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Located in lively Chueca, this distinguished-looking hotel includes a restaurant and meeting rooms, while the pleasant rooms have TV and hair-dryers. A special breakfast is available for early risers.

As its name suggests, this comfortable 3-star hotel is close to the opera house. All rooms have satellite TV and some have balconies. The English-speaking staff are helpful. The waiters in the restaurant serenade guests with arias.

This 4-star hotel has an excellent location in the heart of Madrid’s business district. Facilities include three meeting rooms, a private dining room and fax service.

Built in 1886 as a palatial townhouse, the Orfila is located in a leafy part of town near Colón. The 28 rooms and 4 suites are tastefully decorated in soft pinks and yellows to create a relaxed ambience. A small restaurant overlooks a secluded garden.

One of the oldest hotels in the city, the Paris is great value for its location on Puerta del Sol. The rooms are more than adequate, but not all have air conditioning – a serious drawback during the summer. On the plus side, there’s a shady garden and the English-speaking staff couldn’t be more helpful.

For those not travelling on an expense account, this modern 3-star hotel offers exceptional value. Near Atocha railway station, all 245 rooms have satellite and cable TV, and marble bathrooms with direct-dial phone. Facilities include a business centre, restaurant and garage.

Madrid’s oldest luxury hotel remains true to the traditional values of refined comfort and impeccable service. The belle époque decor and furnishings extend to all 156 rooms, but are seen to best effect in the restaurant, overlooking a flower-filled garden. Facilities include a solarium, gym and sauna.