario Sandoval. The JW Marriott is a place to immerse in some of Madrid’s history and discover a unique part of its heritage.

Stay on the Gran Via just a 12-minute walk from the Prado Museum, where sun-drenched landscaped terraces, stunning views, a wellness centre, delectable cocktails and intuitive cuisine await. This characterful hotel, part of the international and chic Principal chain, has 76 bright and airy rooms including whirlpool tubs, designed to make you feel right at home. The colour palette mixes neutrals, with darker shades and accents of rich colour in the public areas. Tuck into haute cuisine in the destination restaurant and sip cocktails from a lounger on the roof, with panoramic views of the region.

The Thompson Madrid is located on Calle De La Montera, which connects the city’s famed main square, Puerta del Sol, to the theatres, cinemas, and boutiques of the lively Gran Via Street. The hotel combines traditional Madrid architecture with Thompson Hotels’ contemporary style and comprises 175 guest bedrooms and suites which have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. Guests can enjoy three different dining concepts including the all-day bakery and bistro and the Rooftop, which as you may have guessed, alongside creative cocktails boasts stunning views across the city. The rooftop infinity pool, is the place to relax and the open-air courtyard, fitness centre, and 24-hour boutique are all available for guests to use at their leisure.

Situated right in the centre of bustling Madrid, on the infamous Gran Via, the NH Collection Madrid of Gran Via is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to explore Madrid’s thriving historical city centre. The must-see Plaza Mayor and iconic Prado Museum are all in walking distance.  Guests can easily travel further afield as the Gran Via underground station is situated right next to the hotel’s elegant façade. The NH Collection Madrid’s 94 soundproofed and modern rooms allows guests a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, with ever-friendly staff on hand to provide advice on where to visit. Guests can also dine on the delicious Mediterranean cuisine of the hotel’s acclaimed Picalagartos restaurant as they gaze over the city’s skyline. For a more casual dining experience, guests can enjoy tapas and cocktails made by the in-house mixologist on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.

The Hotel Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques is found in the refined Hasburg district, a short distance from The Royal Palace, Opera House and Cathedral. This modern resort is housed in a 13th-century convent and a 19th-century palace. It’s a popular choice for families, with 160 spacious rooms and a babysitting service. There’s also a valet, concierge, four eateries, 24-hour room service, a translation service, private tours, personal shoppers, a spa, a fitness centre and a lush peaceful garden. Plush textiles, period features and geometric patterns all merge to create a contemporary urban vibe. The hotel is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, and part of the wider Melia Group.

Originally designed by Juan de Villanueva (whose other work included the iconic Prado Museum), this 18th-century mansion house has been given new and stylish interiors by the NH Collection. The brand is skilled at preserving the charm of heritage buildings while infusing a playful trendiness and this is no exception — an especially nice touch are the glass-covered exhibits on the ground floor. Single bedrooms through to family suites can be booked, there are 85 rooms in total, with those on the top floor providing skylights and wooden cathedral ceilings. The hotel is surrounded by theatres and other points of interest.

One of Madrid’s most historic and elegant boutique hotels, the Gran Hotel Ingles’ rich history and charm has attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf and continues to attract travellers seeking an authentic boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid. Situated in Madrid’s vibrant Barrio de las Letras, the Gran Hotel Ingles is the perfect place for guests wishing to immerse themselves in Madrid’s rustic charm. The hotel’s 48 rooms combine the sophistication of the 1920s with modern artistic additions like furniture designed by the renowned David Rockwell, all of this makes the rooms feel distinctly luxurious and open. As the first of Madrid’s Hotels to boast a restaurant, the hotel’s gastronomic history shines through to this day. Guests can dine in the Casa Lobo restaurant which is currently hosting a pop-up Thai market restaurant. The hotel also offers a daily afternoon tea service in its lavish main hall and on weekends provides a delicious brunch service. Yet the hotel’s ‘piece de resistance’ is its exquisite LobByto cocktail bar which serves some of the city’s best cocktails and on Fridays and Saturdays even hosts Rock and Roll and Swing Nights for guests wishing to indulge in a night of musical excellence.

The flagship hotel of the VP chain, Plaza Espana Design prides itself on the unique design of its 214 rooms and mesmerising contemporary art. Minimalist in style with clean lines, the decor by Cuarto Interior, is award-winning. But there are plenty more reasons to stay here – the views, the spa, the sky bar and the stunning pool being just a few. The 12th-floor Ginko Restaurant provides wonderful vistas and the ideal spot for a sundowner, while the uber-modern spa is quintessential for urban relaxation. 1400 metres squared of meeting spaces ensure the Plaza Espana Design is regularly frequented by business travellers too.

The Only You Boutique Hotel in Chueca on the Calle del Barquillo in the centre of Madrid features award-winning interior design from Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Housed in what was once a palace, it offers an effortlessly stylish contemporary luxury experience with vintage touches. Only You has a Thai-style spa, Mediterranean lounge, its own YOUnique restaurant and a British cocktail bar, the only one in the city to have collaborated with Veuve Clicquot. The hotel is centrally located in one of the hippest suburbs near the best bars, restaurants and trendiest boutiques in the city.