The Principal Hotel Madrid

Set in a grand, Renaissance-style building just off Gran Vía, the Principal Madrid is a contemporary, boutique hotel with elegant charm.

• The central location just off the upscale shopping street Gran Vía
• La Terezza, the chic rooftop bar with chaises overlooking Madrid’s skyline, which hosts a trendy local scene
• The contemporary décor mixed with myriad traditional paintings

Opened in 2015, the Principal Hotel Madrid is the passion project of Spanish hotelier Pau Guardans, who wanted to bring the glamour of the 1920s to modern Madrid. Styled by design studio Luzio in conjunction with Spanish designer Pilar García-Nieto, the property combines elements of an English clubhouse (dark-wood bookshelves, framed antique maps) with those of a New York City loft (high ceilings, neutral color palette). Even from entry, the Principal Madrid feels more like entering an uber-chic apartment building than a hotel, with a discreet entrance just off Gran Vía on Calle del Marqués de Valdeiglesias, where there is only a small desk operated by an accommodating member of the staff—they will take your bags off your hands (and hail any taxi you might need during your stay) and send you up the elevator to reception, which is on the sixth floor in an airy lounge space, with the main restaurant sprawled out to the left.

The sister property to Hotel Único, this 76-room hotel attracts a mix of stylish travelers and hip Madrileños. The accommodations are contemporary and comfortable with clean lines and a muted color palette of charcoal-hued carpets and pops of mustard yellow. As is common in many European city hotels, the rooms are more cozy than spacious, and for those seeking more room to spread out, the best options are the junior suites and residence-style Suite Gran Via, which looks over the Gran Vía. (Guests who would prefer views of the iconic shopping street rather than a small side street should request ahead of time). Spacious bathrooms are done predominately in black brick-shaped tiles with a walk-in shower. The closets are generously sized, and the plush beds are outfitted with Egyptian cotton linens. Guests can enjoy in-room amenities like Nespresso machines and products from English brand Gilchrist & Soames.

Located on the sixth floor, Ático serves high quality Spanish dishes spanning land and sea . La Pérgola, a rooftop terrace with views of Madrid’s skyline and Gran Vía, is ideal for enjoying a refreshing cocktail or casual lunch. The other rooftop outlet La Terraza is filled with bright red chaises and marble-and-wrought-iron tables surrounded by olive and cypress trees. On weekend evenings, there’s a buzzing scene and DJ spinning tunes, and stylish Madrileños reserve tables for cocktails or dinner.

The Principal has a small fitness center and a wellness suite with a Finnish sauna (which must be booked in advance). Laundry and room service are offered 24/7, and a butler, babysitter and personal shopper are also available. As guests return from a long day of exploring, the Principal Madrid begins to feel like home.

Younger couples or visitors who are looking for a well-priced boutique hotel within walking distance of the city’s main attractions including Museo de Prado or Parque del Retiro and hip neighborhoods like Chueca and Salamanca.