Where to Stay in Madrid: Best Areas & Hotels

Best for: First-time visitors, short city breaks, central sightseeing, public transport, shopping and travelers who want major attractions within easy reach.

Puerta del Sol is one of the strongest choices for a first visit to Madrid, placing you in the heart of the historic centre with convenient access to major attractions, pedestrian shopping streets and public transport. Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, the Royal Palace area and Barrio de las Letras are all accessible on foot, making Sol particularly useful for travelers with limited time. Its central location also provides easy connections to other neighborhoods, including Salamanca, Retiro and Chamberí. The streets around Calle de la Salud, Calle del Carmen and Plaza del Carmen offer practical hotel locations for visitors who want to explore the city without depending heavily on taxis.

Keep in mind: Sol is among Madrid’s busiest tourist areas, with substantial pedestrian activity throughout the day and evening. Hotels directly overlooking major squares or popular pedestrian streets may experience more noise, while rooms facing interior courtyards can offer a quieter alternative. The area is particularly convenient, but it is not the best choice for travelers seeking a peaceful residential atmosphere.

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Best for: First-time visitors, Royal Palace sightseeing, historic architecture, romantic city breaks, traditional restaurants and classic Madrid atmosphere.

Madrid de los Austrias is one of the best neighborhoods for experiencing Madrid’s historic character, elegant squares and royal landmarks. Centered around Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Palace, the district combines centuries-old architecture, traditional restaurants and atmospheric streets. Visitors can explore Almudena Cathedral, Teatro Real and Plaza de la Villa, while Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía are also within walking distance. The neighborhood is particularly appealing for couples and first-time visitors who prefer historic surroundings over busy shopping boulevards. Hotels around Ópera offer excellent access to cultural attractions, restaurants and the Royal Palace.

Keep in mind: Streets around Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace can become crowded, especially during weekends. Historic buildings may have varying room layouts, while pedestrian restrictions and narrow streets can complicate luggage transfers. Travelers seeking nightlife or designer shopping may prefer Chueca or Salamanca.

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Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, theaters, nightlife, rooftop bars, central hotels and travelers who enjoy an energetic urban atmosphere.

Gran Vía is Madrid’s most famous commercial boulevard, celebrated for its impressive early twentieth-century architecture, theaters, major shopping destinations and rooftop venues. Staying here places visitors near Callao, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de España, with convenient connections to the Royal Palace and the historic centre. The avenue is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy shopping, evening entertainment and the atmosphere of a major European capital. Hotels around the central section of Gran Vía provide excellent access to metro stations, restaurants and pedestrian routes, making the area especially attractive for shorter stays and first-time visitors.

Keep in mind: Gran Vía is lively, heavily visited and generally more commercial than Madrid’s historic residential neighborhoods. Street-facing rooms may experience traffic or nighttime activity, particularly near busy intersections and entertainment venues. Hotels offering premium views or rooftop facilities can also command higher prices. Travelers who prefer quieter evenings should compare room orientation and nearby streets before booking.

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Best for: Art museums, romantic city breaks, boutique accommodation, historic streets, traditional restaurants and cultural sightseeing.

Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter, offers one of the city’s most appealing combinations of culture, atmosphere and convenience. Its streets are associated with celebrated Spanish writers, while Plaza de Santa Ana, Calle de Huertas and the surrounding neighborhood provide an attractive mix of restaurants, cafés and historic buildings. The Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums are nearby, and visitors can also explore the Reina Sofía Museum and Puerta del Sol on foot. The neighborhood is particularly attractive for couples and cultural travelers who want central accommodation with more distinctive character than the city’s busiest shopping districts.

Keep in mind: Barrio de las Letras is not uniformly quiet. Streets around popular restaurants and Plaza de Santa Ana can become lively in the evenings, while smaller historic properties may have varying room layouts and facilities. The neighborhood is excellent for walking, but travelers with substantial luggage should check the precise hotel location and vehicle access arrangements.

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Best for: Luxury travelers, sophisticated couples, designer shopping, fine dining, upscale boutique hotels and refined city breaks.

Salamanca is Madrid’s leading neighborhood for luxury shopping and elegant accommodation, offering wide streets, beautifully maintained buildings and a polished residential atmosphere. The famous Golden Mile stretches around Calle de Serrano, Calle de José Ortega y Gasset and Calle de Claudio Coello, where international fashion houses stand alongside sophisticated restaurants and cafés. The neighborhood provides a different experience from the crowded historic centre, making it particularly appealing for travelers who prioritize luxury, comfort and shopping. Its western streets also offer convenient access to Plaza de Colón, Puerta de Alcalá and Retiro Park.

Keep in mind: Salamanca is generally more expensive than many other parts of Madrid, particularly for prestigious hotels and premium accommodation. Although several major attractions are within reach, visitors focused on Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and historic central sightseeing may need to use public transport more frequently. The neighborhood is best suited to travelers who value its atmosphere and shopping opportunities rather than immediate proximity to every landmark.

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Best for: Nightlife, LGBTQ+ travelers, couples, contemporary boutique hotels, independent shopping, cocktail bars and fashionable city breaks.

Chueca is one of Madrid’s most energetic neighborhoods, known for its inclusive atmosphere, lively restaurants, independent boutiques and vibrant social scene. Located immediately north of Gran Vía, the area around Plaza de Chueca, Calle de Hortaleza and Plaza de Pedro Zerolo offers excellent access to dining, shopping and nightlife. Chueca is especially attractive for travelers who want to experience contemporary Madrid while remaining close to the historic centre. The neighboring Salesas district provides a slightly more refined atmosphere, with elegant boutiques and sophisticated restaurants, making the wider area appealing to design-conscious visitors.

Keep in mind: Chueca’s nightlife is an important part of its character, and streets around popular bars and gathering places can remain active late into the evening. Travelers seeking quiet family accommodation or an early bedtime may find Retiro, Salamanca or selected parts of Chamberí more comfortable. Hotel location and room orientation can make a significant difference to the overall experience.

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Best for: Creative travelers, younger couples, vintage shopping, independent cafés, alternative nightlife, design-focused accommodation and neighborhood exploration.

Malasaña is Madrid’s creative and bohemian neighborhood, famous for its connection to the Movida Madrileña cultural movement and its concentration of independent businesses. The streets surrounding Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Calle del Pez and Calle de la Palma offer vintage stores, alternative fashion boutiques, cafés and relaxed restaurants. Unlike Gran Vía’s large-scale shopping and entertainment, Malasaña focuses more on smaller establishments and neighborhood character. Its central position also makes it practical for exploring Chueca, Gran Vía and Plaza de España, while offering a distinctive atmosphere that appeals to travelers interested in contemporary urban culture.

Keep in mind: Malasaña can be noisy around popular bars and nightlife streets, particularly on weekends. Its accommodation is often found in smaller historic buildings, where room sizes, accessibility and sound insulation vary. Travelers who prioritize luxury shopping or traditional five-star hotel facilities may prefer Salamanca, while families seeking quieter surroundings should consider Retiro or Chamberí.

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Best for: Families, couples, green spaces, museums, quieter accommodation, walking, outdoor activities and relaxed city breaks.

Retiro and Jerónimos are particularly attractive for visitors who want a calmer atmosphere with access to some of Madrid’s most important cultural attractions. Retiro Park is the area’s main highlight, offering extensive gardens, walking routes and opportunities for families to enjoy time outdoors. The nearby Jerónimos neighborhood provides elegant streets and convenient access to the Prado Museum, Royal Botanical Garden and Puerta de Alcalá. Hotels close to Calle de Alfonso XII are especially appealing for combining museum visits with park activities, while accommodation farther east in Retiro can provide a more residential experience.

Keep in mind: The wider Retiro district is larger than the area directly surrounding the park, so not every hotel advertised as being in Retiro offers immediate access to the Prado Museum or major attractions. Visitors focused on shopping and nightlife may prefer Sol, Gran Vía or Chueca. Compare the hotel’s exact street location, especially if walking convenience is important.

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Best for: Couples, repeat visitors, longer stays, traditional restaurants, residential atmosphere, neighborhood cafés and travelers who prefer areas beyond the busiest tourist streets.

Chamberí is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience a more residential side of Madrid while retaining convenient access to the city centre. The district includes elegant Almagro, the lively restaurant streets around Ponzano and the attractive squares of Trafalgar, including Plaza de Olavide. Its architectural character, independent cafés and traditional dining establishments give Chamberí a distinctive atmosphere that differs from Sol or Gran Vía. The area is particularly appealing for repeat visitors, couples and travelers staying several nights who want to enjoy neighborhood restaurants, local streets and a less tourist-focused daily routine.

Keep in mind: Chamberí covers several neighborhoods with different atmospheres and transport connections. Hotels in Almagro and near Alonso Martínez can be particularly convenient for reaching the centre, while properties farther north may require more frequent metro journeys. The district also contains lively restaurant streets, so it should not automatically be considered quieter in every location.

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Best for: Food lovers, couples, tapas bars, historic Madrid, boutique accommodation, traditional squares and weekend exploration.

La Latina is one of Madrid’s most atmospheric historic neighborhoods, known for its winding streets, traditional taverns and lively tapas culture. Calle de Cava Baja is particularly famous for its restaurants and bars, while Plaza de la Cebada, Plaza de la Paja and the surrounding squares provide attractive places to experience the neighborhood’s character. La Latina is also convenient for exploring Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace area and El Rastro, Madrid’s celebrated Sunday flea market. It is particularly rewarding for travelers who prefer historic streets, casual dining and neighborhood atmosphere over luxury shopping boulevards or large international hotels.

Keep in mind: La Latina can become extremely busy during weekends, particularly around El Rastro and popular tapas streets. Some hotels occupy historic buildings with compact rooms, while restaurants and bars may create evening noise. The area’s narrow streets and occasional slopes should also be considered by travelers with heavy luggage or mobility requirements.

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Best for: Food lovers, independent travelers, multicultural restaurants, contemporary art, alternative culture, budget-conscious visitors and local experiences.

Lavapiés is one of Madrid’s most distinctive neighborhoods, known for its multicultural atmosphere, international restaurants and creative cultural scene. Located south of Tirso de Molina and near Atocha, its lively streets feature traditional taverns, independent shops and diverse dining options. Highlights include Mercado de San Fernando, La Casa Encendida and contemporary art galleries around Calle del Doctor Fourquet, while the Reina Sofía Museum is also nearby. Lavapiés is particularly appealing for travelers interested in authentic neighborhood experiences, alternative culture and accommodation that can offer better value than Madrid’s prestigious central districts.

Keep in mind: Lavapiés has a lively atmosphere, and some streets can become noisy during evenings. Narrow streets, slopes and older buildings may affect accessibility, while hotel quality and room facilities vary. Travelers seeking luxury accommodation or consistently peaceful surroundings may prefer Salamanca or Retiro.

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Best for: Railway travelers, cultural sightseeing, short city breaks, high-speed train connections, museum visits and travelers planning day trips.

Atocha and Paseo del Arte are particularly convenient for travelers who want to combine Madrid’s major museums with efficient rail connections. The southern end of the cultural district includes the Reina Sofía Museum, Royal Botanical Garden and convenient access to the Prado Museum, while Atocha station serves many long-distance and high-speed railway routes. This area works especially well for travelers arriving by train, planning excursions to Toledo or other Spanish destinations, or spending a short time in Madrid before continuing their journey. Accommodation along Paseo del Prado provides a useful balance between railway access and the city’s cultural attractions.

Keep in mind: The wider Atocha area includes busy roads, transport infrastructure and streets with noticeably different atmospheres. Hotels directly near the station may be more convenient for early departures, while accommodation toward Paseo del Prado is often better positioned for museum sightseeing. Always confirm which Madrid station serves your particular train, as not every high-speed service departs from Atocha.

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Best for: First-time visitors, short city breaks, major attractions, central sightseeing, shopping, restaurants and convenient public transport.

