The majority of first time visitors to Madrid want to stay somewhere near Puerto del Sol and Grand Via, mainly because this is the central tourist area.
The majority of first time visitors to Madrid want to stay somewhere near Puerto del Sol and Grand Via, mainly because this is the central tourist area. The 5 star options tend to be located in more upmarket areas outside this tourist center, but the efficient public transport system in Madrid makes getting around to any place in the city quick and easy.
Luxury Madrid hotels are some of the most expensive in the world, although many have reduced weekend discount rates. Madrid has hotels in all categories and price scales to choose from, including some good budget hotels. At the bottom end of the city's accommodation are the hygienic but basic rooms of the Madrid boarding houses (pensiones), guest houses (casas de huspuedes), hostels (hostales) and inns (fondas). Significant quantities of the budget places to stay are in the rundown areas of the city and it is advisable to steer clear of these. With so many hotels in Madrid it is rare to have difficulty booking a room, perhaps with the exception of the most fashionable districts. Booking as much in advance as feasible and telephone or e-mail confirmations are recommended.
Remember that a hotel's official published rate is the "rack rate", and in many cases you can get lower rates than those officially quoted. Check directly with your hotel of choice by internet, or by calling the individual hotel´s reservation desk. High seasons are Easter and Christmas, so avoid those periods if you can. If you decide to go to Madrid during the very hot months of July and August, the capital's low season, you'll usually be able to pick up some very good bargains in the higher priced hotels.
Madrid Hotels
