NH Collection Paseo del Prado

Part of the Spanish hotel group NH, the NH Collection Paseo del Prado feels more boutique-y than chain-like. It is housed in a beautiful 1904 palace designed by renowned Spanish architect Antonio Palacios -- who also created the imposing Palacio de Comunicaciones building on Cibeles Square -- and many of the original architectural elements have been preserved, including the marble floor and walls, thick pillars, and high ceilings. Guests enter the hotel through the original carriage access, which has been turned into a small reception area, followed by a bigger lobby with two concierge desks, elevators and a grand marble staircase with a red carpet leading to the breakfast room downstairs. Golden accents and plush rugs designed by the Spanish Royal Tapestry Factory lend common spaces a luxe, classic feel, but the atmosphere is relaxed and warm rather than stuffy. 

Thanks to its central location and upscale services, the property is a good pick for all types of traveler, but most guests here are American and European middle-aged and senior couples who prioritize comfort (with a dash of luxury) and easy access to attractions over decadent interiors. Those wanting to splurge may want to compare rates at the neighboring Westin Palace, Madrid, which is another local landmark and one of the top luxury properties in town. In the same price range as the NH Collection Paseo del Prado, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado is a more contemporary alternative, complete with a small spa. Travelers on a budget may want to compare rates at the centrally located Intur Palacio San Martin, which offers contemporary rooms at lower rates. 

NH Collection Paseo del Prado is located directly on Neptuno Square, a handsome roundabout lined with historic buildings right in the heart of Madrid. Directly across the street is El Prado Museum, one of the city’s top attractions, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums are also within easy walking distance of the hotel. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques in the area, and most major attractions can be reached on foot. Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and El Retiro park are all within a 15-minute walk, while the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral are just a little bit farther away. The hotel is also a 15-minute walk from Atocha, served by high-speed trains to other popular destinations, such as Barcelona, Sevilla, and Valencia. There are two metro lines within a 10-minute walk of the property. The airport is a 25-minute drive away.

The hotel’s 113 rooms are all upscale and elegant, with classic dark-wood furniture, gray walls and curtains, and camel-colored wooden closets. Accent walls with striped silk wallpaper in raspberry and golden hues add some color and texture, while soft lighting makes spaces inviting and homey. The vast majority of rooms have bold carpets designed by the famous Spanish Royal Tapestry Factory in red, green, or blue hues. While they help muffle the noise of footsteps and suitcases, they may not be to everyone’s taste, and despite yearly deep cleaning, stains can be an issue. Views vary by room type: entry-level Superior Rooms overlook a courtyard adorned with potted plants (leaving rooms a bit dim), while Premium units and Junior Suites have large windows overlooking the stately square home to Neptune Fountain. One of the suites has a large terrace furnished with loungers, a table, and chairs. 

Amenities are upscale and up-to-date, and include free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs with international channels, espresso makers, and electric kettles. All rooms are also outfitted with safes, robes, and slippers. Quality mattresses are topped with thick duvets, soft sheets, and six pillows, each of a different height, size, and firmness. Additional pillows types can be requested at front desk. Spacious bathrooms have attractive green marble walls and floors, large walk-in showers with big rainfall showerheads, and a selection of hotel-brand toiletries. Junior Suites have jetted tubs. 

An excellent breakfast buffet is served every morning in a spacious room below the lobby. Fresh fruit juices, hot drinks, pastries, several types of bread (including gluten-free and spelt), cereal, local items (such as jamon, manchego cheese, and churros), and fresh fruit are all displayed on a long table, while hot items are made-to-order and brought to the table. Lunch and dinner are available at Estado Puro, a tapas restaurant helmed by famous chef Paco Roncero. Suite & Tea serves afternoon tea, as well as homemade pastries, specialty chocolates by Ruben da Silva, and a smaller breakfast for early departures.

The rooftop gym is small but well-equipped, and features stunning 360-degree city views. The hotel also offers three meeting rooms, on-site laundry facilities, and discounted rates at a nearby parking lot.