Vibrant, stylish, and unapologetically cosmopolitan, Madrid has no shortage of places to welcome luxury-seeking travelers. Between historic palaces and chic design hotels, the Spanish capital offers a rich array of accommodations. Here is our pick of Madrid’s five best five-star hotels.
Brach Madrid: Our Favorite Five‑Star Hotel
At 20 Gran Vía, the Brach Madrid establishes itself as the capital’s new trendy epicenter. Nestled among historic theaters and exclusive shops, this second opus from the Evok group has been lauded by the international press since its December 2024 opening… we were eager to discover it. The seven‑story building with a graceful white stone façade that houses this five‑star hotel was constructed in the 1920s by architect Jerónimo Pedro Mathet Rodríguez. Fully restored and reinterpreted by the iconic Philippe Starck, its ambience seduces the moment you step inside. The magnificent wrought‑iron staircase, carefully preserved, links past to present, just as the terracotta floors in the lobby contrast with the spa’s immaculate white and the restaurant ceilings dressed in leather with a contemporary showroom.
The 57 rooms, including four suites with balconies and terraces, unfold like a travel journal. Every element tells a story imagined by Philippe Starck: the photo of a young boxer with gloves, castanets in memory of a mother wearing a mantilla, a traditional bandurria, a knight’s figurine, bright pink pompoms… The warm woods in red and brown tones, Mariki Ortiz’s handcrafted ceramic pieces, leather headboards and terracotta‑rimmed mirrors create an atmosphere that is both comforting and spellbinding.
The restaurant evokes the atmosphere of legendary 1920s cafés, hubs of Madrid’s intellectual and artistic life of the era. Walnut paneling, walls clad in glazed tiles, and an open kitchen at a carved counter by designer Patrick Kim‑Gustafson create a hushed setting. Chef Adam Bentalha celebrates Mediterranean cuisine with touches from the Orient. Gazing upward, you’ll notice Ara Starck’s mural (Philippe Starck’s daughter) presiding above the kitchen. The vintage pâtisserie, finished in immaculate white enamel, reveals classics such as Paris‑Breast, Opera, Saint-Honoré, éclairs, and lemon tart, available for dining in or takeaway.
In the basement, away from the bustle of Gran Vía and its Art Deco buildings, the hotel’s spa, La Capsule, unfolds 4,300 square feet dedicated to wellbeing and rejuvenation in a wholly white setting, accented with touches of gold. A 66‑foot pool, an oxygen hyperbaric chamber, ice baths, infrared sauna, steam and flotation baths, and treatment cabins compose this urban sanctuary. MyBlend and Clarins treatments accompany a moment of pure disconnection. Certified Green Globe in 2024, the hotel embodies Starck’s sustainable vision.
Brach Madrid – Gran Vía, 20, Centro, 28013 Madrid
57 keys (53 rooms and 4 suites) from €417 per night
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
In the heart of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, facing the Prado Museum, the Four Seasons occupies seven historic buildings masterfully restored.
This urban palace hotel with 200 rooms and suites blends architectural heritage with contemporary luxury.
Its 450‑m² spa offers a moment of absolute wellbeing, while its four restaurants celebrate Spanish gastronomy in all its forms. The rooftop Dani, led by Michelin‑starred Dani García, serves creative cuisine with panoramic views over the capital. The meticulous attention to detail and flawless service make it a benchmark for excellence.
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid – C. de Sevilla, 3, Centro, Madrid
Rates from €770 per night
The Principal Madrid
First five‑star hotel on Gran Via housed in an iconic early‑20th‑century building, The Principal Madrid cultivates a bold, reinterpreted Belle Époque style.
Its 76 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the capital, notably from the Atico restaurant.
The rooftop, with its panoramic terrace, is among Madrid’s most coveted spots for sipping a sunset cocktail. The wellness center, equipped with a sauna and offering massages and personalized treatments, completes the cohesive offering. A Small Luxury Hotels member close to the Prado.
The Principal Madrid – C. del Marqués de Valdeiglesias, 1, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Rates from €271
Hotel Único Madrid
In the prestigious Salamanca district, this occupies an elegant 19th‑century townhouse beautifully restored.
Its 44 rooms and suites blend refinement with contemporary touches.
The El Patio de Claudio restaurant, led by chef Mario Valles, showcases cuisine that highlights authenticity and freshness.
The inner garden, a true oasis in the heart of the city, invites guests to unwind after a shopping day in the surrounding luxury boutiques.
The urban spa completes the experience with revitalizing treatments. A discreet luxury address for connoisseurs.
Hotel Único – C. de Claudio Coello, 67, Salamanca, Madrid
Rates from €375 per night
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
A true Madrid institution since 1910, the Ritz reopened in 2021 under the Mandarin Oriental umbrella after a spectacular renovation that preserved its Belle Époque soul.
Facing the Prado Museum and Retiro Park, this legendary palace unfolds 153 rooms and suites sumptuously appointed.
Its Deessa restaurant, under the leadership of Quique Dacosta (three Michelin stars), showcases Mediterranean produce at its finest.
The 400‑m² spa, with an indoor pool, hammam, and ultramodern fitness center, offers a true moment of wellness.
The Secret Garden, planted with orange trees, remains one of Madrid’s best‑kept treasures. A timeless palace.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid – Pl. de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Rates from €1,265 per night
