It’s only right that we kick things off with the oldest hotel in
Madrid. Having first opened its doors back in 1886, this grand and
glorious establishment is located in the very soul of the vibrant
Barrio de las Letras neighbourhood – all quirky concept bars, tapas
joints and beautiful clothing boutiques. There are 48 rooms, each
decked out with leather-panelled walls, brass fixtures and a
carefully curated selection of original artworks. While there’s
much to be said for the luxurious king-size beds, it’s the
armchairs situated directly in front of the huge windows that we
love – people-watching just got a serious upgrade. If you’re
staying over a weekend, slip downstairs to the in-house LobByto bar
for classic cocktails and the soothing sounds of a live jazz
performance.

Sexy and sublime, daring and design-forward, the Hotel Urban
transports visitors into the wildest corners of owner Jordi Clos’
imagination. For starters, there’s an immense central atrium in the
lobby, where ancient artworks are juxtaposed with art deco accents.
Steel beams and matte-black stone encase a tower that looms
overhead, while geometric shapes shimmer in rays of sunlight. All
96 bedrooms channel retro glamour with brown hues, neutral linens
and leather detailing. Glass doors (which slide at the touch of a
button, might we add) and funky coffee tables contrast dramatically
with traditional pieces such as a 2,000-year-old Buddha. Head up to
the rooftop pool and bar, where the menu spans both international
and local fare: think charcuterie platters, fresh bread and
croquettes alongside club sandwiches and salads – the cooling
gazpacho makes for a delicious taste of Andalusian summer.

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of just about everything
that the hip hospitality group Sonder does. Housed in the neighbourhood it’s named
after, Sonder Malasaña is situated on a tree-line avenue, making it
an ideal choice for those who prefer a tranquil base. There are a
handful of apartments, all unique in shape and size, but each
sharing the same open-plan layout, as well as covetable objets
d’art that include vintage prints, coffee-table books and antique
furnishings. That late-summer city break with your main squeeze?
Sorted.

Housed in an impressive 20th-century mansion situated at the
beginning of the renowned Gran Vía street, The Principal couldn’t
be better positioned for exploring the capital’s many galleries,
museums and parks. A haven amid the downtown bustle, the hotel
oozes eclectic sophistication, from its high ceilings,
stained-glass windows and gilt-framed oil paintings to the
millennial-pink velvet chairs, slate-grey walls and architectural
brass chandeliers. There are 76 light-filled bedrooms, each spruced
up with playful art deco touches. The in-house restaurant, Ático,
serves as a destination in its own right, thanks to the delicious
menu crafted by its two-Michelin-starred head chef Ramón Freixa. If
the soft-shell crab is on the menu, order two.

A hotel with its own art gallery? We’re sold. The 7 Islas Hotel
was built in 2002 by Canarian hotelier Juan Rosa, whose aim was to
create a home-from-home for islanders visiting the capital. A
decade later, Rosa’s three granddaughters took over, working
alongside a talented design team to inject a new lease of life into
the 79-key establishment. Today, visitors can expect hand-crafted
rugs, walnut-wooden flooring and braided headboards, while
top-floor suites come with private terraces, as well as yoga mats,
organic toiletries and woven hammocks. The downstairs art space
serves as a creative hub for the local community, allowing upcoming
artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

Sister hotel to the equally well-turned-out Urso, Tótem prides
itself on being a meeting point for Madrileños and visitors alike.
The vibe? Achingly cool without being too aloof or try-hard, with
avant-garde timelessness meeting contemporary flair in a palette of
blush pinks, charcoal and vivid purples. Rooms flaunt cloud-like
beds, mid-century furnishings and black marble bathrooms, with the
larger suites opening up to intimate courtyards with corner sofas.
The hotel’s Green Pepper Restaurant is worthy of a daily
reservation, thanks to its exceptional paella and ridiculously
tasty chocolate brownie.

With a rooftop pool offering sweeping views across the capital,
Bless Hotel Madrid’s double daybeds almost demand that you spend an
entire day basking in the balmy sunshine. There’s also a shaded bar
area, Picos Pardos Sky Lounge, where wooden bar stools,
Spanish-tiled flooring and glistening golden drinks shelves are all
cocooned in a whitewashed pergola. Planning your visit in the
cooler months? No problem. There’s a spa area and fitness studio to
play around in, and if that’s not your scene, we’re fairly certain
that the Fetén cocktail bar will satisfy.