Barrio de las Letras Madrid, Spain
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ClassicOutside the door
The house
Derby Hotels CollectionClassical antiquities hotel
Part museum and part political retreat, the hotel anchors its stately square with private collections and old-school discretion.
“the compact and hushed lobby brims with Old World elegance, but the glass jars of candy and snacks add a playful touch of real-world charm.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Split-level suites pair deep leather sofas with marble bathrooms and soundproof windows.
Listed
Welcoming visitors on Plaza de las Cortes opposite the Spanish parliament since 1989.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Roman mosaics from the collection of owner Jordi Clos mixing with modern furnishings and classical 19th-century Spanish architecture.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Spanish parliament stands directly across the plaza, with the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums a short walk away.
The rooms
Burnished mahogany and split-level living rooms define the bedrooms, leading to marble bathrooms and duplex layouts with whirlpool tubs.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An unheated plunge pool sits on the rooftop deck, bordered by sun loungers and a gentle waterfall spout.
The gym
Stationary bikes and free weights sit on light hardwood floors in the compact indoor gym.
East Bar Restaurant
Andy Warhol lithographs hang in the wood-paneled dining room, which serves craft cocktails and acorn-fed Iberian ham.
At the table
Tables spread across Plaza de las Cortes under leafy trees, and a seasonal rooftop bar serves drinks above the square.
How it began
Architect Fernando Chueca Goitia designed the 1989 facade to echo nineteenth-century Madrid on historic Plaza de las Cortes.
Madrid
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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.