Barrio de las Letras Madrid, Spain
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Hidden Away HotelsLiterary quarter stalwart
Locals and travelers mingle around the circular marble bar beneath an illuminated liquor shelf, surrounded by velvet armchairs and quiet reading nooks.
“The Rockwell Group has just completed a stylish tip-to-toe renovation, keeping intact the fine bones of Juan Jose Sanchez Pescador’s original design…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Art Deco interiors pair deconstructed ceiling moldings with freestanding clawfoot tubs.
Remarkable
Madrid’s first luxury hotel, opened in 1886, hosted Virginia Woolf and Henri Matisse.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Wallpaper*.
The interiors, by New York’s Rockwell Group, pay tribute to the Art Deco era, with brass accents, geometric ornaments, and rich, dark hardwood floors.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Tucked down brick-paved Calle de Echegaray in the Literary Quarter, the hotel sits steps from historic tapas bars and Plaza Santa Ana.
The rooms
Art Deco rooms feature deconstructed ceiling moldings and hardwood floors, with upgraded quarters adding freestanding clawfoot soaking tubs or private balconies.
The spa and gym
Two treatment rooms host botanical rituals by Sisley Paris, set beside an indoor hydrotherapy Jacuzzi and fitness studio.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Casa Lobo
Antiqued mirrors and leather banquettes set the scene for traditional Iberian dishes and morning spreads of Bellota ham.
Designed by the well-respected Rockwell Group, the renovated interiors evoke a sense of understated opulence with rich leather and velvet furnishings...
At the table
LobByto serves tapas and local vermouth in the central lounge, soundtracked by live jazz and swing on weekends.
How it began
Inaugurated in 1886 on the site of an artists' cafe, the property introduced Madrid to hotel dining and private electric lighting.
Good to know
Stay here
Gran Hotel Inglés
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.