The palaces of Madrid have long stood as silent witnesses to History with a capital “H.” The most iconic is the Palacio Real — a quintessential baroque masterpiece and one of the largest in Europe — which served as the residence of kings and monarchs for centuries. But across the city, other lesser-known palaces still preserve the splendor of a bygone era. Among them, those transformed into luxury hotels (and awarded MICHELIN Keys) offer guests the chance to experience a privileged way of life, if only for a night. More than just exclusive places to stay, stepping through their grand doors immediately transports you to another world.
In most cases, these hotels have hosted some of the most prominent names in world history and culture, making them unforgettable places to stay. Whether opulent or understated, minimalist or rich in decorative detail, traditional or touched with carefully considered modern design, each has worked hard to preserve the spirit of its origins — inviting guests to experience them just as the aristocracy once did.
In the heart of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras — the very neighborhood where some of Spain’s most celebrated Golden Age writers, like Cervantes and Quevedo, once lived — stands this 1852 palace-house, now a One MICHELIN Key hotel with 34 rooms, some of them over 100 square meters. Walls and ceilings are adorned with ornate moldings, bright suites come with private terraces, and an imposing seven-meter-high entrance is watched over by the god Hermes — a space where it's easy to imagine noble carriages once arriving at the gates. At the rear, a hidden garden reveals a charming plunge pool.
The activities offered befit the hotel's status as urban oasis: The Art of Landscapes, a personalized three-hour tour of Madrid’s most iconic parks and gardens; in-room private massages; a Bubble Brunch paired with Abelé 1757 Brut Champagne; or one of the hotel’s signature pool-garden parties.
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This 19th-century palace with 180 rooms sits in the heart of historic Madrid, blending an Elizabethan façade with interiors inspired by the art of Diego Velázquez. Contemporary in style, with historic gardens and a MICHELIN Key to its name, Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques saves its crown jewel for the rooftop — home to a cocktail bar, a pool and a jacuzzi with sweeping views of the Royal Palace. The courtyard invites a leisurely coffee break, and its location guarantees postcard-perfect photos. Among the hotel’s exclusive offerings: a private city tour led by a professional photographer-guide.
We’re also charmed by the Behind the Scenes Experience, which grants exclusive after-hours access to the Teatro Real — including a glimpse of the orchestra’s rehearsals and catering by chef Ramón Freixa. Not to be missed, too, is the hotel’s tribute to the cherished Spanish tradition of lingering over long sobremesas: in this case, a slice of blueberry cake with salted caramel bonbons and an aromatic coffee with liqueur. Regal pleasures, through and through.
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In the heart of Madrid’s “Golden Mile,” behind a majestic 19th-century façade in the elegant Salamanca district, lies a palatial retreat with 44 rooms — sophisticated, contemporary and a world apart from traditional luxury hotels. Hotel Único Madrid, awarded a MICHELIN Key, features rooms with soaring ceilings (a sign of status in aristocratic homes of the past) and large windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Its refined interior architecture is complemented by a peaceful, beautifully kept garden.
Highlights include the Atelier Room — an elegant, exclusive space for private meetings — and The Bar, an English-style lounge with leather, velvet and fine wood accents, where mixologist Daniel Cruz crafts memorable experiences.
The ultimate Belle Époque landmark in Madrid — its construction encouraged by King Alfonso XIII himself — and an undisputed icon of modern luxury hospitality. It’s no surprise that the hotel holds Three MICHELIN Keys and has stood strong through more than a century of history in the Spanish capital. A shining example of monumental architecture, this grand hotel, inaugurated by César Ritz in 1910, rises at the heart of Madrid’s famed “Art Triangle,” bordered by the nearby Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums.
The hotel features 154 elegant rooms and a must-visit gathering spot: Pictura, its cocktail bar, where portraits by Madrid-based photographer Paula Anta pay homage to 14 emerging Spanish artists in the style of the Prado’s classic masterpieces. A top-tier experience not to miss: exclusive access to the Prado Museum and the vaults of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
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This One MICHELIN Key hotel in Madrid’s vibrant Chueca neighborhood is part old-world glamour, part colonial charm and part bold, disruptive design. The maze-like first floor is made up of spaces as different from one another as they are appealing — from the distinguished cocktail bar, El Padrino, set in the palace’s former library, to Celicioso, the city’s famous gluten-free bakery. The 19th-century palace that once served as the residence of the Marquise of Alhama has been transformed into a hotel of striking contrasts — as marvelous as it is inviting. Here, soaring arches, wooden beams, classic blue-and-white tiles, marble, and ornate ceilings coexist with dramatic Jonathan Adler vases, Chesterfield armchairs and futuristic lighting.
