Tourists might gravitate to its Catalan cousin Barcelona, but Madrid is still one of the top city destinations in Europe. The centre of the Spanish capital is a charming mixture of old and new: medieval squares and boulevards sit side-by-side with glassy swathes of recent regeneration. In Madrid, you’ll find luxury shopping, a vibrant night scene, some world-class museums and the stadiums of two internationally renowned football teams. Basically a lot of great things to do. And if you’re flying in and out of the city at awkward hours, you might want to consider staying at a hotel at the airport, Madrid-Barajas. But where to choose? Luckily for you, we’ve lined up the best airport hotels in Madrid. Take a look – and get booking!
The Tryp makes for an excellent mid-budget choice of accomodation at Madrid-Barajas. It’s just a short drive from the airport, and there’s a free 24-hour shuttle service to whizz you there. Amenities include a fitness centre, bar and restaurant – oh, and a Nintendo Wii, if you fancy a spot of gaming. The rooms here are spacious, and have free wi-fi.
The Meliá is one of the higher-end hotels to be found near Madrid’s airport. Rooms here are elegantly decorated and furnished with antique-style, dark-polished wooden furniture. There’s a pool outside where you can go for a splash and soak up the Iberian sunshine, and in the adjoining garden there’s even barbecue facilities. And if you want to retreat inside, you can always head to the fitness centre. A free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes will get you to the airport.
Madrid-Barajas’s Ibis has a slick, contemporary, slightly boutique-ish feel, with its graphic art decor and bright accents of colour. If the rooms themselves here are a little nondescript, they’re also air-conditioned and each comes with a flatscreen TV. The Ibis Kitchen serves contemporary dishes, while the Rendez-Vouz Bar is where to head for a tipple. The breakfast buffet is served from 4.30am each morning, so even those travelling at ungodly hours should still have a chance for a bite to eat.
Another good mid-scale option, the Hotel Villa de Barajas is warmly and cosily decorated. All rooms are air-conditioned and have free wi-fi and satellite televisions. There’s a café where a continental breakfast is served at extra cost. One definite selling point of this place is that it’s just 250 yards from Barajas Metro – it’ll send you straight into the centre of Madrid in no time at all.
This hostel is a lower-end option for sure – but one that’s run by a cheerful, pleasant family, and it shows. The rooms are decidedly basic, but are air-conditioned and have satellite TV. The area is filled with bars and restaurants, so although you’ll have to step outside for food and drink, you won’t have to wander far. And that all-important shuttle service to the airport is gratis. Perfect for backpackers and those doing Madrid on a limited budget.
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