Gran Vía rooftop den
A discreet side-street entrance gives way to a hushed sixth-floor lounge and private-club energy high above Gran Vía.
“Inside, the vibe feels decidedly like a private club—one you can only hope to be cool enough to join.”
Where it shines
Notable
An open-air rooftop bar where olive trees shade sunset cocktails overlooking Gran Vía.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Spain
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*.
The stately structure retains many of its original Art Deco and Art Nouveau architectural details.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Facing the iconic Metrópolis dome, the hotel sits moments from Plaza de Cibeles and the lively tapas scene in Chueca.
The rooms
Muted slate walls and timber details frame lofty ceilings, paired with glossy black-tiled bathrooms and rainfall showers.
The spa
The Wellness Suite hosts private massages and facials, and guests can book a wood-paneled Finnish sauna for two.
The gym
The fitness room has Technogym equipment and free weights, and yoga mats spread across the rooftop terrace.
Ático Restaurant
Chef Ramón Freixa directs inventive Spanish dishes in a salon of velvet banquettes facing the Metrópolis dome.
the interiors, by designer Pilar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona firm Luzio, are a chic medley of cool grey tones, accented with luxe materials and statement furniture like BKF’s butterfly chair.
At the table
La Pérgola serves tapas and afternoon tea under woven reed ceilings and hanging greenery in the glass conservatory.
How it began
Spanish hotelier Pau Guardans transformed this 1917 Renaissance landmark into the first five-star hotel situated directly along Gran Vía.
Good to know
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The Principal Madrid Hotel
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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.