Seeking a tranquil retreat in the vibrant Spanish capital? Navigating Madrid's plethora of hotel options can be a daunting task. Thankfully, if you prefer to avoid the bustling nightlife and clamour of the city, there's an array of top-drawer hotels that more than fit the bill.

For first timers to Madrid, Centro offers unrivalled accessibility and a vibrant atmosphere while alternatively, for a tranquil respite or a family-friendly stay, look to Retiro with its lush parks and botanical gardens. Then we also have the affluent enclave of Salamanca (think Madrid’s Upper East Side) with its high-end boutiques and upscale restaurants ideal for those with a healthier budget.

Here's our pick of the bunch.

Centro

Left to Right: The Principal Madrid, Hyatt Centric Grand Via & The Madrid Edition

The Principal Madrid

Having recently been awarded a key by MICHELIN Guide's new hotel rating system, The Principal Madrid is a great shout for a bit of luxury. Boasting a great location at the beginning of the Gran Vía, the main drag through the centre of Madrid, not only are you in walking distance of the city's best sites, but you'll also be treated to comfortable rooms, a calming colour scheme, a charming roof terrace and a restaurant overseen by Ramon Freixa, who has two Michelin stars for his restaurant at the Único.

Hyatt Centric Gran Via

A stellar spot to which to retreat you need a break from Madrid’s hectic pace, be sure to bag your Hyatt points at this five-star hotel. Paying tribute to the broadcasting legacy of the area, music and radio are integral elements of the design here which is evident from the inclusion of a mock radio studio in the lobby, while its front-facing rooms, some featuring balconies, blend whimsical touches like pillow covers adorned with cats wearing headphones.

While the central location is a highlight for visitors, locals add to the vibrant atmosphere, especially on the rooftop terrace and in the Latin-themed restaurant featuring a raw bar.

The Madrid EDITION

Conceived by Ian Schrager and architect John Pawson, The Madrid EDITION is one of the most elegant stays in the city, with stylishly designed spaces loved by interiors' enthusiasts. Guest rooms, for example, come characterised by white-on-white décor and plate-glass windows that offer views of historic structures like a 16th-century royal monastery.

While the Punch Room exudes a dark, club-like atmosphere, the Jerónimo restaurant on the ground floor, under the guidance of Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, bursts with vibrant lime green and hot pink accents. Elsewhere on the fourth floor, be sure to grab a drink in the sun at the pool bar, while restaurant Oroya, curated by Diego Muñoz, is not to be missed for tapas-sized yet ambitious Peruvian cuisine.

Retiro

Left to Right: Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Hospes Puerta de Alcala & Hotel Palacio Del Retiro

Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

The only three-key hotel in Madrid, if you've got the cash to splash, book a room at the Mandarin Oriental. From the beautifully imposing white building to the crystal canopy ceiling and sculptures and art scattered throughout the property, this is a hotel that oozes grandeur, located right near the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.

Exciting extras include your own personal butler, the Beauty Concept spa and its spectacular indoor pool, treatment cabins and fitness trainers, the Pictura cocktail bar and Deessa, chef Quique Dacosta’s restaurant, which has gained two Michelin stars in two years.

Hospes Puerta de Alcalá

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to Mandarin Oriental levels, take a look at Hospes Puerta de Alcalá instead. Originally designed by architect José María de Aguilar in 1883, it's one of the most eclectic hotels in the capital, overlooking the Puerta de Alcala, one of Madrid’s most important monuments.

Home to just three dozen rooms, it's a much more intimate affair than some of Madrid's larger mainstays, which simply adds to its magic. Be sure to book a massage at the Bodyna Spa before you leave, which is also home to a soundproofed relaxation room, a hammam, a gym and a small relaxation pool.

Hotel Palacio Del Retiro

Offering gorgeous views of Madrid's most famous park, Hotel Palacio Del Retiro is just a quick stroll away from the Prado and other major museums in the city.

Constructed in 1904 as a private home for an aristocratic Madrileño family - its background makes it popular with historians - this lavish hotel promises lodgings fit for a king (and queen) complete with stained glass windows and marble sculptures. Rooms also include jacuzzi baths and views overlooking the park, which are widely renowned as some of the best in the city.

Salamanca

Left to Right: Bless Hotel, Rosewood Villa Magna & Hotel Unico

Bless Hotel Madrid

If you like to mix up sight-seeing with lazy days by the pool, you can't go wrong with Bless Hotel. Great for an intergenerational trip - it's home to an on-site bowling alley as well as rooftop sky lounge - there's also a homely spa and speakeasy-style cocktail bar Fetén which employs some of the best mixologists in the business.

While it neighbours the city’s most exclusive shops and restaurants, be sure to dine at the on-site restaurant SLVJ at least one night, which serves up a Japanese-Mediterranean menu accompanied by live music and dance.

Rosewood Villa Magna

An ideal spot for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Rosewood Villa Magna does the trick, and is still just a 20-minute walk to the centre of Madrid and its numerous tourist attractions.

Rooms here are particularly spacious, and even the entry-level options offer the likes of silky Rivolta Carmignani linens, well-stocked Nespresso machines and marble-clad bathrooms. There are plenty of dining options to boot too, our favourite being Amós, a fine-dining spot courtesy of chef Jesús Sánchez, which pays tribute to the cuisine of his native Cantabria region in northern Spain.

Hotel Unico Madrid

With its impressive fusion of impeccable design and exceptional service, Hotel Unico Madrid scores top marks when it comes to aesthetics, with the likes of swirling black-and-white mosaic floors and a striking red sculpture adorning the stairwell.

As to be expected, rooms are equally stylish, with characterful features like pitched ceilings and skylights, while renowned chef Ramon Freixa curates an exquisite dining experience at the hotel's restaurant, which has garnered two Michelin stars for its refined modern Spanish cuisine. In other words, this is a prime destination for gastronomes.