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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Madrid 2025
The best hotels in Madrid beckon travelers with a dynamic blend of thoughtful amenities, historic architecture and locations ideal for exploring the city's many diverse neighborhoods. From tasty tapas to thrilling flamenco performances to world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, immersive cultural experiences can be found here at every turn. To choose Madrid's best accommodations, we tapped experts like Jamie Tice, a travel advisor at Fora, who knows the ins and outs of the city. Our top recommendation is the Rosewood Villa Magna, thanks to its spacious rooms and ideal Salamanca location. We also recommend the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel for families and the Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza for couples. Below, the best hotels in Madrid in 2025. Guest room at the Rosewood Villa Magna. Madrid's leafy Salamanca neighborhood comes highly recommended by Tice, and the Rosewood Villa Magna—perched on the swanky Paseo de la Castellana—is a great all-around choice. Its location places guests close to excellent boutique shopping, and its spacious rooms feature king-size beds, lacquer-trimmed furnishings, marble baths and dark wood chevron-patterned flooring. Common areas are equally cozy, with an open-plan setting and plush seating ideal for lounging, and the property's Sense spa offers a standout Turkish marble hammam that's not to be missed. For meals, guests can choose between Flor y Nata's traditional afternoon tea, grilled Spanish cuisine at Las Brasas de Castellana, Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez's signature Cantabrian cuisine at Amós, or light tapas and cocktails at Tarde.O—the latter three offering beautiful al fresco seating options. A treat for families: With the exception of Amós, all children under age 12 eat free. Doble Treatment Room at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Opening its doors in 2020, the Four Seasons Madrid is an ideal marriage of high-end accommodations and authentic Spanish flavor. Located on the uber-central square of Puerta Del Sol, the hotel features 200 elegantly adorned rooms and 22 residences all housed in seven historic buildings that were merged together. Dining includes elevated Andalusian cuisine at Michelin-star chef Dani Garcia's namesake Dani, as well as creative cocktails and Mediterranean and Asian dishes at Isa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Art lovers will have no shortage of things to see (the hotel has over 1,500 art pieces on display), and the property's expansive wellness area features a spa, fitness center, hair salon, glass-covered heated and cold water pools, eight plush treatment rooms, and—for extra opulence—a gold-dusted relaxation area. Main courtyard at CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha. The Palacio de Atocha, the one-time lavish home of a high-ranking navy official, is now a retro-modern 34-room boutique stay in Madrid's literary district, Las Letras. The building, constructed in 1852, retains glamorous vintage touches: a winding staircase, a granite garden fountain, wrought-iron courtyard detailing and the former carriage entrance, which mixes curiously well with the neon signage and contemporary artwork sprinkled around the premises. Guest rooms here offer a real taste of palatial living, with antique moldings, modish velvet furnishings, and black and white marble baths. At meal time, the property's restaurant, El Patio de Atocha, serves a creative fusion of international cuisines and regional ingredients in an airy, blue canopy space with views of the property's pool and garden. Penthouse with terrace at 7 Islas Hotel. Family-run since opening its doors in 2002, Madrid's industrial-hip 7 Islas Hotel is a creative stay in the city's urban art enclave of Malasaña. The hotel's curated artwork rotates every few months, and the on-site 7 Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean bites and craft cocktails. With nightly rates hovering around $150 during peak season, accommodations here offer great value: Guests can choose from cozy Easy rooms to penthouse suites with luxe terraces, all with a clean, minimalist aesthetic comprising natural wood floors, metal trunk storage, printed throw rugs and woven leather and metal headboards. All rooms feature minibars with artisan products, quality bedding, Malin+Goetz amenities, and full bar menu room service for an exceptional homestay at a competitive price. Suite at the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel Words like 'grand' and 'aristocratic' come to mind describing Santo Mauro, the 19th-century neoclassical Duke's residence-turned-luxury-hotel in Madrid's