A Taste of Madrid: Accessible Luxury Travel

Madrid hotels we’re obsessed with

Choosing a place to stay is a big decision, and honestly, we couldn’t have gone wrong. We wanted luxury, but accessibility was our top priority, and Madrid delivered some incredible options.

The Four Seasons Madrid was a dream. Located right in the heart of the Centro Canalejas complex, it felt like a perfect blend of old-world architecture and modern convenience. We had one of their accessible rooms, and everything, from the layout to the spacious bathroom, was perfect. The on-site spa and rooftop pool were also fully accessible. And we absolutely loved starting our day with the simple but delicious pan con tomate at breakfast at Dani Brasserie, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city.

The warm welcome to the Four Seasons Madrid

Four Seasons Madrid

The Mandarin Oriental Madrid is a lavish hotel situated in the heart of Spain’s capital, offering a blend of historic grandeur and contemporary luxury. Its beautifully restored Belle Époque building provides a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The hotel is very accessible, featuring step-free entrances, elevators to all floors, and adapted rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars.

Wanting a more modern feel, we would suggest checking out The Madrid EDITION. It has a sleek, contemporary design and guarantees accessible rooms, which we are big fans of. The hotel has a lively energy and its central location is perfect for exploring.

Rosewood Villa Magna is located in the fashionable Salamanca district, it’s in a very exclusive neighborhood with high-end shops and restaurants. The hotel has such a serene and private atmosphere, making it a great choice if you want to be in a quiet yet chic area. They’re also known to be very accessible, having gone through a complete remodel in 2021, and the staff is ready to help with any mobility needs.

And then there is the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. Since Meliá is a Spanish hotel company, the vibe is just right for Madrid. And you can really feel the history of the former palace in every corner, from the grand courtyards to the regal furnishings. Its location near the Royal Palace was ideal and the staff’s service was simply impeccable.

Adventures and activities in Madrid

Our trip was all about unique experiences, and we found some truly unforgettable ones.

Of the many things we enjoyed when we visited Madrid, a private tour of a historic marquis’ estate in the Spanish countryside was one of the most memorable. A private van made the trip completely stress-free, whisking us away from the city bustle to a stunning estate that was once a historical fort. The current marquis and his wife gave us a personal tour, and we enjoyed a wonderful Spanish meal in their company. While accessibility wasn’t perfect, it was definitely doable with some assistance.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid was breathtaking. It’s so grand, and we were able to navigate it with ease, as it is one of Madrid’s most accessible monuments. Exploring the royal apartments and armory felt like stepping back in time. They have elevators to take you to the upper floors and are quick to assist anyone who needs help.

One of our favorite afternoons was spent at Retiro Park. The wide, paved paths made it a breeze to get around, and they even have accessible boats you can rent on the lake. The chance to escape the city’s commotion was a welcome relief, especially when we could spend the time doing what we love: watching the world go by in a different country.

And of course, we had to see a flamenco show. We went to a tablao called Corral de la Morería, and the energy was electric. The performance was so passionate and raw; it’s something you just have to experience for yourselves. The venue is very intimate and we appreciated the great view we had from our seats.

Flamenco at Corral de la Morería

We also loved just exploring the city. We spent a good amount of time at Plaza Mayor, a gorgeous, historic square that’s been the center of life in Madrid for centuries. We also spent an afternoon people-watching in Puerta del Sol, which is buzzing with energy. It’s a great spot to see Madrid life happening all around you.

Wandering the streets of Madrid

The energy of Gran Vía is something you just have to see. We took a walk down this main boulevard, which is lined with amazing architecture, theaters, and shops. It was incredible to be right in the middle of all that activity, and it seems like the place for many of the youth of Madrid to hang out.

And for a truly local experience, do a tapas crawl through the La Latina neighborhood. This area is famous for its vibrant bars and incredible food. It can be a fun way to try a variety of local tapas while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Finally, definitely plan to spend time at the Mercado de San Miguel. It’s a historic market filled with gourmet tapas stands. Its wide aisles and flat floors made it more accessible than other traditional markets, and it was the perfect place to just browse, sample local foods, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Almudena Cathedral

Where we ate (and loved!)

