Hotel Emperador stands as an iconic fixture on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía. Designed by architects Julián and Joaquín Otamendi, the building was completed in 1947 and quickly became a glamorous hub for the city’s cultural elite. Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted legendary figures like Ernest Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and Sophia Loren, cementing its status as a symbol of mid-century sophistication.
The property is perhaps most famous for its stunning 10th-floor rooftop terrace. Featuring a large swimming pool that dates back to 1948, it was one of the first of its kind in Madrid. Even today, it remains a premier destination for those looking to enjoy a cocktail while overlooking the city’s historic skyline, including breathtaking views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
Beyond its history, the hotel offers a refined mix of classic elegance and modern comfort, with over 200 well-appointed rooms. The lobby bar is a favorite spot for guests to unwind, providing an intimate setting that feels worlds away from the bustling energy of the avenue outside.
Its location is unbeatable for anyone wanting to explore the heart of the capital. You are within walking distance of the historic Puerta del Sol and the grand Plaza Mayor. For art lovers, the famous “Art Triangle”—home to the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía museums—is just a short, pleasant walk away, making the Emperador a perfect starting point for discovering Madrid’s cultural treasures.
Expert reviews
“The chief recommendation at The Emperador, certainly in the summer, would be the roof-top swimming pool. There’s a bar up there, too, and captivating 360-degree views of the Spanish capital.”
What guests liked
- Rooftop pool
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
- Boutique style
Location
Recent guest reviews
30 June 2026
Very comfortable bed & a lovely suite with separate sitting room was wonderful. The rooftop pool was very large with
The location, the pool & the staff…the fact that we got an upgraded room was greatly appreciated!
The breakfast buffet
29 June 2026
Central Madrid hotel with the facilities of a resort.
No one could doubt the convenience and facilities of this lovely hotel in central Madrid. The pool area, in a heatwave, was like an oasis.
It was expensive and more than we would usually pay but it was a real treat!
28 June 2026
Buena ubicación y atención
Personal amable, buena ubicación
Piscina con mucha gente, no se podia usar
28 June 2026
This hotel was luxurious, well located and had a buzz to it.
I loved the pool, pool area and pool bar.
Nothing
27 June 2026
Great downtown choice for Madrid and only 35 mins metro to IFEMA conference
Would stay again.
Excellent downtown location near Plaza España metro.
Lovely architecture especially the reception and breakfast lobby.
Fabulous rooftop bar.
Excellent breakfast with a great range of options.
Spacious shower and powerful.
No light from the window which faced internally to the building and was a very small room (but NB, this type of room was possibly much quieter, which I wanted, so it might be a trade-off).
26 June 2026
Great home base during a hot summer week!
Stayed with spouse and teen. Room was a good size. Coffee/tea in the room replenished daily. Wonderful rooftop pool and restaurant. Perfect location for our holiday in Madrid. We did not get the breakfast option as we wanted to freedom to roam and try other things. Lots of places to eat nearby. Even though Gran Via is always bustling, our room was quiet.
There is some noise heard between rooms - the sound insulation isn’t 100% - but not really a big deal.
25 June 2026
A great city break
Excellent location, beautiful hotel and great staff
25 June 2026
Very relaxing hotel, wonderful pool
Central location, great staff at all levels
No loo brush, no hand rails or none slip
Matts on bath/shower
25 June 2026
Great location, stunning rooftop
The hotel is stunning, we felt we had arrived somewhere very luxurious and grand. The room was the same. The photos do not do justice to the rooftop area. The pool is really nice, you get a towel to use on arrival, first come first served for hotel guests but we went twice and didn't have much trouble finding a lounger. The views and the bar are stunning and not what I expected. I had been looking for a rooftop bar to visit whilst in Madrid and didn't realise we had the perfect one at our hotel. Loved our stay
25 June 2026
A very comfortable and well appointed hotel in a convenient location
Excellent central location
Nil
23 June 2026
I would totally recommend this hotel
Everything
Great location
The pool area is great
Nothing
23 June 2026
Was much better than expected the room was nice with an upgrade to a room with a balcony. The staff were extremely helpf
Location, staff, room was extra nice, amenities were good.
