Madrid Accommodation
Choosing a hotel in Madrid
Madrid hotel areas
Prices and booking
Best small hotels in Madrid
Choosing a hotel in Madrid
With an estimated 70,000 beds (in 2005), Madrid has accommodation to meet every need and wallet. The current boom in conferences means that many new hotels are being built, and old ones renovated, to keep up with the demand.
Hotels are classified in five categories, reflected in the number of stars they have been awarded. Hoteles-residencias are also classified according to quality and services. These do not have restaurants, but often have bar and cafeteria facilities. Hostales are more modest, and classified according to only 1-, 2- or 3-stars. If you have a car, it is vital to have access to a hotel garage. Hotels NH are a new Spanish chain with a particularly efficient service in this department.
Pensiones or guesthouses are also useful for those on limited budgets. Most pensiones are run by families. Rooms can be rented with home cooking included, and there is usually a family room which is shared with the other guests, for television or reading.
Another possibility for longer stays is to rent a furnished apartment, an increasingly popular idea. Room Madrid (Conde Duque 7, tel: 548 0335; email: roommadrid@redestb) can find a flat or room to share according to your personal preferences (for a minimum of 15 days). Or you could rent a flat or a house in the countryside around Madrid, contact: Centro de Recursos de Montaña, tel: 91-869 7058 (www.sierranorte.com) or get a guide from the tourist offices.
Madrid hotel areas
Focal point of all main accommodation in Madrid is the canyon-like Gran Vía avenue that dissects the city centre from east to west.
A wide range of accommodation of all categories, from deluxe hotels to modest hostal, can be found in the bustling triangle that extends between this imposing Manhattan-style avenue, the Plaza Mayor, and the Puerta del Sol; while on the Gran Vía's northerly fringe, the former working class - now bohemian - districts of Chueca and Malasaña tend to specialise in budget-priced pensions.
Quality hotels in a more relaxing atmosphere prevail in the westerly districts of Argüelles and Moncloa, the northerly residential zones of Chamberí, Chamartín and Salamanca and the easterly area around the Retiro park; and located along the three paseos of the great 8 km (5-mile) long Castellana avenue - Prado, Recoletos and Upper Castellana - are some of Madrid's most prestigious hotels aimed at both business and touristic visitors alike.
Finally outside Madrid in northerly Puerta de Hierro to the north and easterly Canillejas and Barajas - near the airport - are quietly located hotels and motels for those who want a tranquil base near the city.
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Prices and Booking
In all types of accommodation in Madrid, an official notice should be posted behind the door, indicating the daily price of the room, although the rate can vary according to season. Breakfast is not included in the room rate and is usually continental: coffee, tea or hot chocolate and toast or buns. Remember that seven percent vat (iva) will be added to your bill (15 percent in 5-star "Luxe" hotels).
The price ranges given for the listings below are a guide to what you should expect to pay. Always check when making reservations as prices may have increased since this book went to press. Bear in mind also that the Spanish hotel star system reflects facilities, which do not always match the price. Enquire about special weekend rates which can be real money savers.
Hostales
Hostal prices normally range between around €30 and €100 for a double room.
Pensiones
Pensions offer modest lodgings, usually with a restaurant. Prices are generally below €35.
Youth Hostels
An international "albergues" ID card (€5 for those under 30 years old, or €11 for those over 30) will give you access to a network of hostels charging no more than .7.80 per person, bed and breakfast.
For further information, contact:
Albergue de Estudiantes
Grand Vía 10
Tel: 91-720 1165.
Open 9am-2pm, 5-8.30pm.
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Best small hotels in Madrid
Monaco
Late 19th-century decor abounds at this courtesans' bordello-turned-hotel, a fashionistas' favourite in downtown Chueca. The hotel has recently been refurbished but retains some of its original flamboyant style. Well situated close to Chueca's restaurants and bars. Barbieri, 5 (tel: 91-522 4630). €
Hotel Serrano Husa
Retreat into discreet old-world elegance for a few days at this comfortable city-centre favourite close to Salamanca's stylish shops and restaurants. Marques de Villamejor, 8 (tel: 91-576 9626); www.hotelserranoroyal.com. €
La Residencia de El Viso
There are just a dozen rooms at this 1930s uptown mansion designed as an intimate hotel and also known for its gourmet restaurant. Stylish rooms, ultra-friendly service and superb breakfast served on a garden patio in summer. Nervion 8 (tel: 91-564 0370); www.nh-hotels.com. €
Petit Palace Ducal
Enjoy a tailor-made stay and slick service in a converted town palace - choose between family, hi-tech and no-smoking rooms. 58 Comfortable rooms all with high-speed internet access. Hortaleza, 3 (tel: 91-521 1043); www.hthotels.com. € €
Price Categories
- for a double room without breakfast:
€ = under €100
€€ = €100-200
€€€ = €200-300
€€€€ = over €300