Hotel Hospes Puerta Alcalá, Madrid

Location

The Hospes overlooks the Puerta de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s most important monuments, and is opposite Retiro Park. It is handily located without being in the thick of the hectic downtown area. You can walk to the major museums and are right by the upmarket shops of the Salamanca district.

Outside it’s a handsome 19th century townhouse; inside it’s all soothing grey and mauve tones with Louis XV-style furniture. The hotel has a great spa and is very much a chic sanctuary where you can escape from city life. Original features include the huge wooden doors at either end of the reception area, which were entrances for carriages when the building was a grand residence

Accommodation

The 41 rooms and suites are all different with distinctive original cornicing and mouldings. Dreamer rooms – only have showers, while Deluxe rooms have baths as well. Ask for a Deluxe Alcala room for a view across the square to the park. Room 201 in this category has French windows, wrought-iron pillars, a Chesterfield sofa, a huge marble shower and an oval bath. 

Dining

The Malvar restaurant and tapas bar has terrace tables on the square. The menu includes Ibérico pork tataki with sweet potato purée, beetroot salad with delicious Afuega’l Pitu cheese from Asturias, rocket, spinach, pine nuts and tomatoes, and aged beef sirloin with a red wine glaze and oxtail ravioli.

Breakfast is served either in the restaurant or in the attractive interior courtyard in warm weather. The buffet includes tortilla, tempting homemade pastries, a good selection of fruit and top-quality ham and cheeses. Organic eggs are cooked to order, along with French toast and churros with chocolate. 

Facilities

The pleasant Bodyna Spa (open daily) has a relaxation pool and steam room and offers treatments including manicures, facials and massages. Although there is a small gym with Technogym machines, a lot of guests prefer to go for a run in the park. Bike and Segway rental can be arranged and private paid parking.