The Westin Palace Madrid

When the hotel first opened in 1912, commissioned by King Alfonso XIII, the Westin Palace became an immediate hit, not only for its stunning architecture and decadent interiors, but also for being the first hotel in Europe with bathrooms and telephones in every room. Over a century later, the Westin Palace is still a local landmark and one of the top luxury hotels in Madrid, thanks to gorgeous interiors that have preserved most of the original architectural features, outstanding dining options, and excellent service. An army of bellboys, valets, and doormen greet guests at the hotel’s grand entrance before whisking them to the lobby, a stunning space with walls covered in frescoes, marble floors, soaring ceilings decorated with intricate moldings and impressive crystal chandeliers, and plush rugs with classic motifs. The rest of the common spaces are done up in a similar elegant style, featuring heavy wooden antiques, ornate golden clocks, and handsome wood paneling throughout. The main restaurant’s massive stained-glass dome is particularly impressive, tying in well with the polished marble finishes and the original 16th-century Belgian tapestries displayed on walls. The hotel’s luxurious interiors and classy vibe have drawn a long list of celebrities, politicians, and artists throughout the years (including Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso), but it is also a popular pick among well-heeled couples. The hotel is also a coveted event venue with its extensive meeting facilities and business services. As one of the top hotels in Madrid, the Westin Palace has some of the highest rates in town, though the ornate style -- peppered with a few stylish, contemporary touches -- may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Travelers seeking something as luxe in a more sophisticated contemporary style may prefer Hotel Villa Magna, though rates are generally a tad higher. Located across the street from the Westin Palace, the NH Collection Paseo del Prado is a great alternative for those on a tighter budget, offering comfortable rooms, plus a rooftop gym, cozy tea lounge, and tapas restaurant. H10 Villa de la Reina Boutique Hotel is even cheaper and has beautiful rooms (some with furnishes terraces) and a sleek lobby bar.

The Westin Palace, Madrid has an ideal location across the street from El Prado Museum and within a 10-minute walk of most major attractions, including Puerta del Sol, the Thyssen Bornemisza, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, and Retiro Park. Other must-sees, such as the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta de Alcala, ca all be reached in less than 20 minutes. Great shopping around Sol and Gran Via are also just an easy stroll away, as is La Latina’s dining and nightlife scene. Other parts of the city -- including the financial district around Plaza Castilla -- can be reached easily by public transport. Sol, located just an eight-minute walk from the hotel, is one of the main transportation hubs in Madrid, with trains, buses, and several subway lines converging on the same spot. Madrid Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 470 rooms, including 51 suites ranging from 538-square-foot Junior Suites to a 1,722-square-foot Royal Suite. All units are large and light, with big windows overlooking a big courtyard or the street. Many offer views of the iconic Neptune Fountain, while rooms on the fourth and sixth floors have balconies. The decor style is classic and elegant, but rooms are slowly being redesigned (we were told all should be ready by 2020) with a fresher look that includes smoother lines, new carpets with Spanish ‘mantilla’-inspired motifs, discreet pops of purple and yellow hues, and gray textured walls. Original rooms are decorated in a more ornate, traditional style, with antiques, cream-colored striped wallpaper, rich fabrics, and dark mahogany furniture. Plus, all units have crown moldings, white French doors, and carpet, giving them a classic upscale look. In-room amenities include excellent Heavenly beds with light duvets and several pillows, as well as large flat-screen TVs with international channels, minibars, air-conditioning, robes and slippers, and safes. Wi-Fi, however, is only free in Executive Rooms and suites, which are also the only room types that are outfitted with coffeemakers as of summer 2018. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with marble tiling, double sinks, big mirrors, and hairdryers. Some guests have complained that the array of toiletries provided is not enough for a hotel in this price range. Bathroom layout varies between rooms: while some have separate tubs and showers, others have less-impressive shower/tub combos. 

The Westin Palace is home to three excellent dining options that are popular among guests and locals alike. All three meals are served at La Rotonda, but the space -- topped with a breathtaking stained-glass dome -- is particularly popular for Sunday brunch, complete with quality opera performances and live music. Green T Sushi Bar is a charming Japanese eatery with a romantic vibe and great cocktail menu, while Asia Gallery serves up delicious Cantonese cuisine in an intimate space with Chinese-inspired decor. Room service is available 24/7 for a fee.The hotel is known for having the largest event spaces in town, and is a popular spot for weddings, conferences, and other corporate events. Twenty rooms offer a total of almost 69,000 square feet of elegant space, with ornate ceiling moldings, heavy wooden doors, and crystal chandeliers. The hotel also features a fitness center outfitted with a good range of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a sauna and treatment room where guests can request salon services. The hotel lacks a full spa. Parking is available on-site for a fee.