Experts pick the best accommodations in the heart of Madrid

In homage to the former palace residents—patrons of Diego Velázquez—replicas of the artist's baroque paintings can be found throughout the hotel. The 17th century paintings serve as contrast to otherwise modern and bright spaces. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool with spectacular views of the Royal Palace and nearby cathedrals. For a treat visit the palace stables, which have been converted into a restaurant, Dos Cielos Madrid, a project by acclaimed chefs, the Torres brothers.

Overlooking the historic Plaza Santa Ana, Me by Melia Madrid once housed Spain's star bullfighters. The interior combines luxury and minimalism, focusing on muted whites and grays, while nodding to the bullfighting era with leather chairs and mounted bull's heads in the public areas. It is also home to rooftop bar Radio, which Fodor's calls one of the city's swankiest.

Described by Travel and Leisure as “crisp” and “contemporary” Hotel Room Mate Alicia makes a bid to travelers looking to combine luxury, location, and affordability. Formerly a trench coat factory, the hotel has a boutique feel with 37 compact rooms. It doesn't hurt that it is within walking distance of Madrid's famous bars and nightclubs as well as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Hotel Urban is as much art museum as it is hotel. Bold Papua New Guinean ceremonial chairs welcome guests to the lobby and 18th century Chinese portraits make for company in the suites. But, floor to ceiling windows won't let you forget what city you're in. The Urban is a hotel that, according to Fodor's, “conveys Madrid's cosmopolitan spirit.”

The Villa Real is a 115-room hotel located conveniently between Plaza Santa Ana and the Prado National Museum. A more traditional alternative to its neighbor, the Urban, the Villa Real welcomes visitors with art that spans from Roman mosaics to Andy Warhol lithographs.

The hotel with the highest TripExpert score, Hotel Ritz Madrid is one of the city's belle epoque landmarks, exuding pure class and elegance. The opulent lobby bar—often the setting for live music—has been a hotspot for Madrid high society and visiting dignitaries for decades. The hotel is currently closed for a $121 million renovation and plans to reopen in pristine condition at the end of 2019.

If you happen to visit Madrid while the Ritz is closed you won't be sorry to stay just across the street at the Westin Palace Madrid. The 467-room hotel takes up an entire city block on the Paseo del Prado (Madrid's museum boulevard, if you will). Concierge recommends requesting a room on one of the upper floors across from the Neptune Fountain for a spectacular view of the Greek god and his chariot lit up at night.

Get cozy at this boutique hotel with a literary theme. In homage to its neighborhood (Barrio de las Letras, which is named for the great writers who resided here) Spanish quotes are scrolled in nooks and above headboards. This gem of a building combines some of its original features—like a cast iron elevator—with modern colors and fixtures. As a bonus, it's a short walk to nearby tapas bars, including long-time classic Bocaito.

This newcomer to the scene (est. 2015) quickly made a name for itself as a place worth staying in central Madrid. The style is classic minimalist set inside a 1920s landmark building. But perhaps what sets this spot apart from the rest is the penthouse restaurant Ática, led by Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa. We aren't sure which is more demanding of our attention—the avant-garde cuisine or the stunning views.