quiet Chamberí district. The property consists of three buildings surrounded by enchanting manicured gardens with dense trees and wrought-iron and marble patio sets with fringed parasols—an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic escape. High-ceilinged antique-filled banquets and sitting rooms, each more striking than the next, occupy the lounge area, while room names such as The Red Room match their themes. After drinks at La Coctelería bar, guests can choose between the refined La Biblioteca restaurant, a former library featuring walls lined with bookshelves; Gresca, an ornate see-and-be-seen hotspot; or the property's charming garden terrace. The Petit Palace Room at the Petit Palace Lealtad Palace. Elegant and understated, Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza's vividly-painted lounges, eye-catching wall art and prime location near many of Madrid's most family-friendly attractions make it a solid choice for travelers of all ages. With complimentary strollers, a stay here makes it easy to experience all that the city has to offer, like the Botanical Gardens, El Retiro Park and the Prado Museum. At check-in, young visitors will immediately feel at home with a selection of toys from a collaboration with UNICEF and a dedicated play area to give parents a breather. Depending on the size of your brood, family rooms with bunk beds, cribs, extra beds and multimedia devices are available to keep children entertained. At breakfast time, high chairs and special children's menus complete the hotel's kid-friendly initiative. Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Situated in Madrid's tony Golden Triangle of Art, home to the famed Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, and just a short jaunt to El Retiro Park, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz offers an impeccable location near the city's big sights. All 100 rooms and 53 suites ooze sophistication with leather headboards, white marble bathrooms, ultra-comfort beds, a maxi bar and a neutral color palette. The rooms here are particularly great for groups, as all Deluxe rooms and suites offer connecting rooms; the Grand Suite, in particular, has a king bed and four twin beds. The on-site dining, all conceptualized by Michelin-star chef Quique Dacosta, is not to be missed, especially the grand reception area that leads to the glass-domed Palm court, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served alongside a Champagne bar serving first-rate bubbly and caviar. The Madrid Edition. Design lovers are sure to appreciate The Madrid Edition's modern aesthetic, which welcomes guests with a magnificently sculpted spiral staircase that leads to the sleek spaces inside. The hotel's 200 rooms, including 23 suites, are all dressed in fashionable white and cream, with backlit headboards inspired by the 18th-century baroque portal out front and glam elements like faux-fur throws and head-to-toe drapery. The Lobby Bar, the nucleus of the hotel, is offset by a pool table made with a slab of white marble and a cobalt blue top, while a pink-kissed corridor leads to the first of two restaurants, Jerónimo, where Mexican-inspired cuisine is served in four distinct settings. Other notable design features include a double-long green bar, canary yellow banquettes, and specially designed light fixtures. Terraza at The Principal Madrid. Classic in look and essence and with just 76 rooms, The Principal Madrid welcomes guests in a space designed for both comfort and leisure. Built in 1917, the building is filled with artwork, furnishings and knick-knacks that pay tribute to the turn-of-the-century architecture that inspired it. The color scheme—a fusion of muted greens, golds, taupes and splashes of red—alongside Ramón Freixa's plush Ático restaurant and a private-use wellness suite add elegant touches of splendor. The star of the show, however, is the grand rooftop terrace, offering arresting panoramic views over the city's main thoroughfare and the Broadway of Madrid, Gran Via, and emblematic buildings like the Círculo de Bellas Artes and the Bank of Spain. Guests can opt for a traditional cocktail at the olive-tree-lined La Terraza or enjoy a bite at the bistro-inspired La Pérgola. Picos Pardos Sky Lounge by Martini at the Bless Hotel. Bless Hotel Madrid is located in the elegant Salamanca district, neighboring the city's most exclusive shops and restaurants. The property comes highly recommended by Tice, who touts its surrounding area as top-notch: 'Staying at Bless Hotel allowed me to enjoy afternoon tea while staying close to the shops and enjoying the walkability of the beautiful area,' she says. Bedrooms here are bright with hardwood floors, oversized beds, patterned rugs and a hint of whimsy from the nature print wallpaper, while public spaces