DK Travel : Madrid

Madrid’s three world-class art museums and two royal palaces alone would set the pulses racing, but there is more to this exciting and diverse capital than its tourist sights. The fashion boutiques of the Salamanca district showcase Europe’s top designers and are just the tip of a shopping iceberg, perfectly complementing the informality of the fascinating El Rastro market, while Madrid’s world-famous tapas bars vie for attention with gourmet restaurants and humble tabernas in a city which never sleeps. To simply watch the world go by, head for the supremely elegant Plaza Mayor.

Hotel Asturias

This large early 20th-century building was completely renovated in the 1990s and is an absolute bargain on account of its location. All 170 rooms are clean, comfortable and in great demand, so book ahead.
Hotel Meliá Fenix

Refurbished in 2000, the gorgeous 1950s decor of this large hotel was left intact. The location, on Plaza Colón, is handy both for the sights and the Salamanca shopping district.
Hotel Mónaco

At the turn of the 20th century the Mónaco was a well-known brothel frequented by members of the Spanish nobility including, so rumour has it, King Alfonso XIII. Now a respectable hotel, the breakfast room retains some of the original features, such as the leather booths, while the rest has been redecorated in Art Deco style (see Mónaco).
Hotel Palace

The Palace has been one of Madrid’s most luxurious hotels since opening its doors in 1913. Wander in to admire the fantastic stained-glass ceiling over the Rotunda (see Palace).
Hotel Puerta America

Very funky hotel with modern environment. Every floor is worth exploring!
Hotel Puerta de América

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this modern hotel is located in the Salamanca district, a short distance from the airport. Each one of its 12 floors has been designed by a well-known architect or designer including Sir Norman Foster, Arata Isozski, Zaha Hadid and Javier Mariscal. The hotel boasts a good restaurant.
Hotel Ritz

The Ritz first opened its doors in 1910 and the inauguration was attended by King Alfonso XIII, who had backed the project after complaining of the lack of quality accommodation in his capital. French architect Charles Mewes’ Neo-Classical building is surprisingly understated from the outside, but the interior is predictably opulent. Outstanding features include handwoven carpets from the Royal Tapestry factory and the belle époque dining room. Stop for a drink on the terrace.
Hotel Suecia

When Ernest Hemingway stayed here in the 1950s he praised the location – near the Prado and the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Renovated in 2000, the rooms are small but tastefully decorated. There’s a terrace on the 7th floor and the café-restaurant offers a reasonably priced menú del dia as well as afternoon tea.
Huesos de santo

Marzipan sweets sculpted to look like “saints’ bones”.
Husa Serrano Royal

This small hotel is close to the designer stores of Calle Serrano (see El Jardín de Serrano) (see Galería ABC Serrano). Refurbished in 1999, the rooms are comfortable and large. Facilities include a garage and business centre.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €70
- €70-€120
- €120-€180
- €180-€240
- over €240