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Local Spain
4 days ago
- Local Spain
Seven places to escape the heat in Madrid
Madrid is famous for a lot of things. Its culinary and cultural offerings, for one, and its many parks and public spaces, as well as its metropolitan people and the hustle and bustle of big city living. Speak to any Madrileño about the city, however, and they'll likely remind you of a drawback: the summer heat. As anyone who's lived in a major city before knows, high temperatures hit differently in capitals and summers in Madrid can be especially suffocating. That's why there's usually a big exodus from the landlocked capital every summer, especially in August, when locals head to the costas in the south-east of the country in areas such as Valencia and Alicante. However, that's not possible for everyone and some are stuck in city all summer. Fortunately, both the capital and the wider Madrid region is home to several places – whether separate pueblos, parks or specific spots in town — where you can escape the summer heat, for a while at least. We can't guarantee that it won't still be hot during a heatwave, but they're still likely provide a cooldown or some respite as temperatures drop at night. Cooler places in Madrid region The clue's in the name - Rascafría, a small town of cobbled streets and panoramic views of nearby mountains - is a welcome escape from the city with cool summer temperatures. With average July temperatures of between 26C - 16C, the heat in Rascafría (seen in photo above) is significantly lower than in Madrid and makes a perfect a summer retreat that can be reached by public transport from Madrid. Navacerrada Described in Spanish media as Madrid's 'quintessential mountain village', Navacerrada, in the north of the region, is one of the coolest places you'll find. That's why it has a population of roughly 2,500 during the winter but balloons to 12,000 over summer, mostly Madrileños escaping the sweltering city heat. Nestled in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the average maximum temperature in the summer months stays around 22 degrees. Cuenca Alta del Manzanares park The Cuenca Alta del Manzanares park, just north of the city, is a protected natural area. Swimming in the river is banned, so you can't take a dip, sadly, but the park his hidden in the mountains and with the nearby water, temperatures are generally lower up there with average August highs of around 30C, which isn't so bad compared to the sweltering city at that time of year. Somosierra Somosierra is particularly desirable in summer as it's the highest village in the Madrid region (1,433 metres above sea level) and a place where average temperatures are a little lower than in the capital, with averages of 21.2C. Another picturesque pueblo, Somosierra is a little over an hour's drive from the capital. Public transport takes roughly two hours and, crucially, the area is surrounded by stunning hiking routes and scenery where you can get out the city and enjoy some fresh air. Sierra del Rincón The Sierra del Rincón mountain range is another protected area with average annual temperatures of between 9 and 12 degrees, making it a perfect destination to take shelter from the heat even in summer. Looking at weather data, summer averages are roughly 8-10C lower than in the capital, and the hundreds of different tree types there provide ample shade. Sierra del Rincón includes the municipalities of La Hiruela, Horcajuelo de la Sierra, Montejo de la Sierra, Prádena del Rincón and Puebla de la Sierra, so it's worth a day out to explores new towns and is just over an hour from Madrid. Cool spaces in city For those braving the August temperatures and staying in town over summer, Madrid capital is also home to a few places where you can escape the heat, momentarily at least. Salón de Baile - Círculo de Bellas Artes The Salón de Baile, an iconic room at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, opens its doors to the public over summer and is transformed into a space designed to combat the 'heat island' effect, which often occurs in big urban centres such as Madrid. Reopened as a 'Climate Refuge', it becomes a large green square full of plants, with free entry, and will be open from 11am to 9pm from July 11th to September 8th. The Círculo de Bellas Artes also has a great terrace, too, which is great for cooling down in the evenings while enjoying views of the city. The Jardín Botánico Madrid's lush botanical garden makes the heat easier to bear. Not only because of the shaded areas and more pleasant temperatures, which tend to be a little lower than out on the street, but because the gardens themselves are worth a visit and a nice distraction from the heat (adult tickets cost €4). It's situated right next to the city's iconic Retiro Park, which is where the a large number of madrileños go in search of some greenery and shade during summer.
