Lusso Infantas

With its striking corner facade of intricate wrought-iron balconies, pretty white shutters, and ornate plaster details, this charming 19th-century building makes quite a statement. So it's no surprise that the structure is protected by Madrid's World Heritage Community. Stepping inside the Lusso Infantas, the lobby offers elegant period features including decorative coving, polished black marble, cast-iron pillars, and a wooden staircase that winds up the property's four floors. Unfortunately, the brushed steel front desk and lobby's dated seating detract from the building's elegance a little. Offering just 40 guest rooms, the hotel is certainly boutique providing little else beyond its bar and restaurant areas, along with a few businesses on the street level (though a bit of history can be found here as well: the ground-floor cafe was once a popular meeting point for the city's intellectuals). Guests, typically vacationing couples on short getaways, praise the hotel's helpful and friendly staff.

The Hotel Lusso Infantas is located on a small street in the central Madrid neighborhood of Chueca; full of narrow, winding lanes dotted with intimate restaurants, lively bars, and gay-friendly venues, it's one of the city's nightlife hotspots. It's also just a block from Gran Via, the busy and historic avenue that runs through the heart of Madrid, with plenty of attractions such as San Anton Market, El Prado Museum, and Plaza Mayor within walking distance. Two Metro lines are within five minutes on foot, and the commuter train station of Recoletos is 10 minutes' walk and connects to Barajas Airport in 25 minutes; alternatively its about a 20 minute drive direct. 

This hotel has 40 rooms, 28 of which face the street -- with small Juliet balconies and plenty of natural light. The rest overlook an internal courtyard, which can feel a touch gloomy. Internal rooms, however, do have the benefit of being quieter as street-facing ones can be prone to noise. Decor is a straightforward combination of natural timber flooring, simple wood furniture, and etchings or photographs of local landmarks. Starting at 205 square feet (19 square meters) some rooms are small, though Superior Rooms can measure almost double that. 

In-room amenities include 26-inch smart TVs (with plenty of English-speaking channels and internet access), well-stocked minibars, and pillow menus, while the free Wi-Fi connection is fast and reliable. Upper-category rooms add basic coffee- and tea-making facilities and bathrobes. Bathrooms are spacious with shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, and wall-mounted hairdryers, plus decent individual toiletries. 

Given its petite stature, it's no surprise that Hotel Lusso Infantas has limited features, but what it does offer certainly adds to its appeal. Guests can start the day with a buffet breakfast of hot and cold items that includes eggs, sausages, breads, cold cuts, and juices served in the hotel's restaurant. The quality of the coffee in particular receives plenty of praise, though breakfast is not included in the standard rate. Their Ex Libris restaurant also opens for lunch, with set menus, and dinner offering an a la carte menu of Mediterranean cooking; it's not cheap but the food is excellent and guests get a discount. There's also a small bar and lounge, and two areas available to hire -- The Winery and The Cave -- both nicely restored rooms with plenty of period charm. On-site parking is not available, but guests receive a discount with a nearby car park.