Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Madrid for first-timers and car-free travelers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Madrid for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Madrid for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Madrid and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels in Madrid for visitors with various budgets.
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, located in the heart of the country. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Spain.
Some notable landmarks and attractions in Madrid include the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Gran Vía. The city also boasts a lively culinary scene, with numerous tapas bars and restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine.
The city is home to world-class museums, including the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum, which house masterpieces by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and many others.
The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro network. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is the main international gateway to the city.
Is Madrid a good place to visit with family?
Yes, absolutely. I believe Madrid is a great destination for family vacations. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Your family can explore historical landmarks and world-class museums, enjoy outdoor activities at Retiro Park, experience cultural events and festivals, and try traditional Spanish dishes.
Where to stay in Madrid for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Madrid for families with kids are Centro, Malasaña, Salamanca, and Retiro. These are central and well-connected locations, making them great bases for families to explore the city. They also offer a wide range of family-friendly accommodations for all budgets.
Centro is the most popular area to stay in Madrid for families. It is the heart of the city and is home to many iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace. It has a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Malasaña is known for its bohemian and trendy vibe, Malasaña is filled with unique boutiques, cafes, and street art. It has a youthful atmosphere and is great for exploring Madrid’s alternative scene.
Salamanca is a good location for families who want an upscale and quieter experience. It is a safe and affluent area, renowned for its high-end shopping along Calle Serrano and its beautiful architecture. It’s a quieter area compared to Centro or Malasaña.
The Retiro district is adjacent to the famous Retiro Park, providing a peaceful and green escape in the heart of the city. It’s a great option if your family wants a local quiet atmosphere, easy access to major sights, and enjoys outdoor activities.
During my trip to Madrid, I stayed in the historic city center at the Hotel Liabeny. It was located in the center of Sol, an easy walking distance to the subway and many restaurants, shopping malls and sightseeing spots nearby. They also offer comfortable family rooms and very good breakfast.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Madrid for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Madrid, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Madrid have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best areas to stay in Madrid with family:
1. Centro
Centro is an excellent choice for families who want to be at the heart of Madrid’s energy and have easy access to its most famous attractions. Staying here puts you within walking distance of numerous landmarks including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the vibrant Gran Vía.
You’ll be immersed in the rich history and culture of Madrid, with museums, theaters, and historical sites surrounding you. The area is lively and offers a variety of entertainment options for all ages.
Centro is known for its diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whether you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine or international fare, you’ll find plenty of options. The shopping scene is also vibrant, catering to different tastes and budgets.
The central location makes it easy to access public transportation, including metro stations and bus stops, facilitating travel to other parts of the city.
Best places to stay in Madrid in Centro with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, popular 5-star family-friendly hotel in central Madrid, close to everything, within walking distance from Gran Via Metro Station and Puerta del Sol. Breakfast has a great variety of options. The rooms are nice and work well for a family of 4, 5 members with interconnecting doors.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Liabeny, great 4-star child-friendly hotel in the heart of Madrid, within walking distance/ short metro ride from the famous Puerta del Sol, Plaza mayor, Royal Palace, and Debod Temple. Easy access to Gran Vía and Callao metro stations for further exploration. There are family rooms for 2 adults + 2 child, 2 adults + 3 children, and 2 adults + 1 child.
Budget ($): Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol, 3-star family-friendly hotel located in a great area in central Madrid, very close to Puerta del Sol Square and Plaza Mayor. They have paid airport shuttle services, car rental, laundry services, 24-hour front desk, and excellent breakfast.
Apartment ($): Apartamentos Mayor Centro, great apartment style accommodation in Madrid city center, perfect place for big family. It has an unbeatable location, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, a good base for your family to explore the city on foot. The Three-Bedroom Apartment is a great choice for families of 5, 6, while Two-Bedroom Apartment is a good option for families of 4.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CENTRO2. Malasaña
Malasaña is a great base for families seeking a unique and energetic atmosphere, especially if you enjoy exploring artsy neighborhoods and experiencing a different side of Madrid.
Malasaña is known for its bohemian and alternative atmosphere. The neighborhood is filled with colorful street art, quirky boutiques, and eclectic cafes.
If your family enjoys a youthful and trendy environment, Malasaña is a great fit. It’s popular among the younger crowd and offers a lively atmosphere day and night.
