Discount Hotels Madrid
Historical interest: Madrid

Madrid is commonly thought to have been founded in 854 AD by the Emir of Córdoba,
who established a fort in the area known as Magerit. Muslim rule ended in 1085
when King Alfonso VI of Castile took control.
However, Madrid remained on the periphery of the newly emerging global superpower
- Spain. Spain was rapidly rising following the discovery of America and Spanish
accession to the Habsburg throne. This changed in 1561 though, when Philip II
announced the city as the new capital.
The under-developed Madrid offered great scope for expansion but its position
in the middle of the country, away from either coast or a major river, made
it an unattractive choice for a capital. Unperturbed, the rulers quickly started
building sumptuous palaces and buildings. However, the majority of the population
lived in abject squalor. Madrid's fortunes declined with those of Spain itself:
loss of power in Europe, loss of its colonies and occupation by Napoleon.
Following liberation from French rule, the 19th century saw improved living
conditions for the city's poor, and the emergence of a middle class following
confiscation of church property by the government in 1837.
The 20th century saw further social improvements, until the catastrophic civil
war of 1936-39. The victorious dictator, Franco, made Madrid his home. He died
in 1975 and the city and country ushered in a democratic government; Madrid's
first free municipal elections were held in 1979.
Today Madrid retains a reputation for radical protest, exuberant nightlife
and Castilian virtues and ideals, which often causes problems with rival cities
such as Barcelona.
Selection of hotels in this region:
AC Aitana | | Rafael Hoteles Atocha | | Husa Moncloa | | Hotel High Tech Avenida | | AC Avenida de America | | Hotel Villa Real | | Urban Hotel | | Partner Negresco Hotel | | Principe Pio Hotel | | Asturias Hotel | | NH Parque Avenidas | | Carlos V | | Tryp Cibeles | | Hotel Santo Domingo | | Tryp Gran Via | | Tryp Menfis | | Sofitel Madrid Plaza De Espana | | Mayorazgo Hotel | | Hotel Cortezo | | NH Alcala | | Alexandra Hotel | | High Tech Petit Palace Londres | | Hotel Opera | | Holiday Inn Madrid | | Hotel Occidental Miguel Angel | | Hotel Lope de Vega | | Hotel Carlton | | Hotel Ritz | | H10 Villa de la Reina | | NH Embajada | | Abba Castilla Plaza Hotel | | NH Abascal | | Hotel Prime Cliper | | Gran Hotel Velazquez | | Hotel Agumar | | Hotel Abba Aramo | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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