Gran Hotel Ingles

Founded in 1886, Madrid’s oldest hotel has been brought back to life as a cutting-edge luxury design hotel. Located in the arty, bar-filled neighbourhood of Barrio de las Letras (a 10-minute walk from the Prado Museum) this is a suave, urbane hotel with fine hardwood floors, leather sofas and bronze fittings.

There’s a welcoming, vintage-feel bar with a showpiece circular bar and comfy seating; a library with a fireplace; and plenty of photos illustrating the hotel’s illustrious past, when everyone who was anyone slept here.

Factor in an excellent spa and a slick fine-dining restaurant, Casa Lobo, – not to mention warm and efficient service – and the Ingles will knock your socks off.