Hotels in Madrid

Hotels in Madrid: what they cost and when to book cheaper

When to book a stay in Madrid for less

Prices in Madrid clearly follow the calendar. August is the cheapest, when locals leave the city and rates drop about a third below the average. September is the priciest, after the holidays, when trade fairs and conferences return and prices can run about a quarter higher. Across the week Sunday tends to be the best value, while midweek can be dearer. The best prices usually come about two and a half weeks ahead. The average stay is 4 nights, so booking the whole short break in advance often beats adding nights at the last minute.

Nightly prices by property type

Indicative rates for a double room outside the September peak. A cheap hostal in the centre can cost more than a 3-star hotel by the ring road, so it pays to weigh property type against location. Check exact prices and availability by selecting your dates in the search above.

Nightly prices by district

The cheapest beds are in Barajas by the airport, the dearest by Gran Vía in the heart of the city. Centro is the district guests pick most often, with Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor within walking distance.

Which hotel suits whom

• For couples. Boutique hotels in Centro and the lively Malasaña and Chueca with cafés and nightlife. Close to dinner and an evening stroll across Plaza Mayor.
• For families. Apartments with a kitchenette and larger family rooms, ideally by Retiro park. Kids enjoy the green space, and the metro reaches everywhere without changes.
• With breakfast. Many 3- and 4-star hotels in the centre include breakfast. Filter for this option, as it is often part of the rate, and the Prado and Reina Sofía museums are close in the morning.
• Near the airport. Barajas airport sits on the east side of the city, and the Barajas and San Blas districts have the most hotels with a transfer. A good choice for an early flight or a short layover.

Sample hotels in Madrid with prices

Sample prices, from the lowest available rates; the real figure depends on your dates and room availability.

When Madrid gets more expensive

Most visitors come in spring and autumn, when the weather suits sightseeing, plus events such as the San Isidro festival in May and the Madrid Pride parade. For those dates and in September, the trade-fair season, book earlier, as the best central properties go first. In August, when the city empties out, the same standard costs noticeably less.