Barcelona may have the beach and Seville the raw Spanish vibes, but Madrid is where the gays go to play. Perhaps the most gay-friendly city in the world, it draws in upwards of 3 million LGBTQ+ tourists annually, has a population of around 500,000 gays in the region, and has the biggest Pride festival in Europe—sometimes, when walking the streets of Madrid, it can even feel like the gays outnumber the straights.

As such, you’d be hard-pressed to find any hotel that doesn’t open its arms to the LGBTQ+ community and—of course—the pink pounds that come with our tourism. And in the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, Madrid's latest crop of hotels that have opened since COVID are raising the bar, blending luxury, style, and inclusivity like never before.

Whether you’re seeking a lavish escape, a quirky novelty establishment, or a hub of social activity to make new friends, these standout hotels are redefining what it means to stay in Madrid for the LGBTQ+ traveler. So, if you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a gay group trip, you can’t go wrong picking one of these new fabulous five homes-from-home in Madrid.

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid – The Coolest New Hotel

Who doesn’t love a Hard Rock? A Hard Rock Café that is! The rock n’ roll themed chain of restaurants, shops and museums have been around since 1971, but of late they’ve expanded to try their hand at hotels. Towards the end of 2021 the hotel chain opened a branch in Madrid, located centrally in Atocha – right in front of Madrid’s famous modern art museum, the Reina Sofia.

You can really feel the spirit of rock n’ roll from the moment you enter the foyer of the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid because the décor really pops! The walls are bedecked with glass cased electric guitars and garish heavy metal outfits, juxtaposed with its homely sofas and raised tables. There’s a Hard Rock shop peddling rock paraphernalia by the check-in and to the side is a jazzy looking bar with rock idols like Bowie emblazoned on the walls. Walking through the foyer, you’ll arrive at a classic Hard Rock restaurant serving their usual menu of juicy burgers and American Classics.

Behind the restaurant is an open-air garden with Spanish sun beaming down between the city buildings. There you’ll find a cute pool beside sunbeds and parasols in the trademark striped red and white colors of the hotel. On the top floor is a cool rooftop bar selling their own themed cocktails, which is open to the public and has incredible 360 views. There are even food trucks at the back to add a rock festival feel to the experience.

The rooms maintain the hotel’s rockabilly theme – with nice touches of panache like music-inspired art and even a record player with custom made playlists – while still being luxurious. Choose between a range of rooms from the classic king-sized rooms to deluxe suites with views of either the bustling streets on Atocha outside or the aforementioned gardens at the back of the hotel.

The staff are also incredibly friendly and go the extra step to make you embrace your inner rock star – just don’t get carried away and partake in any defenestration by throwing your television through the window Rolling Stones style. 

UMusic Hotel Madrid – The Most Novel New Hotel

If your music tastes tend to lean more towards the classical then there’s a new hotel in Madrid, which caters to you too. The UMusic Hotel Madrid opened in November 2022 in a rather unique location: within the historic Albeniz Theatre just shy of one of Madrid’s most famous plazas, Sol. What sets this hotel apart – other than being a five-star establishment – is that visitors can purchase both a room and tickets to see a show as part of the same package – perfect for those wishing to make a night out at the theater an actual NIGHT at the theater.

The building façade is impressive all on its own with bronze statues of performers standing guard above the entrance, which is beautifully lit up by night. The entrance foyer is exactly what you’d expect from a historic home of arts and culture – to build the anticipation and excitement one gets from a night at the theater – with a balcony encircling it, a grand chandelier and the entrances to the auditorium visible behind the check-in desk. A presentation to the side presents whatever show is currently on – currently a rose covered mural with a huge mask to represent the Phantom of the Opera.

Venturing inside the hotel you’ll find a classically beautiful upscale restaurant on the second floor, serving quality Spanish cuisine ranging from porcini mushroom croquetas to tartare Brioche. Whereas, up on the roof is the Nolta Alta Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy a cityscape view over Sol with relaxing music in the background as you sip on an expertly mixed cocktail and nibble on some sushi. On the other side is a long outdoor pool with large beds to take in the Madrid sun with a drink from its own bar. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym for those who don’t want to let themselves go, even on holiday.

The rooms are elegantly decorated with views of either the streets below or courtyard – the biggest even having their own big terraces. 24-hour room service means you can order champagne whenever the mood is right. 

Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton – The Most Luxurious New Hotel

If themed hotels aren’t really your thing and all you’re seeking is a little lavish luxury then Hilton’s latest offerings, situated on the iconic Calle de la Montera, just steps away from Gran Vía, might be the perfect fit. Hotel Montera Madrid is a masterclass in luxury; it’s everything you’d expect from a Hilton hotel and passing through the – rather heavily guarded – entrance – itself decorated with Avant-garde Spanish art – you pass into what feels like the inside of a regal mansion. The chic lobby bar, “La Coctelería,” further in provides a stylish setting for enjoying a variety of expertly mixed drinks and tapas. Within the huge premises there are also two intimate lounges and three covered terraces with views of Grand Via and Montera Street.

The rooftop terrace is a true highlight, featuring an infinity pool with a flower painted bottom and a trendy bar, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the city buildings around it. The hotel’s spa is huge and offers a range of treatments, including a sauna and a steam room to pamper yourself in. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art gym, equipped with the latest workout machines and personal training services.

The rooms at Hotel Montera are a testament to stylish sophistication. Each features custom-designed furniture, exquisite marble bathrooms, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms and suites, all equipped with Nespresso machines, smart TVs, and premium bath amenities from Molton Brown. The suites offer additional luxury with private balconies that provide stunning views of the Madrid skyline.

The hotel's signature exclusive restaurant, ‘La Brasseri’ offers a gourmet menu that combines traditional Spanish dishes with innovative culinary techniques, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

Ocean Drive – The Best Value New Hotel

Sometimes a four-star hotel provides five-star service, and this is especially true at the recently opened Ocean Drive Madrid. The location is unbeatable, being in the quintessentially Madrid square that is Plaza de Isabel II, in front of the impressive Opera Palace. The square is always abuzz with the city’s palpable energy and filled with cafes and bars with bustling terraces. The Royal Palace is literally right behind it – meaning staying in the hotel will put you as close to living with royalty as most of us will ever get.

The reception is an instantly welcoming place with its own bright lobby bar, a co-working space discreetly tucked to the side and an impressive restaurant visible behind it with a garden terrace and open kitchen. Everything has a polished yet homely detail-orientated feel to it with artwork and shelves lined with potted plants adding to the atmosphere. The staff here are especially friendly from the moment you enter and go out of their way to make you feel at home. 

Ocean Drive’s rooftop bar is like a little oasis in the city, with a petite but beautiful pool, a cocktail bar and plant-filled solarium overlooking the plaza below and being the best spot in the city to take in the splendor of the opera hall opposite…with a cocktail of course.

The rooms are spacious, modern and classy with some quirky – yet useful – features like a beer dispenser and a machine to print photos. Their contemporary designs and natural furniture are made to evoke the hotel’s Ibizan origins. Rooms include the Corner Deluxe and Deluxe rooms with terrace, a selection of incredible rooms with views of Plaza Isabel II and the Royal Theater. Silence is assured because, despite being above the busy bars, the room’s boast a state-of-the-art insulation structure.

The Social Hub Madrid – The Most Budget Friendly and Sociable New Hotel

The Social Hub Madrid is exactly that: a hub of social activity. In fact, when walking through its doors you’d be forgiven for thinking that this wasn’t a hotel at all but rather a social space full of fun things to do and play with.

The newly opened Social Hub is in fact two properties joined together and upon entering through the joining arches you instantly pass a quaint café in the entrance. Turning right and passing through some doors labeled ‘Open Minds, Open Doors’, you’ll find no one barring your entrance into a bustling two floored café/restaurant/co-working space full of areas to drink. eat, work, socialize or just chill out. There’s a table tennis board, an entire wall of inexplicably placed fitness balls, a cinema room and a cafe just in this one area. The check-in area is at the back so as not to be imposing to those who just want to come in and enjoy the space – making it a great place to meet people.

Upstairs some neon-coloured stairs you can access the other floors which contain a big co-working space (for those who find downstairs a little too busy to concentrate on work), a well-stocked gym, a bar with an amazing view of the Royal Palace opposite and finally – on the top floor – a rooftop pool which unnervingly- or cooly depending on your perspective – has a see-through bottom to the staircase below.

The rooms have a quirky studenty feel to them. They aren’t luxurious, but they’re very budget friendly and touches like the community kitchen encourage you to mix with your fellow guests – and as it's Madrid there are sure to be LGBTQ+ folk amongst them. 

Signs bearing slogans like ‘Everybody Should Love Everybody’ around the property really drive home the message of the hotel, which is the message of Madrid in general: if you’re in Madrid, you’re from Madrid. And you’re welcome.

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