Madrid Hotels

Spanish VAT (IVA) is 7% and is added to all hotel bills. The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing categories and listed alphabetically within each category:
$$$$ (over €300)
$$$ (€200 to €300)
$$ (€100 to €200)
$ (under €100)
The prices above are per double room per night, and include all taxes. Breakfast is usually included in the price.

Hotel Ritz
Designed along the lines of its Parisian counterpart by architect Francis Mewes, the Ritz opened in 1910. Close to all the major cultural attractions like the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, the Ritz also appeals to business travellers, because of its proximity to the Madrid Stock Exchange and the financial district. Rooms are individually designed, with embroidered linen sheets, hand-woven carpets and marble bathrooms. Meeting and conference halls cater for up to 500 people, with a simultaneous translation service available. There is also a gym, solarium and sauna. The terrace and gardens are the perfect setting for meeting friends and business colleagues.

Plaza de la Lealtad 5
Tel: 91 701 6767.
Website: www.ritz.es
Price: $$$$

The Westin Palace
Since first opening its doors in 1913, the Palace has been vying with the Ritz in its claims to be Madrid's premier hotel. Built on a grand scale, with 455 rooms, the hotel has been restored to a level of opulence almost in excess of the original. As well as 18 conference and banqueting rooms, a business centre and interpreting service, there are individual guest-room offices equipped with desk, fax/printer and hands-free telephones. The fitness suite is open 24 hours. Although unashamedly glitzy, the Palace is less stuffy than the Ritz.

Plaza de las Cortes 7
Tel: 91 360 8000.
Website: www.palacemadrid.com
Price: $$$$

Inglés
This hotel, founded in 1853, enjoys an excellent location in the old part of Madrid, less than 100m (328ft) from Puerta del Sol and equally convenient for cultural attractions, such as the Prado and the bars and restaurants around Calle Huertas. While the modern décor is a little uninspired, all 58 rooms are kept in pristine condition and the 24-hour service is attentive. Rooms overlooking the street may be noisy late at night; those at the back are quieter. All rooms are en suite. Other facilities include a gym, a cafe and a garage, which is invaluable, considering that parking spaces are at a premium in central Madrid.

Calle Echegaray 8
Tel: (91) 429 6551.
Price: $$

Paris
One of the classic hotels in the Puerta de Alcalá area, its 120 rooms are spacious and are decorated in classic style. It was one of the first luxury hotels in Madrid at the start of the 20th century. It was only when the Ritz was established in 1910 that it was relegated to a more modest category. Its main attraction is its location, right on the Puerta del Sol, with the main cultural and gastronomic attractions right on its doorstep.

Calle Alcalá 2
Tel: 91 521 6496.
Price: $