Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar - which MADRID HOTELS deluxe to luxury ?

short & sweet
madrid hotels 4 or 5 stars [ or equiv]

NH hotels or AC hotels or hospes ?
or any others ?

which are well located, newest ? etc....

if AC hotels - which madrid hotel is good / recommended ? likewise for NH.

villa magna ?

thanks
bbrick

The Ritz, next door to Museo del Prado

If you don't mind staying in a big hotel, the Eurostars Madrid Tower (http://www.eurostarsmadridtower.com/) has opened this year and is worth checking out.

The Silken Puerta America (http://www.hoteles-silken.com/HPAM/index.php) is also a great big hotel, with some very individual design bits and pieces (though a bit out of the centre).

One notch down from these two, I've had a great stay at the Hotel Rafael Atocha (http://www.rafaelhoteles.com/hotel.php?lng=en&hotel=at), which is simultaneously central and quiet, and can sometimes be had for very little money.

We stayed at the Palace and were very happy with the Starwood cash and points deal. $90 and 4800 pts per night as I recall. Loved the free espresso and IHT on the club floors (top two floors, be sure to ask for these). Super location near Prado.

But, no pool.

Check out the very famous (no kidding, the stained glass is amazing) dining room.

The Palace and Ritz are top-end properties, ones that would not normally be considered alternatives to the AC/NH offerings.

It's like comparing a Mercure to a Sofitel.

Agree, the Ritz and Palace are best two options. Great locations, close to Prado museum.

thank you for all the suggggestions.
and certainly there are alternatives eg rafael hotels - seems well located.

re ritz and palace...my fear is that they may be a bit worn and tired .

hence the ac hotels and nh hotels which appear "newer"

are there any more sugggestions and experiences of madrid hotels:-: