Madrid, the capital of Spain, is also one of the country's most popular travel destinations, known internationally for its diverse cultural attractions. Most well-known is its Golden Triangle of Art, which runs along the Paseo del Prado, it contains the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. On the walls hang Goyas, El Grecos, Titians and of course, Picassos.

Just as artistic is the food of Spain, from its tapas to its paellas, full of flavour and history, meant to be enjoyed with sweet sangria or a rich Spanish wine.

One does not have to be rich to enjoy the luxuries of Spain: the historic art, the famed churches, the ever-present sun, the festive Flamenco dancers and the tapestry of tapas. The following cheap hotels in Madrid are convenient and accommodating, perfect resting spots for your Spanish adventures.

Best for Luxury on a budget

The Axor Barajas Hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and ideal for those with very early or very late flights. It also has a free shuttle for guests. A very clean and modern hotel, it is also situated close to the IFEMA Exhibition Center and Parque El Capricho. The hotel has 217 fully-equipped rooms, WiFi, a gym, business center, bar and meeting rooms. Spacious and stylish, the decor is predominantly black and white. Breakfast is available for 19 euros. Close to the hotel is the Clover House, at Calle Campezo 14, which offers traditional Irish food with a Spanish twist. Specialties include Iberico Ham Croquettes, Salmon with Fresh Herbs and Butter, and Picadillo. Served with a wide variety of Irish, German and British beers.

Best for City Centre

The Petit Palace Avenida-Gran Vía is smack-dab in the historic heart of Madrid, near all major tourist attractions...yet still quiet enough to ensure a good night's rest. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, deposit box, hydro shower and free breakfast buffet. Special "high tech" rooms also include a computer, exercise bike, and trouser press. Close by, at Calle Princesa 5, is Cerveceria Restaurante Kruger, which serves up German cuisine (Spain is a top vacation spot for Germans, and you will see many restaurants and shops catering specifically to Germans) such as: Codillo asado (ham shank), Weinerschnitzel, Pate plate, Onion Soup, Wurst Salad and pastries. Prost! Gracias!

Best for couples

The Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen, at Plaza del Carmen 4, is a cosy and charming boutique hotel in the center of Madrid, close to the Gran Via, Calle Preciados, Hapsburg Madrid, Jardines di Sabatini and Puerta Del Sol. The underground station "Santo Domingo" is mere steps away. Each well-appointed and comfortable room includes a laptop with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, free coffee in the hallway, and hydro-massage shower, as well as breakfast buffet (extra).  For those who want to stay close to "home" for dinner, a great restaurant can be found nearby at Casa Labra, Calle de Tetuan 12, and serves traditional Spanish food including Bacalao, Empanadillas, Iberico Ham, Albodingas, Rice Pudding and Flan.

Best for Simplicity

The very chic and basic Mayerling is a quiet oasis in Madrid's Habsburg District. The Reina Sofia, Thyssen and Prado museums are close by as are the fabulous restaurants of the Plaza de Santa Ana...just five minutes away. A former textile warehouse, it's been converted into a very unique blend of modern and historic.
Guests can enjoy the neighbourhood cuisine at Lateral, Punto de la Castellana 42. This stark, extremely modern restaurant is decorated in pure white, with bonsai trees and splashes of colour. The restaurant takes its decorative acumen to new levels with its gorgeously presented food, which includes Fried Artichokes with Ham, Sirloin with Foie Gras, Smoked Tuna with Tomato Jam, Gazpacho, Melted Brie with Salmon and much more. The ultimate food lover's sampling of the best of Spain.