Blow dryer-it was connected permanently under the sink and hard to pull out far enough to use along with having to hold the button the whole time I was drying my hair.
22 June 2026
Perfect location and comfortable hotel
-rooftop terrasse and pool
-comfortable room with good amenities
-perfect location
-drinks very expensive at the terrace
-not enough sun loundge chairs (especially in the shadows)
20 June 2026
Absolutely loved it , we will return very soon . Thank you !
Helpful staff, superb location , amazing roof top pool
Nothing
15 June 2026
Enjoyed this recently refurbished and elegant old hotel, well located for city centre.
Amazing double deck pool space on top floor with deep water and views across Madrid - great facility
Poll deck restaurant is pricey for what it is. Disappointing that lifeguard didn't tackle large bunch of loud young men who were repeatedly jumping into pool, drinking beer in pool, and making unpleasant environment for other guests
14 June 2026
Great balance of facilities in city location
Great rooftop and pool
14 June 2026
We really enjoyed our stay. Location was great and staff were very friendly and helpful
We loved everything
13 June 2026
Spectacular facilities and location in beautiful Valencia.
Spectacular location and beautiful facilities for a good price. Breakfast is exceptionally good and delicious
Nothing
13 June 2026
Would come here again. Good place to stay at to see Madrid
Roof top, staff, lobby was a 10/10
It was hard to get staff attention at the pool bar/ restaurant at times. Nothing too bad.
12 June 2026
Amazing hotel with great location and staff !
The hotel is great ! Super well located and the staff super professional !
Nothing !
12 June 2026
Beautiful hotel in a terrific location! Can’t go wrong with this one.
We loved the clean comfortable rooms. And our family especially enjoyed the pool area. We had a beautiful sunset dinner there.
8 June 2026
Good one night stay for us...
Very central, room immaculate and clean. No complaints
The view could have been better..
7 June 2026
Enjoyed the holiday but hard on the picket
Roof terrace and pool excellent. Location perfect
A bit pricy for small and tired room
24 euros per person for breakfast
7 June 2026
All you will need for a great stay in Madrid.
Excellent location and great facilities.
Very small issue. Not a criticism but a suggestion - a more varied selection of fruit in the morning for breakfast but all in all a great hotel for a stay in Madrid. Staff were great.
7 June 2026
Fantastic place to stay while visiting Madrid
We been here before and for sure will come back the location is great, the rooms are very comfortable, even being by a busy street we were surprised with the great windows
Nothing
3 June 2026
Very much recommendable.
Great location. Very clean. Spacious lobby. Friendly and helpful staff.
2 June 2026
Met my needs for the trip
Central location in Gran Via, very convenient to walk
The room they gave me didn’t have any views, you were basically looking at the back of another building
2 June 2026
An older style hotel in a central location.
The central location.
The old-style shower over bath
31 May 2026
It was wonderful.
The hotel's location, staff, and cleanliness were excellent. The breakfast was very varied. The poolside area was also a great place to relax during this hot weather.
28 May 2026
Great Hotel in Downtown Madrid
Great hotel in the heart of Madrid. Easy walk to so many things - restaurants, parks, Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Plaza del Sol, etc. Very nice lounge/restaurant/pool on the roof, with great views of Madrid. It had the best breakfast buffet of any Spanish hotel we stayed in.
28 May 2026
Our dream stay in Madrid
Everything! Location was amazing, so central. The room was so spacious and perfect room temp in hot weather. Super clean. Staff extremely attentive. Rooftop is worth going here for alone but everything was superb! Really appreciated the unexpected room upgrade and little birthday treat for my Mom. Attention to detail here is 100%!
Nothing!
26 May 2026
Great spot for shopping/sightseeing and relaxing!
Swimming pool and rooftop area amazing. A real oasis in the city when it’s hot.
Staff all lovely.
Nothing.
Hotel facilities
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Food & Drink
- - Bar
- - Snack bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Fitness
- - Temporary art galleries
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
Pool and wellness
- - Rooftop pool
- - Pool with view
- - Pool bar
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

2 July 2026
Fabulous location in the heart of Madrid.