Madrid is a wonderful city for families – if you choose the right base. Children love the rowing boats in the Retiro, the armour in the Royal Palace and a dip in the pool after a hot day. These five hotels have pools, family rooms and locations that make it easy to come back for a break.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Four Seasons Hotel Madrid ★★★★★ | Sol & Gran Vía | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 2 | Hotel Riu Plaza España ★★★★ | Plaza de España | Families, First-timers |
| 3 | Barceló Torre de Madrid ★★★★★ | Plaza de España | Couples, Families |
| 4 | Novotel Madrid Center ★★★★ | Salamanca district | Families |
| 5 | Hotel Emperador ★★★★ | Sol & Gran Vía | Families, First-timers |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for space for families (family rooms, suites or connecting rooms), a pool, and a location that keeps walking times short. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices: they change every day, so check availability with the button under each hotel.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
For comfort in the very centre: generous rooms between Sol and the Gran Vía and an indoor pool in the spa, open all year.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Sol & Gran Vía
- Location
- Calle de Sevilla 3, 28014 Madrid
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Right in the centre: Sol, the Gran Vía and the Barrio de las Letras on foot
- Four-level spa with an indoor pool and a sun terrace
- Rooftop restaurant with views over the city
Good to know
- A busy, central location: the streets around are lively day and night
- Children’s amenities and family room set-ups: confirm them when booking
2. Hotel Riu Plaza España
For views children will remember: a 360º rooftop with a glass walkway high above the city, and an outdoor pool for guests in summer.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Plaza de España
- Location
- Calle Gran Vía 84, 28013 Madrid
- Best for
- Families, First-timers
Why we like it
- Panoramic 360º rooftop terrace with a glass walkway
- Seasonal outdoor pool for guests on an upper floor
- On the Plaza de España, ten minutes on foot from the Royal Palace
Good to know
- A very large hotel: the lifts can be busy at peak times
- The pool opens in the summer season only: confirm it is open on your dates
3. Barceló Torre de Madrid
For space and fun design: family rooms and two-bedroom suites in a skyscraper on the Plaza de España, with an indoor pool.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Plaza de España
- Location
- Plaza de España 18, 28008 Madrid
- Best for
- Couples, Families
Why we like it
- Colourful, playful design by the Spanish artist Jaime Hayón
- Family rooms and two-bedroom suites
- Indoor pool, sauna and gym
Good to know
- The Plaza de España is a big, busy square: ask for a room on a high floor
- Room set-ups for families vary: confirm beds and cots when booking
4. Novotel Madrid Center
For the Retiro as your garden: a practical hotel about eight minutes on foot from the park, with family rooms, a play area and a summer pool.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Salamanca district
- Location
- Calle de O’Donnell 53, 28009 Madrid
- Best for
- Families
Why we like it
- About eight minutes on foot from the Retiro Park
- Seasonal outdoor pool and a children’s play area
- Family rooms, cots on request
Good to know
- Outside the old town: allow 15–20 minutes by metro to Sol
- The pool opens in summer only: confirm the dates when booking
5. Hotel Emperador
For a rooftop pool on the Gran Vía: triple and connecting rooms, ten minutes on foot from the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Sol & Gran Vía
- Location
- Gran Vía 53, 28013 Madrid
- Best for
- Families, First-timers
Why we like it
- Rooftop pool and terrace with views over the Gran Vía
- Triple and connecting rooms, cots on request
- Ten minutes on foot from the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol
Good to know
- The Gran Vía is busy day and night: inner rooms are quieter
- The rooftop pool is unheated and opens from about May to September: confirm it when booking
Which one should you choose?
- For a pool all year: Four Seasons or Barceló Torre de Madrid.
- For the best views: Riu Plaza España.
- For two bedrooms: a suite at Barceló Torre de Madrid.
- For a park next door: Novotel Madrid Center.
- For sightseeing on foot: Hotel Emperador.
Tips for families
- Confirm beds and cots when booking: family set-ups vary by room type.
- Ask about pool dates: outdoor pools in Madrid usually open from late spring to September.
- Plan a siesta: in July and August, go out in the morning and the evening.
If you are still choosing a neighbourhood, read where to stay in Madrid, and plan your days with Madrid in 3 days.
