From the outside, the Melia Madrid looks like your average business hotel. Step inside, however, and you will be surrounded by distinctive details that give the interior spaces a modern, arty vibe, such as the funky light fixtures, sleek leather couches, and elegant antiques in the airy lobby. In addition to its unique decor, the Melia offers amenities that are a rarity at Madrid hotels, including a small fitness center, indoor pool (fees apply), and a spa (albeit closed on weekends). The real highlight, though, are the spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, plush beds, red accents, and gorgeous marble bathrooms. The hotel attracts both business and leisure travelers, as it has a business center, event spaces, and a good location near various attractions.

Hotel Silken Puerta America is known for its over-the-top design, from the colorful facade of the hotel to the rooms. Each of the 12 floors was executed by a different designer, and range from futuristic, space-like decor to sexy style with levitating beds and bold colors. This funky hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a small indoor pool. Hotel features include a hip on-site restaurant and a top floor bar with expansive views. While the location is great for business travelers -- less than 10 minutes from the airport -- leisure travelers might prefer to stay closer to the city center where famous sights are within walking distance.

The 115-room Hotel Villa Real boasts a great, central location just a few blocks from Sol and many major attractions. The hotel is a solid option for tourists -- and particularly families. Not only does it have hip restaurant that provides a kids menu, it also offer rooms with layouts convenient for families, and has numerous connecting rooms. The rooms, however, aren't as impressive as one may expect from a luxury hotel. They have eclectic style that blends modern and antique pieces, but most have two beds pushed together with thin comforters rather than duvets, and the furniture shows wear. Rooms do have flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access (the first hour is free). Hotel Villa Real also has a small on-site fitness center and business center, but those looking for a few more amenities (such as a pool and more dining options) may consider the nearby sister hotel, Hotel Urban.

The 171-room Hesperia Madrid is located in the trendy Rios Rosas neighborhood. This upscale property offers spacious and comfortable rooms with fun design accents such as leopard print armchairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, quality mattresses, minibars, and big marble bathrooms. The common areas of the hotel are very well maintained, from the spacious lobby with plenty of lounge space to the rooftop fitness center. Dining choices here include a Michelin-rated restaurant, Santceloni, a sushi bar, a cocktail bar, or room service. The location and price make it suited for a well-heeled crowd, but the property doesn't offer a spa or a pool.

Though the 85-room NH Palacio is housed in an 18-century building, it has a hip, modern vibe throughout. It is arguably the chicest hotel in the NH brand, with gorgeous rooms, a funky tapas bar, and on-site amenities such as a well-equipped business center and a small fitness center. Even standard rooms are large and feature up-to-date amenities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. The design is modern with simple lines, beige furniture, pops of color, and hardwood floors. Though the hotel does not have a full spa (few hotels in Madrid do), it does offer a tranquil spot for massages. The convenient location -- within walking distance of the Atocha train station and numerous sights -- is also a draw.

Hotel Wellington is a classically beautiful, historic hotel in Salamanca, just a short walk from the famous Retiro Park. The grand lobby has a stately vibe, with crystal chandeliers, velvet furniture, and high ceilings, and the look continues throughout the hotel -- though it's a bit simpler in the 255 rooms. Rooms have small flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, but standard rooms are a bit small and some feature two beds pushed together -- which is common in Madrid, but not what one would expect at a luxury hotel. Like a luxury hotel, however, Hotel Wellington features a long list of amenities: a 24-hour business center, well-equipped fitness center, spa with numerous features, seasonal outdoor pool, and seven dining options, one of which is a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant. Plus, the hotel's rich history is impressive; after all, it has hosted the likes of Gene Kelly and Ernest Hemingway.

The historic Gran Melia Fenix has attracted personalities such as The Beatles, Bill Clinton, Queen Noor of Jordan, and Cary Grant since the 1950s. It's one of the top hotels in Madrid, featuring a grand lobby with an impressive stained-glass dome and chandeliers; tasteful, classic decor throughout; a fine dining restaurant; and upscale services such as butlers for every room category. An executive level offers wonderful extras such as a private rooftop terrace and daily hors d’oeuvres. Elegant rooms have upholstered walls, Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and pillow menus. But bathrooms can feel a tad underwhelming for a property in this price range, with mostly shower/tub combos in lower-level rooms. There’s a classy cocktail bar popular with businessmen, but the hotel lacks a spa and a fitness center.

The boutique Hotel Urban is a luxurious hotel with a long list of features. Not only does it feature a lovely rooftop pool lined by lounge chairs, it is also home to a small fitness center, two swanky restaurants and a bar, and even a museum area of ancient antiques. The 102 rooms, however, aren't as impressive as the rest of the hotel. Sure, they're spacious and include large flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access (the first hour is free), but the decor is relatively bland: Furniture shows some wear and tear, the beds feature shiny bronze bedspreads, and the lack of color give them a masculine-bordering-on-boring look. Nonetheless, Hotel Urban remains a solid pick, in part due to its convenient location in the heart of Madrid, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and nearly every main sight the city has to offer.

The 467-room Westin Palace is one of the top hotels in Madrid, and is housed in a gorgeous historic building that was commissioned by the king in 1912. Elegant, classic decor is found throughout the hotel; though standard Deluxe Rooms aren't as luxurious as one may expect from such an iconic hotel, they are attractive and feature antique furniture, a largely white color scheme, and spacious marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. The Westin offers almost all of the conveniences of a luxury hotel: gorgeous meeting rooms, two gourmet restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center, even a Starbucks. However, the "spa" is really more of a barber shop, and there is no pool. Overall, the Westin is a great (if expensive) option, with a fabulous location in the heart of the city.

The 225-room Nuevo Madrid is a luxury business hotel that still manages to be sexy. Sure, it attracts largely business travelers with its proximity to the airport and large meeting space, but leisure travelers (more so couples than families) may enjoy the hotel's sleek look and many amenities. The all-white lobby features high ceilings, cool bamboo accents, and funky lighting that lends it an open, airy feel; the look extends to the nearby restaurant and bar. The property features are impressive, and include a modern fitness center and a four-person Jacuzzi, located on a quaint patio off of the gym. The tradeoff for many is the location; it is conveniently close to the airport, but the surrounding neighborhood is boring and far from major tourist attractions.