Best Design Hotels in Madrid

Villa Magna, a historic treasure located on Madrid’s most coveted boulevard is reborn as the capital’s leading luxury hotel. Located between the distinguished Salamanca neighbourhood and Paseo de la Castellana number 22, Rosewood Villa Magna is writing a new chapter in its story with the international hotel group Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. The Rosewood Villa Magna is located in an unbeatable setting, an enclave for shopping, business, gastronomy, and art. With easy access to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the so-called ”Landscape of Light” (of El Prado and El Retiro), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rosewood Villa Magna has four distinct concepts offering guests and locals alike a variety of gastronomic offerings at any time of the day. The property has 101 rooms and 53 suites that embody the hotel’s refined, residential style.

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.

In the leafy Calle de Claudio Coello, in Madrid’s chic Salamanca District, is Hotel Único, one of the capital’s most iconic and sought-after boutique properties. Once a noble private mansion, Hotel Único epitomises the understated elegance of this 19th residential neighbourhood, originally built with the help of the 1st Marquess of Salamanca. The guest rooms have recently been beautifully remodelled by designer Maria Santos. This is the capital’s most upscale and desirable area, where the streets are lined with elegant boutiques, designer stores, galleries, and the most fashionable places to eat and drink. The perfect location for an elegant stay in the city.

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.

The Urso Hotel is found in the Chueca district, neighbouring the Chamberi and Tribunal areas. The Urso is a 20th-century building which incorporates modern décor and architectural designs. It’s a stylish boutique property and is close to embassy buildings, restaurants, and bars. It has over 78 rooms and offers amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, lounge bar, and fitness centre. Enjoy top-class tapas and wine at Urso’s on-site eatery Media Ración, or dine in The Conservatory, where the outdoors is brought elegantly indoors.

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.

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.