Best areas: Puerta del Sol / Gran Vía / Plaza del Carmen

For your first visit to Madrid, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía offer the strongest combination of sightseeing convenience, central accommodation and transport connections. Staying in this area makes it easy to explore Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Gran Vía’s shopping streets and many of the city’s historic attractions on foot. Hotel Liabeny is an excellent all-round choice for its central position, while Hyatt Centric Gran Vía Madrid appeals to travelers seeking a more upscale experience. Both work particularly well for short stays when convenience matters more than a peaceful residential setting. Choose accommodation on a quieter side street or request an interior-facing room if nighttime noise is a concern.

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Best for: Families with children, spacious accommodation, Retiro Park, outdoor activities, art museums, relaxed sightseeing and quieter surroundings.

Best areas: Retiro / Jerónimos / Paseo del Prado

Retiro and Jerónimos are among the most attractive locations for families visiting Madrid, offering access to green spaces, cultural attractions and generally calmer streets than the busiest central shopping districts. Retiro Park is particularly useful for combining museum visits with outdoor activities, while the nearby Prado Museum and Royal Botanical Garden provide additional sightseeing opportunities. Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII is an excellent family-friendly option directly opposite the park, and Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza offers convenient access to both Retiro and the art district. Before booking, compare family room occupancy, bed configurations and the exact walking route to your preferred attractions.

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Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, designer shopping, five-star hotels, fine dining, sophisticated surroundings and special occasions.

Best areas: Salamanca / Golden Mile / Canalejas

For luxury accommodation and elegant shopping, Salamanca is one of Madrid’s strongest choices. Its prestigious Golden Mile, particularly around Calle de Serrano and Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, offers designer boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and beautifully maintained residential streets. Hotel Único Madrid is especially appealing for travelers seeking an intimate five-star boutique experience in this elegant neighborhood. For luxury closer to the historic centre, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid provides exceptional facilities around Canalejas, while Mandarin Oriental Ritz combines prestigious hospitality with outstanding access to the Prado Museum and Retiro Park. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize shopping, sightseeing or an exclusive hotel experience.

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Best for: Art lovers, couples, Prado Museum visits, the Golden Triangle of Art, boutique hotels, historic streets and cultural city breaks.

Best areas: Barrio de las Letras / Paseo del Prado / Plaza de las Cortes

Barrio de las Letras and Paseo del Prado provide an outstanding base for travelers whose Madrid itinerary focuses on art, museums and cultural landmarks. The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums are all accessible from this central cultural district, while Barrio de las Letras adds traditional restaurants, historic streets and atmospheric cafés. NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado is our preferred overall recommendation for museum-focused sightseeing, combining an exceptional location with comfortable five-star accommodation. CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha is particularly attractive for boutique character, while Hotel Villa Real offers distinctive interiors and an original art collection. These areas are excellent for travelers who want to spend less time on transport and more time exploring Madrid’s cultural heritage.

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Best for: Nightlife, couples, creative culture, LGBTQ+ travelers, independent boutiques, cocktail bars, fashionable restaurants and lively city breaks.

Best areas: Chueca / Malasaña / Salesas

For nightlife and contemporary Madrid culture, Chueca and Malasaña are two of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. Chueca is known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, fashionable restaurants and energetic nightlife, while Malasaña offers vintage shopping, creative cafés, alternative bars and a distinctive independent atmosphere. Salesas provides a slightly more refined alternative close to Chueca’s nightlife and shopping streets. Room Mate Óscar is a convenient choice for visitors who want to stay directly in Chueca, while Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid combines elegant accommodation with access to the surrounding restaurant scene. Consider the location of nearby bars and the orientation of your room if uninterrupted sleep is important.

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Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, couples, solo visitors, affordable accommodation, short stays, convenient transport, cultural sightseeing and practical central hotels.

Best areas: Atocha / Barrio de las Letras / Selected streets near Sol

Travelers seeking better value in Madrid should compare accommodation around Atocha, Barrio de las Letras and the streets surrounding the historic centre rather than focusing exclusively on the most prominent shopping boulevards. These locations can provide convenient access to major attractions without requiring a luxury hotel budget. ibis Styles Madrid Prado is a useful starting point for relatively affordable accommodation near the art museums, while Hotel Liabeny offers strong central convenience for travelers who prioritize sightseeing. Hotel Catalonia Atocha is another option worth comparing, particularly for visitors combining museum visits with railway journeys. Prices can vary considerably by date, so compare the final booking cost, room category and cancellation conditions before deciding.

