Gran Hotel Inglés

Character and identity

Set in the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid's old Literary Quarter, the Gran Hotel Inglés has held its address since 1886, when it opened as the city's first luxury hotel. The 48 rooms sit behind a 19th-century façade on a quiet side street, with interiors reworked by the Rockwell Group into an Art Deco register: velvet and leather, brass detailing, ornate moldings, original chandeliers. Most rooms feature a custom clawfoot tub. The social heart is Lobbyto, an Art Deco lobby bar pouring creative cocktails with small plates and live swing or rock on weekends. Le Max Wellness Club handles fitness, jacuzzi and Sisley spa treatments.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're buying here is atmosphere: a 19th-century literary-quarter address with seriously considered Art Deco interiors and one of Madrid's better hotel bars built in. Book a room with the signature clawfoot tub, and time a stay around a weekend to catch the live music at Lobbyto. Couples and design-minded solo travellers will get the most from it.