Oh, the food! Madrid is a foodie paradise, with everything from Michelin-starred places to local gems.

• For a taste of tradition in a completely unique setting, we went to El Barril de las Cortes. This place is known for its classic Madrid cuisine, using high-quality ingredients, and its elegant, bustling atmosphere. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, and the menu offered a great selection of traditional Spanish dishes. It was the perfect spot for a delicious meal in a very cool, centrally located restaurant.

• We also loved Saddle, a one-star Michelin spot in the Chamberí district. Its modern and upscale setting means it is well-equipped to provide an accessible and elegant dining experience. The food was a beautiful fusion of classic and modern flavors.

• For a taste of real Madrid, try Casa Dani in the Mercado de la Paz. Their tortilla española is legendary, and eating it in that bustling market with locals all around was so much fun.

• And we had to visit La Casa del Abuelo, a true Madrid institution. They’re famous for their garlic shrimp, and the sweet red wine they serve with it is the perfect pairing. It’s a no-frills, authentic place that feels like stepping into history.

• Do not miss Mesón Rincón de la Cava, a classic cave-style restaurant in La Latina. The atmosphere was incredible! It felt like we were in a secret hideaway, a cool, ancient cave with low ceilings and rustic charm. It’s known for its roasted meats and traditional Spanish dishes, and the whole experience was just so unique. Just be aware that the bathrooms are not accessible.

Mesón Rincón de la Cava

• And for a sweet treat, we went to Madrid 1883 Churrería Chocolatería. We knew we had to try the churros, but we quickly realized they were nothing like the crispy Mexican ones we were used to. These were softer, more doughy, and meant for dipping. The real star was the hot chocolate, unbelievably thick, rich, and almost like a pudding. It was the perfect pairing and a delightful surprise!

Accessibility

We spend a lot of time researching accessibility, and in Madrid, we have been so happy with what we have found. The city has made huge strides. Most of the main attractions and museums we visited had great accessibility features, from ramps to dedicated elevators. The city’s main boulevards were well-maintained, making getting around pretty easy. We used a mix of private transportation and accessible taxis, which were a lifesaver.

Madrid has a very modern and user-friendly public transportation system. The Metro and city buses are both increasingly accessible, with many stations having elevators and adapted platforms. Use the official Madrid Metro app, which was a huge help because it clearly indicated which stations had accessible routes. The city’s buses are also a fantastic option, as they are all equipped with ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces.

Overall, we found Madrid to be surprisingly flat and easy to navigate. The main areas, like the Centro, Salamanca, and Retiro are all fairly level. However, we did encounter some steeper slopes in certain neighborhoods, so it was helpful to be aware of those.

Just wandering—one of the best things we did was simply roam around without a plan in the afternoon. Madrid is an amazing city to explore on foot. We would just pick a direction and see where the streets took us. We stumbled upon charming plazas, beautiful architecture, and hidden shops that we never would have found otherwise.

Don’t rush your meals. Seriously, dining in Madrid is an event, not just a necessity. We quickly learned to slow down and enjoy the experience. Lunch often starts around 2 pm, and dinner doesn’t even get going until 9 pm or later. We embraced the late-night culture, and it made us feel like we were truly living like locals.

Embrace the siesta. We quickly realized that the Spanish have it right. We planned our days to go out in the morning, come back to the hotel for a midday break when many smaller shops and restaurants close, and then head back out in the late afternoon. It kept us from getting exhausted and gave us a chance to recharge for the long Madrid nights.

As seasoned travelers who have explored Spain and other parts of Europe extensively, we’ve learned how to create a seamless and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you need expert advice on navigating a city with mobility assistance, require a perfectly planned itinerary, or simply want a trip tailored to your unique interests, we can help. Our personal experience ensures we can provide you with the insights and guidance needed to plan and execute a flawless trip to Madrid, anywhere else in Spain, or Europe in general.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Madrid page.