Times
05-05-2025
- Times
16 of the best affordable hotels in Madrid under £200
With so much to see and do in Spain's capital, why splurge on a fancy hotel room that ends up being nothing more than a bed for the night? It makes far more sense to save your cash for the thrills of being outside, exploring and soaking up the buzz of street life. And Madrileño hoteliers know it: no wonder the city has an increasing number of no-frills, design-led hotels with reasonable rates — often in elegant buildings with traditional character too. Some are in the heart of the action around Puerta del Sol and the Gran Via, while others are in central but less-touristy neighbourhoods that are still in reach of all the major must-sees and dos. Just because you choose to book one of our best budget hotels in Madrid doesn't mean you'll be missing out on the city's glamour. You can still stay somewhere stylish and central — basic hotels now offer a lot more than you think. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue 1. LaNave, Moncloa-Aravaca Best for a breath of fresh air Land-locked and sprawling Madrid tends to feel quite urban, but 'poshtel' LaNave places you at the fringes of the vast green space Casa de Campo, as well as the leafy palace grounds and Parque del Oeste. Simple, sparsely decorated rooms in a converted warehouse come as doubles or bunk bed-equipped spaces sleeping four (perfect for families or groups of friends), while common spaces with sink-in sofas, mismatched chairs and eclectic art pieces allow for socialising or remote working. 2. Room Mate Alicia, Barrio de las Letras POOL | Best for foodies In the lively Barrio de las Letras, where tangles of bar and restaurant-lined streets open to the yawning expanse of Plaza de Santa Ana, this branch of the Room Mate brand puts culinary travellers in the heart of one of the city's most exciting food scenes. After a night hopping between tapas bars or feasting on Michelin-starred fare, crash at this friendly and affordable spot with cheery, colourful rooms and down-to-earth service. Single rooms are available if you're travelling solo, while twosomes with bigger budgets can splurge on a duplex suite with private terrace and mini pool, sometimes available at sub-£200 per night. Book ahead for the best deals. 3. Generator Madrid, Centro Best for a cool roof terrace Generator hostels offer plenty of hotel-standard double rooms as well as dorms. Staying at this stylish, centrally located Madrid property — originally a garage and car park — you get all the buzz with enough comfort to suit most people. Rooms, in soft ochre and olive green tones, have the sort of shower and hairdryer you would expect in a four-star hotel. Hanging out on the huge roof terrace with a beer or a cocktail there is no doubt you are in the middle of the action. At ground level, there are plenty of attractive spots to sit for an hour with your laptop and a coffee, plus a diner-style bar and restaurant. 4. Artrip, Lavapies EXPEDIA Best for living like a local You get a tantalising feel of what living in Madrid might be like when you stay at the Artrip in the traditional yet multicultural neighbourhood of Lavapies. The Reina Sofia museum is 500m away and the streets are lined with bars and restaurants. The friendly, independently owned hotel has 17 rooms, including spacious junior suites, family options and a couple of cosy and characterful ones with beamed ceilings on the top floor. The bright, open-brick lobby doubles up as an art gallery, with a pleasant breakfast room at the back where coffee is available all day. 5. One Shot Fortuny, Almagro Best for a smart location Outside the more touristy areas, but still central with shops, restaurants and museums within walking distance, the One Shot Fortuny is a haven of chic contemporary design on an elegant street. Originally a palatial private residence, the hotel has 74 bright and spacious rooms that combine minimalism with art deco features in black, white and royal blue and have sumptuous beds and rain showers — with bathrobes too. With photography exhibitions in the lobby, a gym and a range of organic options for breakfast, the hotel feels fresh and surprisingly luxe for the price. 6. 7 Islas Hotel, Malasaña Best for feeling fashionable Triball, in the lower part of fashionable Malasaña, is an area packed with independent boutiques and cool cafés. Sink straight into the swing by staying at the family-run 7 Islas, where you sip cocktails made with macerated botanicals as you watch Madrid's hipster crowd sashay past the window. Changing exhibitions by emerging artists pep up the industrial-style lobby. The 79 rooms — the best are on the top floor with big terraces — are super stylish with woven leather and steel headboards, natural fabrics and marble bathrooms with bathtubs as well as showers. 7. Chic&Basic Dot, Centro Best for shopaholics Just off the Puerta del Sol, this is a no-frills, no-fuss place with smart modern decor in soft moss and grey shades with pops of zingy orange. The best of the 51 rooms have large terraces and all have top-quality beds and great showers. Chic&Basic pioneered the trend for simple hotels with elegant design in Spain two decades ago and this latest property is a welcome addition to the Madrid scene. The hotel has an arrangement for guests to have breakfast in the adjoining Naked&Sated restaurant. 