Madrid is a beautiful and diverse city with plenty of accommodation options that don't require you to splurge. Some of the best standard boutique hotels in Madrid are in our favorite neighborhoods, including the historic Literary Quarter, the central Sol, and the hip Lavapies. All our picks put you within walking distance of numerous city sites and still provide amenities like breakfast buffets and cozy lounges.

Room Mate Alba

Standard rooms that feel luxurious (Photo courtesy of Room Mate Alba)

If you stay in the Literary Quarter—Madrid's historic neighborhood— you might as well find a hotel on Calle de las Huertas, possibly the city's most beloved pedestrian street. Room Mate Alba lets you do just that, putting you steps away from this famous street's neverending line of traditional tapas bars and artisan shops. With this location, you can easily walk to sites like El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol.

Though a standard hotel option, the rooms at Room Mate Alba feel like they border on luxury. Comfy beds, unique decor, bold colors, and classy tiling, plus spacious bathrooms, pull it all together. Grab a suite for even more comfort and space, though even the standard room categories deliver charming and comfy accommodations.

Enjoy a large and varied breakfast buffet in the morning, which lasts until noon for those wanting to sleep in a bit. You'll also find a cozy lounge with sofas and art, plus a beautiful wooden lobby bar and a spacious inner courtyard patio. Learn more

Oriente Palace Apartments

Charming historical details (Photo courtesy of Oriente Palace Apartments)

As one of the most coveted locations in Madrid, Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Palace sit just across the street from Oriente Palace Apartments, providing double rooms and studio apartments. Some units even offer views of the plaza, palace, and the leafy Jardines de Lepanto. The hotel's historic building features an original staircase, hardwood floors, period furnishings, and wood-beamed ceilings. Likewise, all the rooms channel the building's past, with the same historic decor and chandeliers. 

All the rooms have double beds and plenty of space, though studios add kitchens and dining areas for those who'd like to prepare meals. You won't find any common spaces here, as the hotel functions like holiday apartments with a reception desk and nothing more. However, you can enjoy breakfast in the property's restaurant, Cafe de Oriente, starting at 9:00 am. 

But really, the location is the property's draw, as Oriente Palace is the only property in front of Plaza de Oriente lining the Royal Palace. Not only will you be in one of the city's most beautiful areas, but you'll also be within walking distance of many city sites. Enjoy strolling to the Catedral de la Almudena, Sabatini Gardens, Plaza de España, and Plaza Mayor, all no more than 10 minutes away. Learn more

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Francisco I Boutique

Some rooms have private terraces (Photo courtesy Francisco I Boutique)

Right on Calle del Arenal (a popular pedestrian street) and not far from the famous Chocolatería San Ginés, Francisco I Boutique Hotel is stylish and comfy. Rooms are bright and colorful, with decorative nods to the building's historical past, including exposed brick, wood-beamed ceilings, arched windows, and iron balconies. Book a suite or family room for more space and seating, or choose a deluxe top-floor room for a private terrace.

You'll enjoy a daily breakfast buffet downstairs in the beautiful inner courtyard, though you can always opt for "breakfast in bed" with a morning delivery to your room. Relax in the spacious bar/lounge on the ground floor, or find one of the other little lounges hidden in the corners of each floor. If you'd like to sleep in, you can check out as late as 2:00 pm if available. 

The hotel is in a prime location, almost directly between the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol. You'll really be in the center of it all the moment you walk out of the hotel, just minutes from Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Vía—the city's biggest attractions. Learn more

Petit Palace Posada del Peine 

The oldest boutique hotel in Madrid (Photo courtesy of Petit Palace Posada del Peine)

Petite Palace Posada del Peine offers an affordable option nearly on Plaza Mayor, as you can see one of the square's arched entrances right in front of you as you leave the hotel. The property is 400 years old and is the city's oldest boutique hotel. Enjoy being surrounded by buzzy cafés, tapas bars, and shops in a very active part of Madrid. You'll also be within walking distance of sites like Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and Gran Vía.

As a Petit Palace property, you'll find a similar aesthetic to the brand's other locations, with small, simple rooms that are clean and comfy. Double and family rooms include desks; some are split-level or have balconies with views of the bustling street below. Family rooms have bunk beds and can sleep up to six people, but those rooms kind of give off a hostel-room vibe. Still, they're a great option for families or small groups.

The hotel serves a pretty decent breakfast buffet in the dining area, offering a historic vibe with exposed brick walls. Besides the usual selection of cold cuts, cheese, fruits, and pastries, you can also create your own granola or salad bowl. The hotel offers bike rentals if you'd like to cycle while exploring the city. Learn more

Artrip Hotel

Bright, simple rooms overlooking the street (Photo courtesy of Artrip Hotel)

Artrip Hotel isn't your usual Madrid property. To start, it's a little out of the touristic center in the hip, up-and-coming Lavapies neighborhood on its main street, lined with tapas bars, international restaurants, and local shops. This unique location puts you in a more residential area to experience a more authentic part of the city. Yet, you'll still be within walking distance of many sites, including Atocha train station, El Rastro flea market (which takes place on Sundays), and El Retiro Park.

The hotel sits in a renovated 20th-century building with a historic brick facade and iron balconies. The main staircase maintains its exposed brick, hardwood, and iron balusters, but the rooms reflect a modern style reflective of typical Madrid housing—so you really will stay as a local! ​​Enjoy simple yet bright, airy, squeaky clean, and comfortable quarters. You won't find many frills in the rooms, but the value for the price is exceptional. 

As one of the best standard family-friendly hotels in Madrid, some rooms have bunk beds (a great option for kids), and others feature wood-beamed ceilings and iron balconies with street views. Bathrooms are spacious and come with rainfall showerheads and wooden shower floors. As for amenities, you can enjoy a relatively extensive breakfast buffet each morning. But what we love most about Artrip Hotel is the staff, who guests consistently mention in the hotel's many 5-star reviews, and we agree with the praise. Learn more