Gran Hotel Inglés, in Madrid’s picturesque Barrio de las Letras neighbourhood, is a hotel with history... and lots of it.
The Gran Hotel Inglés brings a whole new level of luxury to the Madrid hotel scene, with stylish Art Deco design, sumptuous rooms, a quietly excellent restaurant and a superb spa.
Although it is right in the middle of the city, the clubby vibe means you may well not want to move from the lobby bar.
The hotel is in the five-star Gran Lujo category, the highest in the Spanish system.
Gran Hotel Inglés is in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, aka the literary quarter. Very convenient location in the city center of Madrid, near cultural, commercial and leisure districts.
You will get straight into the Madrid groove here as the hotel is in the Barrio de Las Letras, one of the city’s most characterful neighbourhoods. The narrow streets are steeped in history and are lined with tapas bars, restaurants and quirky boutiques.
It is five minutes’ walk to the Puerta del Sol, the epicentre of the city, and 10 minutes to the Prado museum and 15 minutes to must-see El Retiro Park.
Soothing elegance- think a big, inviting lobby lounge with a glamorous bar on the side, a sophisticated restaurant and just 48 rooms, each designed with the well-styled urbanite in mind. Stylish Art Deco details, lots of leather-covered couches and fabrics in warm shades of orange, silver and teal. The Gran Hotel Inglés has all the markers of a sophisticated grande dame.
The property has undergone a total remodelling process, creating a contemporary luxe setting while retaining much of the traditional character.
While there is no doubt that this is a very luxurious place, there is a personal connection from the moment you arrive with a warm welcome from all the staff. You will feel like you are entering a private club rather than a hotel, an impression that deepens during your stay.
Every staff member is so friendly!
Lobo 8 is so called after the Spanish word for wolf, and there are lupine references everywhere (except actually on your plate). Breakfast is an indulgent spread of pastries, smoothies and homemade jams; don’t miss the house-special fried eggs, served with pan con tomate and jamón ibérico.
Later in the day, the classic Spanish cooking continues, with some modern mastery by chef Willy Moya thrown in. Don’t miss the croquetas; other favourites include the almond gazpacho and truffled eggs with chorizo and fried potatoes.
LobByto is in the lobby (natch) and the first thing you see as you enter the hotel (handy if you’re desperate for a drink). The staff channel Jay Gatsby’s styleas they mix up dry martinis; there’s also a whole menu dedicated to gin.
Tasty tapas (mini stew of the day, squid sandwiches, and so on) are served whenever you want them. There’s also an impressive choice of wine, vermouth and beer.
48, including five suites. Each designed with the well-styled urbanite in mind.
Rooms are all about stylish comfort, with leather panels on the walls, wooden floors, brass light fittings and original artworks. Beds have deep mattresses with memory foam toppers and 500 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. And don’t forget about the pillow menu to choose from.
Many have freestanding tubs as well as marble showers. Products are by L’Occitane and hairdryers are professional standard.
All have a coffee machine and kettle and the minibar contains local craft beer as well as the more usual drinks and snacks. The bedside alarm clock is also a bluetooth speaker and a smartphone is provided to use while out and about in the city.
The award-winning Égoïste Spa deploys Anne Semonin products for facials, massages and other rejuvenating rituals (which include vinotherapy and jet-lag cures) in its four treatment rooms.
Or just enjoy the private jacuzzi to have some me-time in between.
LOCATION
Convenient location in the city center of Madrid, near cultural, commercial and leisure districts.
RATES
Double rooms from £307.88 (€363).
ROOMS
48, including five suites.
STYLE
Grand dame.
FOOD
Traditional and innovate cuisine in a sophisticated ambiance.
X FACTOR
The stylish Art Deco LobByto bar symmetrical with the entrance and extremely friendly staff.
BOOK TO PACK
“The 500 hidden secrets of Madrid” by Anna-Cardin Nordin.
+34 913 60 00 01
granhotelingles.com
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