continue the eclectic feel with a cozy spa, virtual training room and the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Fetén. The property's crown jewel is its stylish rooftop sky lounge, complete with an emerald-tiled swimming pool that is sure to refresh after a long day on the town. The wellness area is an intimate space highlighted by a rectangular circuit pool fitted with paneled woods and neutral patterned walls. Neoclassical on the outside and with a modern interior, Urso Hotel & Spa preserves its rich architectural history with elements like stained glass windows and a fully functional antique elevator. The 78 rooms here are bright and inviting, with hardwood floors, full-length curtains and comfy deluxe bedding—all in a serene area of the city that's not far from the sights. 'The hotel is just on the outskirts of the city's busy-ness but close enough to walk to old town charm,' says Tice, who often recommends Urso to clients. Wellness is the standout here—the property's tranquil facility comprises a tiny techno gym, a Turkish hammam with aromatic eucalyptus scents and four treatment rooms. Premium spa brands Natura Bissé and Comfort Zone are used for all services, and treatments are customized and can be purchased in packs of up to 15 for future use. The vibe is at once eccentric and sumptuous with its maze of sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and offbeat decór. Only You Boutique Hotel sits near the heart of Madrid's bustling Chueca district, lined with bars and clubs. Inside, the energy continues with an eccentric and sumptuous atmosphere: A maze of quirky sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and whimsical décor (think: a faux rhino head and a suitcase wall) greets guests as they enter. Bedrooms in this former 19th-century mansion are a touch more subdued while still echoing the grandeur of common areas with framed vintage Madrid maps, velvet headboards, geometric rugs and giraffe-print robes. The unconventional feel continues with Asian-inspired massages at the Thai Room, a 24-hour gym and the white Patio of Platos, a courtyard stacked with chinoiserie-print plate wall displays that triple as a lounge, dining area and event space. The rooms have been remodeled to reflect the hotel's storied heritage. Inaugurated in 1912, the The Palace exudes history: Formerly known as the Westin Palace, it was the go-to hangout spot for Spanish creatives like Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel in the 1920s before becoming a field dressing hospital during the Spanish Civil War. Recently taken over by Marriott's Luxury Collection, the hotel still offers a storied atmosphere that can be found everywhere you look, from the 17th-century tapestries in common areas to the La Rotunda Restaurant's crystal chandelier and ornate stained glass Art Nouveau cupola. The 470 rooms, of which 50 are suites, have been meticulously remodeled to reflect the hotel's heritage and are bathed in ivory with period wallpaper art, bespoke furnishings, marble fireplaces and a pop of modern color. The splendid LobByto Bar is a design marvel featuring art deco-style leather, velvetback furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar. Another historic property, Madrid's Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid and has hosted no shortage of legendary artists, including Henri Matisse and Virginia Woolf, since opening its doors in 1886. Continuing the artistic theme, the property's central location in Barrio de las Letras is steps away from tons of art galleries and bohemian haunts (Ernest Hemingway went on many famous bar crawls here) as well as the popular Paseo del Arte. The hotel's décor, particularly the LobByto Bar, is something to behold: Featuring Art Deco furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar with a hanging liquor cabinet, it feels like it dropped into the building right out of a time machine. The generous space multitasks as a discreet guest check-in area, themed live music host, afternoon tea service and a weekend brunch hot spot that artsy guests are sure to appreciate. Rooms have classic furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style reminiscent of the property's aristocratic backstory. A short distance from Calle Serrano, the city's most exclusive shopping street, and a 20-minute strut to Gran Via's fast fashion boutiques, the 44-room Hotel Único Madrid welcomes visitors looking for a quiet respite in a boutique setting. The property's refined elegance is showcased in the common area library and its classic winding staircase spotlighting a vividly red sculpture. Rooms are filled with traditional furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style inspired by the property's aristocratic backstory. Treatments at the spa feature luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé in the indulgent face and body treatments, while the well-equipped gym can provide personal trainers to keep fitness schedules on track. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. My name is Astrid Taran and I'm the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more.
