It's only right that we kick things off with the oldest hotel in Madrid. Having first opened its doors back in 1886, this grand and glorious establishment is located in the very soul of the vibrant Barrio de las Letras neighbourhood - all quirky concept bars, tapas joints and beautiful clothing boutiques. There are 48 rooms, each decked out with leather-panelled walls, brass fixtures and a carefully curated selection of original artworks. While there's much to be said for the luxurious king-size beds, it's the armchairs situated directly in front of the huge windows that we love - people-watching just got a serious upgrade. If you're staying over a weekend, slip downstairs to the in-house LobByto bar for classic cocktails and the soothing sounds of a live jazz performance.

Sexy and sublime, daring and design-forward, the Hotel Urban transports visitors into the wildest corners of owner Jordi Clos' imagination. For starters, there's an immense central atrium in the lobby, where ancient artworks are juxtaposed with art deco accents. Steel beams and matte-black stone encase a tower that looms overhead, while geometric shapes shimmer in rays of sunlight. All 96 bedrooms channel retro glamour with brown hues, neutral linens and leather detailing. Glass doors (which slide at the touch of a button, might we add) and funky coffee tables contrast dramatically with traditional pieces such as a 2,000-year-old Buddha. Head up to the rooftop pool and bar, where the menu spans both international and local fare: think charcuterie platters, fresh bread and croquettes alongside club sandwiches and salads - the cooling gazpacho makes for a delicious taste of Andalusian summer.

It's no secret that we're huge fans of just about everything that the hip hospitality group Sonder does. Housed in the neighbourhood it's named after, Sonder Malasaña is situated on a tree-line avenue, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a tranquil base. There are a handful of apartments, all unique in shape and size, but each sharing the same open-plan layout, as well as covetable objets d'art that include vintage prints, coffee-table books and antique furnishings. That late-summer city break with your main squeeze? Sorted.

Housed in an impressive 20th-century mansion situated at the beginning of the renowned Gran Vía street, The Principal couldn't be better positioned for exploring the capital's many galleries, museums and parks. A haven amid the downtown bustle, the hotel oozes eclectic sophistication, from its high ceilings, stained-glass windows and gilt-framed oil paintings to the millennial-pink velvet chairs, slate-grey walls and architectural brass chandeliers. There are 76 light-filled bedrooms, each spruced up with playful art deco touches. The in-house restaurant, Ático, serves as a destination in its own right, thanks to the delicious menu crafted by its two-Michelin-starred head chef Ramón Freixa. If the soft-shell crab is on the menu, order two.

A hotel with its own art gallery? We're sold. The 7 Islas Hotel was built in 2002 by Canarian hotelier Juan Rosa, whose aim was to create a home-from-home for islanders visiting the capital. A decade later, Rosa's three granddaughters took over, working alongside a talented design team to inject a new lease of life into the 79-key establishment. Today, visitors can expect hand-crafted rugs, walnut-wooden flooring and braided headboards, while top-floor suites come with private terraces, as well as yoga mats, organic toiletries and woven hammocks. The downstairs art space serves as a creative hub for the local community, allowing upcoming artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

Sister hotel to the equally well-turned-out Urso, Tótem prides itself on being a meeting point for Madrileños and visitors alike. The vibe? Achingly cool without being too aloof or try-hard, with avant-garde timelessness meeting contemporary flair in a palette of blush pinks, charcoal and vivid purples. Rooms flaunt cloud-like beds, mid-century furnishings and black marble bathrooms, with the larger suites opening up to intimate courtyards with corner sofas. The hotel's Green Pepper Restaurant is worthy of a daily reservation, thanks to its exceptional paella and ridiculously tasty chocolate brownie.

With a rooftop pool offering sweeping views across the capital, Bless Hotel Madrid's double daybeds almost demand that you spend an entire day basking in the balmy sunshine. There's also a shaded bar area, Picos Pardos Sky Lounge, where wooden bar stools, Spanish-tiled flooring and glistening golden drinks shelves are all cocooned in a whitewashed pergola. Planning your visit in the cooler months? No problem. There's a spa area and fitness studio to play around in, and if that's not your scene, we're fairly certain that the Fetén cocktail bar will satisfy.