8. Casual del Teatro Madrid, Barrio de las Letras Best for theatre fans Mad about Abba? You can stay in the Mamma Mia! room at the Casual Madrid del Teatro. Or how about Les Misérables, Cabaret or Fame? Themed decor also pays tribute to Federico García Lorca and Oscar Wilde. No neutral minimalism here. On the edge of the Barrio de las Letras, where Madrid's theatre tradition began in courtyards in the 16th century, this is a fun, family-friendly place to stay. You have breakfast on the top floor — outside on the terrace when it's warm. The surrounding streets are packed with bars and shops and the Prado museum is ten minutes' walk away. 9. Room Mate Macarena, Centro POOL | Best for arooftop pool Staying on the Gran Via, the avenue that cuts through the centre of the city, you get the full-on Madrid experience without even trying. Room Mate hotels always pair style with a sense of fun and the Macarena is a great example of the brand, with 130 cobalt and teal rooms by leading designer Tomas Alia. With luxe beds and bathrooms, breakfast available until noon (essential in Madrid) and a small pool and cocktail bar up on the roof, the Macarena doesn't feel like a budget option at all. 10. Sleep'n Atocha, Atocha Best for no-hassle stays They have really thought about what guests need — and what they can happily do without — at the Sleep'n Atocha, which has quirky yet practical design using recycled and sustainable materials. If you are arriving in Madrid late, the hotel is opposite Atocha station and a few minutes' walk from the airport bus stop. The Reina Sofia museum is a minute away. Rooms are compact with memory foam mattresses, a choice of pillows and orange mosaic bathrooms. Book one on the top floor to get a balcony too. Breakfast is good value and you can have a beer on the roof terrace as the sun goes down. 11. Hostal Persal, Barrio de las Letras Best for nightlife Just off the Plaza de Santa Ana, with tapas bars all around, the Persal is in a perfect location between the Puerta del Sol and the Paseo del Prado. The late 19th-century traditional building now has a bit of an industrial feel, with original open-brick spaces on the ground floor where you can hang out in the day. The 80 rooms are basic but comfortable with all the essentials and some give onto Plaza del Angel. Check-in is from 1pm (2pm or 3pm are standard in Madrid), so this is a good option if you are arriving early. 12. Letoh Letoh, Centro Best for no-frills chic If you want somewhere central with a bit of style but no fancy extras, this three-star option, which opened in 2022, should suit you nicely. Just off the Gran Via and Plaza de España (an easy journey by metro from the airport), rooms here are small but have rain showers, stylish design and comfortable beds — book a corner one if you want more space and light. With a bar and restaurant for everything from breakfast to cocktails, as well as dozens more places to eat and drink nearby, you won't waste a minute of your time in Madrid here. 13. Motel One Madrid Plaza de España, Centro Best for sleek design Just off the revamped Plaza de España, ten minutes' walk from the Royal Palace and close to the Oeste park, this hotel is centrally located but in an area that feels more authentic than touristy. Ochre, teal and cerise textiles make the rooms feel crisp and contemporary, while black and white photographs of Madrid's landmark buildings give you a sense of the city's architecture. A huge map in the lounge is handy for plotting your route for the day — maybe a stroll along the river or a deep dive into the shops. 14. Room Select Sol, Centro Best for family breaks You couldn't ask for a handier location in Madrid. The Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Teatro Real and Royal Palace are all just minutes away, you are surrounded by shops and you can walk to most sights in 20 minutes at most. Upcycled materials and industrial style create a contemporary, relaxed vibe here. Rooms — with family options that sleep up to six — are smart with great beds and showers. With no facilities to speak of, this is somewhere for nipping in and out rather than hanging out all day, which is just fine when everything is on your doorstep. 15. Posada del Leon de Oro, Los Austrias Best for a historic setting If you really want to sink into the heritage of the Spanish capital, try staying at this former coaching inn on Cava Baja, which is one of the most traditional streets in the city and is lined with characterful tapas bars. The hotel itself has a great bar and restaurant, with a glass floor that reveals remains of the 12th-century city wall. The 17 rooms, which are arranged around the central courtyard, have contemporary design and those at the front have small balconies (be aware that the street is very busy at night). The biggest and most romantic are the two under the eaves on the top floor. The adjacent Posada del Dragon hotel is equally atmospheric and is run by the same people. Book a stay 16. Mayerling, Centro Best for downtown fun A textile warehouse in a characterful part of the city centre has been turned into a minimalist hotel with 22 sparkling white rooms, some with balconies, that are basic but comfortable with soundproofing and air-conditioning — two important things in Madrid. There are no facilities to speak of but you can relax on the roof terrace after a day's sightseeing — the Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Plaza de Santa Ana and the major museums are all within a 15-minute radius. Breakfast is reasonably priced and there are dozens of bars and restaurants nearby.