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Spring In The City: 10 Urban Hotels That Quiet The Noise And Awaken The Soul
As spring settles in, so does a new rhythm. These ten hotels offer the kind of calm that's hard to find in a cityspaces where design, wellness, and a sense of place come together. Each one has something new this season, whether it's a reimagined menu, a rooftop moment, or just that rare ability to make you feel instantly grounded. Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid Tucked into the greenery of the Salamanca district, Villa Magna is a calm counterpoint to Madrid's intensity. The rooms are subtle and serene, and the public spaces feel more like a private residence than a hotel. Rosewood Villa Magna Weekend Brunch in Spring Las Brasas is now doing weekend brunch with live jazz, which pairs well with slow starts and no plans. The Sense Spa is offering spring treatments grounded in Ayurvedic practices, and the hotel's new partnership with The World's 50 Best Bars is showing up in a reworked cocktail menu. Rosewood Villa Magna Spa Everything is thoughtful, nothing is rushed. Whether you're here to explore or to stay put, Villa Magna makes both options equally appealing. The Dolder Grand, Zurich Perched above Zurich in a forested pocket of hillside, The Dolder Grand, which recently celebrated its grand 125 anniversary, is less of a city hotel and more of an escape that happens to be within reach. The spa is still one of the best in Europe, with everything from a snow room to Japanese bathing rituals. The Dolder Grand Outdoor Spa Mikuriya, the intimate Japanese omakase restaurant, opened last year and has already built a following. MIKURIYA Restaurant at The Dolder Grand Zurich From 13 March to the beginning of May 2025, the hotel also welcomes back MIYU, a pop-up restaurant that invites guests on a unique culinary journey. Here, centuries-old Japanese traditions meet modern influences, offering a rare seasonal dining experience. It's limited to just eight guests per night, making it one of the city's most exclusive bookings. This spring, the hotel continues its Easter tradition: a floral egg sculpture in the lobby made from 13,000 fresh carnations. The Dolder Grand's Annual Easter Egg made from 13000 fresh flowers Rooms mix traditional grandeur with modern comfort, and the mountain air still feels like part of the experience. It's both a retreat and a reminder that a city break doesn't have to feel urban. Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern Right on Lake Lucerne, this Belle Époque palace reopened after a full renovation with a new sense of calm and space. Rooms and suites are neutral and quietly elegant, with many facing the water. Mandarin Oriental Rooftop Suite with Lake Lucerne View The Bellefontaine Spa is rolling out new spring treatments this season, while Quai 10, the lakeside restaurant, is back with a refreshed Mediterranean menu. There's a new series of classical concerts planned for the Salon Alpine, along with rotating exhibitions by Swiss contemporary artists. Service is intuitive, location unbeatable, and everything about it encourages you to slow down. It's Switzerland at its most graceful. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Paris in bloom is already a mood, but this address makes it even better. Plaza Athénée's courtyard is a garden oasis, with La Cour Jardin reopening for the season to serve elegant lunches under the trees, serving sunshine on a plate. 'We like to call it 'cuisine du soleil' or 'sunny cuisine' because the whole experience perfectly captures the joy of sunny days in Paris. Discover an exuberant celebration of local, seasonal ingredients.' says chef Jean Imbert. La Cour Jardin, Sunshine on a Plate The Dior Spa continues to merge innovation with heritage, high-touch facials, lymphatic drainage treatments, and a setting that leans classic rather than clinical. Plaza Athenee Paris Dior Spa Jean Imbert's menus still pull a fashionable crowd, but it's not just about looks. The rooms and suites have undergone a quiet update, keeping their 18th-century charm while making space for comfort. There's an ease to everything here, from the way you're greeted at the door to how effortlessly a quiet corner finds you. It's Paris at its most refined. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane This one's discreetly luxurious. Located between Hyde Park and Green Park, the Four Seasons London at Park Lane feels like a well-kept secret. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, and many offer leafy views across the parks. The rooftop spa is a standout: glass-walled treatment rooms and a quiet lounge area overlook the city skyline. The Four Seasons Park Lane Spa overlooking Mayfair Downstairs, Pavyllon London by Yannick Alléno continues to earn attention, having kept its Michelin star with a modern French menu that shifts with the seasons. This spring, the hotel is also partnering with local institutions for exclusive cultural access, including early morning gallery viewings and private park tours. You're in the middle of the city, but it doesn't feel like it. SO/ Berlin Das Stue Set beside Berlin's Tiergarten, SO/ Berlin Das Stue blends high style with a softer pace. Some rooms face into the zoo, where you can spot giraffes from your bed, others frame the greenery of the park. The hotel's fashion-forward interiors make it a creative traveler's favorite, but this spring it's the outdoor spaces that shine. SO Berlin Das Stue Lobby The rooftop bar has reopened with a seasonal cocktail list and small plates that lean local. There are jazz sets in the lounge and a weekend brunch crowd that spills onto the terrace. Mornings start with a walk through the park, afternoons are best spent with a book by the window. For all the energy of Berlin just beyond the door, SO/ Berlin lets you step back whenever you want. Aman Tokyo High above the financial district, Aman Tokyo offers something increasingly rare in big cities: quiet. Designed like a modern ryokan, the rooms are spacious, minimal, and calming. You'll find washi paper panels, black stone soaking tubs, and views across the skyline. The spa takes up two floors and includes a 30-meter pool that feels more like a private onsen. AMAN Tokyo Spa Musashi sushi bar is a destination in its own right, offering omakase in a space that barely seats ten. Arva, the Italian option, is understated and seasonal. AMAN Tokyo This spring, Aman is also offering multi-day wellness programs that combine body treatments with guided breathing sessions. The staff are intuitive, the pace is yours to set, and the noise of the city feels worlds away. Waldorf Astoria DIFC, Dubai In the middle of Dubai's business district, this hotel strikes a balance between luxury and lightness. The interiors are clean-lined with just enough warmth to make them feel personal. Wellness is a focus this season, with the addition of a floatation suite offering a near-zero gravity experience designed to reset body and mind. It's a quiet, cocoon-like escape that helps melt away stress and sharpen focus in under an hour. You float weightlessly in a warm, magnesium-rich solution, free from external distractions. It's also a moment of calm amid the city's hustle, perfect for resetting after a long day of meetings or travel. Floatation Suite at Waldorf Astoria DIFC The adjacent Vichy room brings a modern, private take on hammam rituals, warm jets, organic scrubs, and total recalibration. Bull & Bear's seasonal menu leans into Mediterranean flavors, while the rooftop St. Trop terrace is worth visiting whether or not you're staying the night. Views stretch toward the Burj Khalifa and the service is sharp without being formal. It's the kind of hotel that understands people come here to work, but know they also want to feel something. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Sustainability here isn't a trend, it's the foundation. 1 Hotel South Beach takes its mission seriously, from the reclaimed materials in its rooms to the water filtration systems in every suite. The beach is out front, the rooftop pool is the highest in Miami, and the wellness center spans 18,000 square feet. One Hotel South Beach Pool overlooking the Ocean AVIV is the new restaurant on-site, bringing a fresh Mediterranean menu that fits the hotel's ethos: light, clean, full of flavor. There's also a strong lineup of fitness classes, meditations, and nutrition consults, all part of the in-house wellness program. It's a hotel that doesn't just help you recharge, it reminds you how good that can feel. The Mark Hotel, New York On the Upper East Side, The Mark feels polished without trying too hard. You're a block from Central Park, and the hotel makes the most of it with guided jogs, bike rides, and picnic setups. The Mark Penthouse Rooftop Terrace overlooking Central Park The Jean-Georges restaurant is still a local favorite, and Caviar Kaspia gives things a bit of playful decadence. This spring, the hotel's swapping its winter hotdog stand for a floral cart, which feels right. The Mark New York is swapping its famous hot dog stand for a floral cart Rooms and suites are spacious, and service is unfussy but flawless. For all the noise of the city outside, inside feels surprisingly still.