Malasaña is relatively central and well-connected to other parts of Madrid. You can easily walk to the city center or use public transportation to explore other neighborhoods.
Best places to stay in Madrid in Malasaña with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá, 5-star kid-friendly hotel located in the heart of Madrid, within a short distance from the Royal Palace, Royal Theater, Plaza Mayor, Sabatini Gardens, and the Cathedral. They have a nice rooftop with gorgeous views and lovely sunsets. The Three Bedroom Suite can accommodate up to 8 family members.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Mayorazgo, 4-star family-friendly hotel centrally located on Gran Via, a short stroll from Plaza España and the Royal Palace. Easy access to Plaza España and Santo Domingo Metro Stations for trains to the Art Triangle, Retiro Park and Madrid Barajas Airport. It has a gift shop, tour desk, car rental services, and paid airport shuttle.
Budget ($): Arizonica Suites, family-friendly apartment-style accommodation in central Madrid, offering well-equipped, modern apartments. Easy access to Gran Vía (Main Street in Madrid), Noviciado Metro Station, and Plaza España. Good base for a big family.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN MALASAÑA3. Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the best areas in Madrid for families who appreciate a more upscale and tranquil environment, with easy access to high-end shopping and dining experiences.
Salamanca is one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhoods, known for its upscale boutiques, high-end shops, and luxurious architecture.
This area is home to Calle Serrano, Madrid’s premier shopping street with prestigious international and Spanish fashion brands. The neighborhood also boasts a selection of upscale restaurants, providing a taste of Madrid’s gastronomic scene.
Salamanca is known for being a safe and well-maintained area. The streets are generally quieter compared to the more central neighborhoods, which might be appealing for families looking for a peaceful atmosphere.
Best places to stay in Madrid in Salamanca with family:
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá , 5-star child-friendly hotel, conveniently located next to Plaza de Colón and Hard Rock Café, in the Salamanca district. Lots of nice restaurants in the area. Easy access to major sights such as Gran Via, Prado and Reina Sofia Museums. They have good sized rooms for families of 4 and 5.
Luxury ($$$): BLESS Hotel Madrid, 5-star family-friendly beautiful hotel in Salamanca, located in a great area, easy access to attractions, shops, and restaurants. It has an Outdoor swimming pool, paid airport shuttle services, and a wonderful breakfast. The Two Connecting Premium Room is a great choice for families of 4.
Mid-range ($$): ICON Embassy, 4-star kid-friendly hotel, located in the middle of Salamanca, close to Serrano Metro Station, offering easy access to all parts of the city. Within walking distance from The National Library, Retiro Park, and the local market La Paz.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SALAMANCA4. Retiro
Retiro is a good option for families who want a local neighborhood feel and close proximity to the famous Retiro Park. Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s largest and most beautiful green spaces.
Staying in this area allows easy access to the park, providing a tranquil retreat for your family. The park offers lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
Best places to stay in Madrid in Retiro for families with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid, 5-star kid-friendly hotel located within walking distance from Retiro Park. It has an outdoor swimming pool, parking, excellent breakfast, and a fitness center. There are a lot of shops and restaurants in the area. Good base for families of 4,5, and 6.
Mid-range ($$): Novotel Madrid Center, 4-star family-friendly hotel, located only 10 mins walk from 8 Retiro Park, and easy access to a selection of shops, bars, banks and restaurants. The hotel welcomes Children of all ages and Children 16 and above will be charged as adults. The Red metro line will get you to Sol and Royal Palace in 20 mins.
Mid-range ($$): voco Madrid Retiro, an IHG Hotel, popular 4-star kid-friendly hotel, located in a quiet neighborhood, right next to Retiro Park, 30 mins stroll/ short taxi ride from the historic center, Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofía Museums. Close to the Sainz de Baranda Metro Station for access to the IFEMA Center and Barajas Airport.
Apartment ($): Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments – Atocha Suites, good accommodation for a family with teens. Close to everything. A decent location especially if you need to use the main rail station -Atocha.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN RETIROIn conclusion, Centro, Salamanca, Malasaña, and Retiro are the best places to stay in Madrid for families with kids. These areas offer a safe central location for families to explore the city. They also have plenty of choices for child-friendly accommodations for all budgets and preferences.
You can continue reading these articles about Madrid:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Madrid. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.