Hotel Palacio Del Retiro, Autograph Collection

"If offered any location in the city, many a Madrileño would probably choose to live on the Parque del Retiro, a 350-acre park—once reserved for the royal family—that’s now the heart of the Spanish capital. A century ago, the aristocrats who built the private mansion later to become the AC Palacio del Retiro had the same idea, and so they commissioned an opulent ode to fashionable tastes and extravagant lifestyles, including frescoes by the hottest artists of the time, stained-glass windows from Paris , balconies overlooking the park, and an elevator to carry their horses up to the rooftop riding ring. These days, the palace lacks horses, but the trendsetting and luxury themes remain. While the ornate neoclassical architecture has been lovingly preserved, the design team has complemented it with modern art and decor, such as Lichtenstein silkscreen prints and sleek midcentury furnishings. Carved wood panels and marble fireplaces sit side by side with Mies van der Rohe chairs. And, just as if the original aristocrats still lived here, every whim is answered without question. Who needs to find their own palace on the park when there’s the Palacio del Retiro?"

Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Paseo del Prado, Madrid, Spain - Explore & Book

"This palatial residence was built in 1908 for an Oriol aristocrat who brought in Mauméjean stained glass, Julio Romero frescoes, a Talavera ceramic fountain, oak flooring, a dozen marble columns, and a wrought-iron lift to transport her horses to a rooftop exercise ring. These are still in place, but now offset by arresting art - Lichtenstein prints on glass doors, pink sculptures with ET heads and monkey lips in the reception lightwell. The result is bold, imposing and occasionally incongruous, but always extravagant.Huge bedrooms retain ornate plaster moulding overhead and patterned parquet underfoot, but gain chrome chairs, defiantly angled kingsize beds and excellent bathrooms (some with Jacuzzis). Arched windows look through maple branches to the trees of Retiro Park. Plus the 50 black-clad staff (that's one per room!) provide faultless service, from the subterranean spa to intimate Suite Bar for a drink and bite to eat. If you want to spoil yourselves on a special weekend or an anniversary, with 3 world-class museums on your doorstep, you could do no better. Highs You get spoiling luxury as standard, combining mod cons (Jacuzzis, spa, WiFi) and understated contemporary design with Edwardian eleganceIncredibly well placed for exploring the city; 5-10 minutes from the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia, and 1 minute from Retiro ParkPerfect for combining sunset walks, spa treatments, shopping and artThe spa is perfect to unwind in after a long day shopping and sightseeing; body wraps, massages and beauty treatments are all on offerWe loved the incredibly unique Presidential Suite, which is set in the old library and features original dark-wood panelling Lows The modern, minimalist grey, chrome and brown furniture clashes deliberately, but not always successfully, with the ornate plaster-, wood-, and iron-workWe enjoyed our lunch at The Suite Bar, but found it overpricedThe 40-inch plasma TVs (in some rooms) may feel a little ostentatiousIt’s not cheap, but service is truly 5-star, and frequent promotions make it better value than other hotels in the areaGuests aren't able to iron their own clothes; instead there's an ironing service available for a charge" - Michael Cullen

Where to Stay in Madrid (Updated 2025)

"For extreme luxury near the park you can cross El Retiro to this chic property: rooms feature plush king beds, complimentary bottled water, coffee makers and tubs, and some offer outstanding views of the area." - Matthew Kepnes

This Boutique Hotel Offers Gorgeous Views of Madrid’s Most Famous Park - Hotels Above Par - Boutique Hotels & Travel

"Housed in an early-20th-century aristocratic residence, this 50-room, five-star boutique hotel feels like a private family home with preserved historic details — frescoes by Julio Romero de Torres, a grand staircase with Mauméjean stained glass, and Talavera tiles throughout. Many rooms look out over the adjacent park and combine original features such as marble fireplaces and wooden floors with sleek, contemporary furniture; the second- and third-floor accommodations are particularly notable, and the Presidential Suite occupies the former library, surrounded by shelves of books for a distinctly lived-in, atmospheric feel. Situated in the Jerónimos district directly across from El Retiro Park and within an easy stroll of the Prado and other major museums, it offers a quiet, park-side retreat despite its central location. Dining options include a generous breakfast buffet (ibérico ham rolls, pastries, fruit, yogurts, smoothies and an a la carte menu), The Suite Bar which serves cocktails, tapas and hosts flamenco and live music, and an adjoining Mediterranean restaurant with dishes like line-caught hake and perfectly cooked steaks; 24-hour room service is available. Onsite amenities include a fitness center, spa facilities, concierge service, and common booking perks such as reservation priority, a welcome amenity, hotel credit, complimentary breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, and potential upgrades; rooms typically start around €450/night and the nearest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD)."