Neighborhoods

In Madrid, hotel locations vary in character, atmosphere, and distance from the center. Here's a run down on the neighborhoods covered and the type of accommodation available in each of them.

The largest concentration of hotels can be found around Atocha Railway Station and the Gran Vía, and though bargain seekers will find great pickings there, I've downplayed these two popular, but noisy, districts in my search for the most outstanding places to stay. The central areas near Sol and Plaza Mayor, which provide a further comprehensive cross-section of accommodation, also tend to be on the boisterous side, as you would expect in such busy central locations.

The smart Plaza de las Cortes, just above the Paseo del Prado, offers select and slightly quieter hotels as does the Argüelles area just west of the Plaza España. A number of newer hotels sit away from the center, especially on the streets just off the Paseo de la Castellana -- a particularly popular choice for business travelers thanks to the proximity of the AZCA center's international offices and easy Metro access to Barajas airport (15 min.) from expanded and modernized Nuevos Ministerios station.

Cosmopolitan Chamberí and Salamanca districts, above the Malasaña district and Retiro Park respectively, offer some of the most exclusive hotels in the city; while the residential zone of Chamartín, home of Madrid's other main railway station and great hub of Plaza Castilla, features a variety of leisure- and business-oriented hotels.

Which Neighborhood Should I Stay In?

If you like to be in the heart of the action, don't mind a bit of noise, and appreciate real value for money, then look at the varied selection of hotels around the Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. You can't get more central and you won't find a wider variety of day and night amenities right on your doorstep. Also not far to stumble home to after raiding the department stores or painting the town red!

If your taste matches something more stylish and less frenetic yet within easy walking distance of the center, Argüelles and Chamberí are more likely to fit the bill. The hotels I recommend here are pleasantly located and ideal for shopping and eating out. These barrios are both chic and traditional.

If you'd rather be a bit farther away from the central bustle, then take a look at the modern, elegant hotels in and around the Paseo de la Castellana and the residential Salamanca and Chamartín districts, all of which offer laid-back comforts and quality accommodation within a 15-minute Metro ride of the Puerta del Sol.

If You Have an Early Flight -- Unless absolutely necessary, it's worth making the journey into Madrid rather than staying at bleak Barajas, where the airport is located. If you find that you have to stay here, one of the best options is Tryp Barajas, Av. de Logroño 35, 28042 (tel. 91-747-77-00; fax 91-747-87-17), a government-rated four-star hotel amid spacious grounds. With a classic modern decor, it is comfortable and inviting, offering midsize to spacious units costing 135€ ($169) for a double or 336€ ($420) for a suite. The 270-unit, three-floor hotel also has a restaurant, bar, and room service, plus babysitting and a pool. Each air-conditioned room comes with TV, minibar, hair dryer, and safe.

Another member of the Tryp chain, the 80-unit Tryp Alameda, Av. de Logroño 100, 28042 (tel. 91-747-48-00; fax 91-747-89-28), is a case of two peas in a pod. When one hotel overflows, the other fills in the gap. Rooms are fairly bland but comfortable. The only difference is that this hotel has a small gym. A restaurant and bar are on-site, and amenities include room service, laundry, babysitting, sauna, and pool. In the room are air-conditioning, TV, minibar, hair dryer, and safe. Rates range from 155€ to 205€ ($194-$256) for a double, to 326€ ($407) for a suite. Both chain members have free 24-hour shuttle service to the airport.

A final possibility is the Hotel Villa de Barajas, Av. de Logroño 331, 28042 (tel. 91-329-28-18; fax 91-329-28-04), a government-rated three-star member of the Best Western chain. Simpler than the two Tryp choices above, it charges only 93€ ($116) for a double room. Each midsize unit comes with a TV and phone as well as air-conditioning, and on-site are a restaurant and bar. It too offers free shuttle service to the airport.

These hotels accept all major credit cards.