The Most Historic Hotels in Madrid
From converted palaces to grand old hotels, there's no shortage of historic properties in the Spanish capital. These are the hotels that tell the story of Spain—of erstwhile grandeur and silver-screen movie stars, of intricate architecture and sumptuous furniture. Book a room in any of these paradores, and you'll be transported to a bygone era.
Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Autograph Collection
Why it made the list
A palatial early-20th-century building, once owned by a noble family with extravagant habits (the elevator carried their horses up and down from the rooftop exercise ring), this spectacular hotel is a case in point that classical and modern décor can happily coexist when done right. Relics of the mansion's grandiose past include baseboards and fountains covered with ceramics from Talavera, Parisian stained-glass windows, marble floors and columns, and original moldings.
Hotel Único
Why it made the list
Situated on a quiet side street in the posh, tree-lined district of Salamanca, Hotel Único is a boutique property suited to travelers seeking a relaxing, cosmopolitan vacation. Its 44 rooms occupy a 19th-century palace complete with wrought-iron balconies, curved staircases, and a sunny courtyard. Though interiors could use a makeover, it’s the rare hotel that houses a two-Michelin-star restaurant (Ramón Freixa Madrid) within its walls—a boon to travelers with a penchant for la nueva cocina.
Westin Palace Madrid
Why it made the list
The Palace opened in 1912 as the largest hotel in Europe, and in its heyday, catered to the likes of Salvador Dalí, Marlon Brando, Rita Hayworth, and Madonna.The property retains much of that Belle Époque charm today—though some say it hasn’t aged as gracefully one might hope.
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