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The most convenient neighborhood is not necessarily the same for every Madrid visitor. Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía are excellent starting points for first-time travelers who want shopping, restaurants and major historic attractions within walking distance. Barrio de las Letras and Paseo del Prado are particularly attractive for art museums and cultural sightseeing, while Salamanca is better suited to luxury shopping and an elegant hotel experience.

Before booking, identify the attractions and activities that will occupy most of your time. Hotel Liabeny is especially practical for central sightseeing, while NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado is an excellent option for museum-focused trips. Travelers prioritizing Retiro Park and a more relaxed atmosphere should compare Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII, while those interested in fashion and upscale dining may prefer Hotel Único Madrid in Salamanca. Choosing the right area first often makes finding the right hotel considerably easier.

The historic centre covers a substantial area, and locations around Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España, La Latina and Paseo del Prado offer different walking distances. Even within the same neighborhood, a hotel on a quiet side street can provide a noticeably different experience from one overlooking a major boulevard or popular nightlife square.

Check the actual pedestrian route between your hotel and the places you expect to visit most frequently. Hotel Liabeny is well positioned for Sol and Gran Vía, while CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha is particularly convenient for Barrio de las Letras and the museum district. If you plan to visit the Royal Palace, prioritize convenient access to western central Madrid; for the Prado and Retiro Park, consider Paseo del Arte or Jerónimos. Travelers with mobility limitations or heavy luggage should also assess street gradients, pedestrian access and the hotel’s entrance arrangements.

Madrid has an extensive public transport network, making it possible to stay outside the busiest central streets without sacrificing sightseeing convenience. However, proximity to a metro station does not always mean that a particular journey is direct. Before choosing your hotel, consider the stations you will use most frequently, the number of transfers required and the convenience of reaching your accommodation with luggage.

If you are arriving by high-speed train or planning excursions to other Spanish cities, check whether your service uses Atocha or Chamartín station. NH Madrid Nacional and Hotel Catalonia Atocha are useful options for travelers prioritizing Atocha connections, while hotels farther north may be more convenient for Chamartín. Airport travelers should also compare public transport routes with taxi or private transfer arrangements, particularly for early departures, late arrivals or family travel. Always verify current service schedules and your specific station before booking.

Madrid is famous for its lively evenings, but the atmosphere varies considerably between neighborhoods and individual streets. Chueca and Malasaña are particularly attractive for nightlife, cocktail bars and fashionable restaurants, while Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol remain busy commercial and entertainment areas. La Latina also attracts substantial evening activity around its tapas streets, especially during weekends.

Travelers who enjoy nightlife may appreciate Room Mate Óscar in Chueca or 7 Islas Hotel near Malasaña, while those seeking a calmer atmosphere should consider selected locations in Retiro, Salamanca or Chamberí. However, even an elegant neighborhood can contain lively restaurants and busy roads. Compare guest comments about noise, check whether rooms face the street or an interior courtyard, and consider requesting a quieter room category if uninterrupted sleep is important.

Families should consider more than a hotel’s neighborhood and star classification. The number of guests permitted in each room, available beds, connecting rooms, lift access and practical services for children can all affect comfort. Retiro and Jerónimos are particularly attractive for families because they provide convenient access to Retiro Park, museums and outdoor activities, while central locations around Sol may be more practical for short sightseeing itineraries.

Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII and Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza are excellent starting points for family accommodation near the park and the Prado Museum. Before booking, confirm the exact bed configuration, room occupancy limits, baby equipment availability and breakfast arrangements. Travelers using wheelchairs or strollers should also verify accessible entrances, lifts, bathroom facilities and pedestrian routes rather than assuming that every room or station provides the same level of accessibility.