True to the commitment to contrast, Only YOU Boutique Hotel hosts its top suite in the sky — more than 65 square meters of elegance with a private terrace and sweeping views — while down in the basement, the immersive Thai Room spa draws on ancient relaxation techniques from India, Bali, Hawaii, China and Thailand.
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The subtle opulence of Rosewood Villa Magna — and its extraordinary discretion — has earned the trust of heads of state, celebrities, business travelers and tourists alike. Located in Madrid’s exclusive Salamanca neighborhood, this hotel — awarded Two MICHELIN Keys — brings the spirit of the historic Palacio Anglada into the 21st century. Once a grand residence of spacious apartments inhabited by counts and countesses, it is now a modernist granite-clad building with private, tree-strewn gardens.
Inside, the hotel houses an exceptional collection of 400 notable works of art and exudes the atmosphere of a refined manor house, with rooms and suites that offer stunning views of the city. The Royal Suite on the top floor is the ultimate luxury penthouse — complete with a terrace, grand piano and private kitchen with butler service. One charming detail: pets up to 10 kilograms are welcome, and exclusive services are available for them while you enjoy an authentic Afternoon Tea at Flor y Nata.
Set in a French-style neoclassical mansion built in 1895, this exclusive One MICHELIN Key hotel was originally the residence of the Duke of Santo Mauro — a gift in recognition of his service to the Spanish crown. Still owned by the the descendants of the duke and tucked away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Chamberí, the intimate and storied Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, transports guests to the aristocratic life of 19th-century Madrid. Persian rugs over hardwood floors and a collection of individually styled suites — spread across three grand buildings — evoke a golden age of travel and discovery.
But it’s the details that set this palace apart: truly personalized attention to every guest request — a rarity in the age of automation — and an extraordinary garden, created in honor of the Duchess of Santo Mauro, a great admirer of century-old chestnut trees. Don’t miss the Casilda cocktail, crafted with chestnuts in her name and served each afternoon to guests. Add to that the ever-present arrangements of fresh flowers in prized oriental porcelain vases, and you have a refined refuge where discretion is the rule and elegance the signature.
Paris’ Belle Époque marked a turning point in how people lived — exporting its creative revolution to countries like Spain. And if there’s one building that stands as a living legend of that spirit, it’s The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, proudly awarded One MICHELIN Key. It’s hard to imagine the full sweep of events that have unfolded under the hotel’s dazzling, iconic Dome of Liberty — the social heart of this palace-hotel — over more than a century. Some moments made headlines; others will remain secret forever, protected by the confidentiality once considered part of the service.
Opened in 1912 in the image — or rather, in the shadow — of the Ritz, this stately hotel has a grand, old-world atmosphere that makes it one of the most singular stays in Madrid. Its prime location, steps from El Retiro Park, the Royal Botanical Garden and the city’s famed Art Triangle, sets the stage for one unforgettable experience in particular: a private, guided visit to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza before it opens to the public.
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Housed in an early 20th-century bourgeois building designed in palatial style, URSO Hotel & Spa Madrid — holder of One MICHELIN Key — blends a fresh, natural approach to luxury with historic elegance. It preserves from the original palace a spectacular elevator, a marble staircase and restored stained-glass windows — along with classic corner turrets, angled façades and balconies.
The hotel offers 78 tastefully elegant rooms, a lobby paneled in fine wood where live piano music plays each afternoon, and the opportunity to enjoy classic British High Tea — all elements that elevate this palace to exceptional status. URSO sits at the crossroads of three very different neighborhoods: stately Chamberí, dynamic Tribunal, and bustling Chueca. For the most discerning guests, the iconic Invernadero offers an excellent brunch accompanied by live harp music — a true treat for the senses. Looking for more? Try the Sleep Ritual at the spa — an innovative experience designed to help you rest like royalty in the hotel’s luxurious rooms.
Imagen de cabecera: Suite Real del hotel Mandarin Oriental Ritz © Mandarin Oriental Ritz
