Gran Hotel Inglés

Gran Hotel Ingles claims to be Madrid's oldest luxury hotel, having first opened in December 1886 with 110 rooms with shared bathrooms. Nearly 80 years later, renovations cut the number of rooms almost by half and added individual bathrooms. The property closed in 2013 for a complete renovation, reopening to the world in March 2018 with a fresh, contemporary, and elegant Art Deco design. Brass-accented stools around a marble bar, striking circular light fixtures, distressed mirrors, and tufted seating create a sophisticated look, while walls of bookshelves, cute figurines such as a lizard, and black-and-white animal portraits add character. The Gran Hotel Ingles has always been a gem of the city, with its restaurant receiving constant praise -- a tradition that it carries even today. Once a favorite spot for the literary figures in the neighborhood, this historic luxury hotel is now a popular pick for families and couples. 

This hotel has a fitting historic location in Barrio de las Letras (also known as Huertas), Madrid's Literary Quarter. The city-center location makes Gran Hotel Ingles ideal for walkers, though be warned that this is also a high-traffic tourist zone. The hotel itself is located off the main road down an alley which helps to alleviate a bit of the bustle. It's a three-minute walk to the Santa Ana Square, a 15-minute walk to the restaurants and tapas of Cava Baja, and just four minutes on foot to Puerta del Sol, a popular public square. There are also several metro stops within walking distance, including Sol (four minutes), Sevilla (four minutes), and Tirso de Molina (nine minutes). Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is a 15-minute drive or 32-minute trip on public transport. 

The 58 rooms and suites here were renovated in 2018, resulting in a stylish modern take on Art Deco. Padded leather panels on the walls and headboards, wood floors, and brass touches are elegant, and midcentury modern chairs, lampshade chandeliers, attractive artwork provide chic accents. Marble bathrooms are swish, all with walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, and  L'Occitane toiletries. Upgraded rooms add freestanding tubs. Modern amenities consist of 50-Inch flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, free Wi-Fi, and universal charging inputs. Also standard are AC, kettles, espresso machines, minibars, and small work desks. 

Superior Rooms have balconies that overlook the street, while Executive Rooms come with a free bottle of Champagne, and guests in Premium Rooms receive both. Junior Suites add extras like free bottled water and Cava, plus a separate living room, while Meller Suites have a private terrace with a jetted tub. The Echegaray Suite has two bedrooms and a living room with interior courtyard views. Note that entry-level rooms are 290 square feet (27 square meters), which is standard for Spain but may be small for some.

Food has always been a hallmark for this hotel, and over 130 years later, it's still a favorite feature among both guests and locals. Lobo8 presents a modern take on traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with beautifully plated, family-style dishes. The chic lobby bar, LobByto, also serves food, though the fare here is more casual and tapas-centric. Guests who opt-in to the pricey hotel breakfast will be served here, and it's also the spot to grab Spanish afternoon tea, complete with churros and dipping chocolate. Cocktails evoke the spirit of the 1920s and menus feature prohibition favorites, Champagne, and Spanish wines. 

Egoiste Spa keeps with the classy and contemporary Art Deco look of the hotel, and offers a range of treatments from waxing to full-body rituals. The elegant spa has its own jetted pool, plus a relaxation area with infused fruit waters and snacks. There's also a state-of-the-art gym stocked with Technogym cardio and weight-training machines, free weights, and on-request fitness classes and training. 

Family-friendly features include cribs, cots, and extra beds; high chairs and kids' menus in the restaurant; and on-request babysitting service (fee). There are also two meeting rooms with flexible layouts and audiovisual equipment, one of which is styled like a historic library. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and in rooms, but expect to pay a daily fee for parking.