Hotel star classifications provide a useful starting point, but they do not tell the whole story about room comfort, atmosphere or facilities. Some five-star hotels emphasize historic architecture, fine dining and personalized service, while others offer larger wellness areas, swimming pools or extensive business facilities. Similarly, a well-located four-star boutique hotel may be more suitable for your trip than a more expensive property with amenities you are unlikely to use.

Hotel Único Madrid offers intimate luxury in Salamanca, while Hotel Orfila provides a traditional historic experience in Chamberí. Hyatt Centric Gran Vía Madrid is particularly attractive for shopping and rooftop dining, and CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha appeals to travelers seeking spacious boutique accommodation and a courtyard pool. Compare room size, views, air conditioning, breakfast, fitness facilities and swimming pool access before deciding. Remember that seasonal amenities or certain wellness services may not be available throughout the year or included in every booking.

Madrid attracts visitors throughout the year for sightseeing, shopping, business events, concerts, football matches and cultural activities. Hotel demand can increase during popular weekends, public holidays and major events, particularly in central locations with convenient transport connections. Smaller boutique hotels may also have fewer available rooms in desirable categories, making advance planning especially useful for travelers seeking a specific property.

If you have fixed travel dates, compare hotels early in neighborhoods such as Sol, Gran Vía, Salamanca and Barrio de las Letras. Travelers planning a special occasion at Hotel Único Madrid, Hotel Orfila or another intimate luxury property may benefit from securing their preferred room category in advance. For more flexible trips, compare several neighborhoods and travel dates before committing. Cancellation conditions are particularly important if your itinerary includes separate flights, train reservations, museum tickets or other advance bookings.

The cheapest advertised room is not always the best-value accommodation for your Madrid trip. Hotel prices can vary significantly according to neighborhood, room category, booking conditions, included breakfast and travel dates. A centrally located hotel may cost more per night but reduce the need for taxis or additional transport, while a property farther from the main attractions may provide more space or better facilities for the same budget.

For central sightseeing value, compare Hotel Liabeny and 7 Islas Hotel, while ibis Styles Madrid Prado offers a practical alternative near the museum district. NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado is worth considering for five-star comfort and cultural sightseeing, and Hotel Catalonia Atocha can appeal to travelers combining museum visits with railway connections. Before confirming a reservation, check the final price, applicable taxes or charges, breakfast inclusion, cancellation deadline and any extra costs for facilities. Compare the accommodation against your actual travel priorities rather than selecting a hotel solely because of a discount.

The ideal Madrid neighborhood can change depending on whether you are visiting for two nights or spending a full week in the city. For a short first-time visit, staying around Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía can simplify sightseeing by placing major attractions, restaurants and transport connections close together. Travelers with longer itineraries may prefer an area with a more relaxed daily atmosphere, neighborhood cafés and traditional restaurants.

Chamberí is particularly appealing for longer stays and repeat visitors who appreciate residential character, while Salamanca offers elegant surroundings and upscale shopping. La Latina is attractive for traditional tapas and historic streets, and Barrio de las Letras combines cultural sightseeing with a lively restaurant scene. If you expect to spend most of your time exploring museums, staying near Paseo del Prado may be more practical than choosing a hotel simply because it is close to a major shopping street. The best location is the one that supports your daily plans without unnecessary travel.

For first-time visitors to Madrid, start with Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía, where Hotel Liabeny and Hyatt Centric Gran Vía Madrid provide convenient central accommodation. Choose Barrio de las Letras for art museums, historic character and boutique hotels, or Salamanca for luxury shopping and refined surroundings. Retiro is particularly attractive for families and travelers seeking green spaces, while Chueca and Malasaña are excellent for nightlife, restaurants and creative culture.

If you prefer a more residential experience, consider Chamberí, while La Latina is ideal for traditional tapas and historic Madrid. Atocha offers practical railway connections, especially for travelers planning day trips or onward journeys. Before booking, focus on three essential decisions: the neighborhood that matches your itinerary, the room category that meets your needs and the total price for your travel dates. Getting these choices right will usually make a greater difference to your Madrid experience than choosing a hotel based on star rating alone.