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Near the IFEMA exhibition centre and Barajas airport. The facilities are second to none: convention centre, swimming pool, gym and sauna.

On the approach road to Barajas airport, this 200-room modern hotel is convenient for the IFEMA Exhibition Centre. Rooms are comfortable and the hotel facilities include a garden, outdoor pool, two restaurants, gym, parking and meeting rooms.

From the outside, this modern hotel overlooking Paseo de la Castellana conforms with the high-rise architecture typical of the business district, but the interior, refurbished with antiques, is a surprise. Facilities include conference and banqueting suites, sun terrace, indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym and disco. The star attraction though is the gourmet restaurant, La Broche.

An attractive 3-star option on one of Madrid’s most historic streets. Rooms (some with balcony) are comfortable, with double glazing.

Located in one of Madrid’s liveliest neigh-bourhoods, the Mónaco was originally a high-class brothel. It was renovated in the 1950s but many of the original features – ceiling mirrors, murals, sunken baths and marble columns – were preserved. The most authentic (and more expensive) rooms are 20, 21, 23 or 27 (see Hotel Mónaco).

An attractive option for business travellers on a budget, just five minutes’ walk from Plaza de España. The nicely decorated rooms have satellite TV. Hotel facilities include conference room, bar and restaurant.

In the exclusive Puerto Hierro district, northwest of the city yet only a 15-minute cab ride away. Facilities are unbeatable: tennis courts, sauna, pool and a golf course nearby.

Art lovers on a budget should look no further than this modest-sized hotel, just across the road from the Prado. Some rooms have views of the famous avenue. Room safes and satellite TV are other pluses. Popular, so book ahead.

Before its conversion, this imposing pile housed the Lebanese embassy. The decor is suitably aristocratic, with plenty of marble and wrought iron. The rooms are tastefully furnished (all are equipped with cable TV), while the facilities include a sauna, gym and terrace restaurant.

This 4-star hotel is handy for the Retiro, the art museums and the fashion boutiques of Salamanca. The building is modern but the ambience is old-world. All rooms were refurbished in the 1990s; try for one overlooking the leafy courtyard.