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

Selection of other locations with hotels available:

Holiday Inn | Travel Inn | Marriott | Travelodge | Hilton | Hyatt | Novotel | Best Western | Comfort Inn | Sheraton
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