Alternatives to Airbnb in Madrid: which to pick
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Booking.com apartments | Free cancellation, flexible dates |
| Aparthotel or hotel | Reception, cleaning, short stays |
| Guesthouse (hostal) or room | Tight budget, one or two nights |
Rules to know (read on 4 November 2026)
- Historic centre: no more isolated tourist flats in residential buildings, even on the ground floor; non-residential buildings are not affected.
- Outside the historic centre: scattered tourist flats remain allowed, provided they have independent access at ground or first-floor level.
- Licence: the Community of Madrid requires a declaración responsable, and the City of Madrid a planning licence. Sources disagree about the national rental register in 2026: ask the host for their registration numbers.
Compare apartments for your dates, with free cancellation, in the Booking.com box on this page.
FAQ
Are Airbnbs banned in Madrid?
Not everywhere: the RESIDE plan bans them in residential buildings in the historic centre, but they remain possible elsewhere under conditions. A legal listing shows its numbers.
Apartment or hotel in Madrid?
For one or two nights a hotel or guesthouse is simpler. An apartment makes sense from four nights or for a group; compare the total with cleaning and tax.
Going further
See also hotel or aparthotel in Madrid and where to stay in Madrid.
