Best Luxury Hotels in Madrid

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. Junior Suites and above have either Molton Brown, Loewe or Bulgari toiletries, and all rooms feature large LG flat-screen TVs and modern bathrooms. The hip on-site restaurant, trendy rooftop bar with striking views, and indoor pool round up the luxurious experience.

The Hotel Urban is one of the most luxurious boutiques in Madrid. The rooftop bar, serving champagne drinks, is a popular destination for well-heeled locals and celebrities, and the two swanky restaurants attract high-profile diners with an oyster bar and a Mediterranean menu. Rooms are not over-the-top, but do offer large flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, robes, and contemporary bathrooms. Cielo, the hotel’s lovely pool, is a welcome rarity in Madrid, as is the on-site antiques collection.

The 171-room Hesperia Madrid offers spacious and comfortable rooms with fun design accents such as leopard print armchairs, and great amenities, including flat-screen TVs; quality mattresses featuring Egyptian cotton linens; minibars, and big marble bathrooms with Bulgari toiletries. Top-floor suites have a terrace equipped with a Jacuzzi. Outstanding dining choices here include a restaurant boasting two Michelin stars, a sushi bar, a cocktail bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant. The hotel also features a large rooftop fitness center with city views, and massage services.

The 467-room Westin Palace is housed in a gorgeous historic building that was commissioned by the king in 1912. Elegant, classic decor is found throughout the hotel. Rooms are attractive and feature antique mahogany furniture, plush rugs, a largely white color scheme, Westin’s Heavenly Beds and spacious marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. While the "spa" is really more of a barber shop, and there is no pool, The Westin offers all of the other conveniences of a luxury hotel: gorgeous meeting rooms, two gourmet restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center, even a Starbucks.

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). High-end services include personal shoppers, concierge rooms with great extras, turndown service, and extensive secretarial services. The real highlight, though, are the spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, plush Dreamax beds, pillow menus, red accents, and gorgeous marble bathrooms.

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. Rooms have small interactive flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and marble bathrooms. The Wellington features a long list of luxury amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, loaner iPad 2s, car services, a renowned 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

Though the 85-room NH Palacio de Tepa 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 small fitness center with TechnoGym equipment, and a tranquil spot for massages. Even standard rooms are large and feature wonderful amenities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, well-stocked minibars, Krups espresso machines, hardwood floors, and free Wi-Fi.