I recently spent two weeks in Madrid staying at an aparthotel, and I found it much more suitable for longer stays than traditional hotels. I’d like to share my experience and discuss some key points to consider when choosing an aparthotel.
Why Choose an Aparthotel
Initially, I was torn between booking a traditional hotel or an apartment. I eventually discovered that if you’re staying for more than 3 days, aparthotels offer much better value for money. The main advantage is having a kitchen where you can cook your own meals—eating out every day can really take its toll. Plus, Madrid apartments offer significantly more space than regular hotel rooms, with separate living rooms and bedrooms for greater comfort.
Regarding pricing, I compared rates across several platforms and compiled an approximate range:
| Area | Nightly Rate Range | Recommendation | |
|---|
| Near Puerta del Sol | €80-150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Salamanca District | €100-200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lavapiés | €60-120 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chamartín | €70-130 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Location is Crucial
Location really matters. The first apartment I booked was in Chamartín, and while the room conditions were good, I had to take the metro every time I went into the city center—the back-and-forth commute was quite tiring. Later, I switched to an apartment near Puerta del Sol, where I could walk to major attractions—so much more convenient.
If you’re mainly sightseeing, I recommend choosing areas around Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía. Although prices are slightly higher, when you factor in the time and transportation costs saved, it actually evens out. The Salamanca district offers a better environment and is ideal for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.
Verify Amenities in Advance
Be sure to carefully read the property description before booking. The place I stayed at had a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, and complete kitchen equipment—basically everything you could want. However, some apartments may only have a simple microwave and refrigerator, making cooking less convenient.
Also note that not all apartments provide daily cleaning services—many only clean once a week or upon checkout. If this matters to you when considering quiet Madrid apartments, make sure to ask beforehand. WiFi speed is also worth checking—the place I stayed at had decent internet, but I’ve heard from friends that some apartments in older buildings with Madrid apartment designs have weaker signals.
Booking Recommendations
You can book through either Booking.com or Airbnb—I personally prefer Booking.com because of their relatively flexible cancellation policies. During peak season, I recommend booking at least a month in advance to get better prices. If you’re traveling during low season, you might find great last-minute deals.
One more thing: check-in time is usually after 3 PM, but many apartments can accommodate early check-in or luggage storage. When my flight arrived in the morning, I contacted them in advance via email, and the host let me drop off my luggage at the apartment so I could explore the city before returning to check in—very accommodating. Overall, the aparthotel experience in Madrid was excellent, especially suitable for people like me who enjoy cooking their own meals and need more private space. If you’re considering this type of accommodation, I hope this information helps.
