Boutique Madrid

The Four Seasons is scheduled to open mid-2020. The iconic Hotel Ritz has undergone the most extensive renovation in its 110-year history and should reopen as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz mid-2020.

These grand hotels are highly anticipated in Spain’s capital city. But if you love the smaller, boutique hotels, as I do… these four distinct properties show that Madrid has something for everyone.

TOTEM Madrid

In the chic Salamanca district you’ll find TOTEM Madrid, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. A streamlined and contemporary design brings a sense of quiet and calm to this glitzy neighborhood. The location is brilliant for those wanting to take a morning jog through El Retiro, one of Madrid’s largest parks, just a few blocks south. It’s also a couple blocks from the beautiful tree-lined boulevard, Paseo de Recoletos, lovely for leisurely strolls. TOTEM is the only 4-star hotel on this list, but it still has an innovative fitness center open 24/7, plus a beautiful bar and fabulous restaurant that are also popular with locals.

TOTEM Madrid junior suite (350 square feet)

URSO Hotel & Spa

On the other side of the Paseo de Recoletos, about a 15-minute walk from TOTEM Hotel, you’ll find its sister property, URSO Hotel & Spa, also a member of Small Luxury Hotels, but completely different in style. URSO is housed in a former palace, with all the neoclassical elements still in tact. The facade and the lobby have a grand feeling, but further inside and in the guest rooms, it’s cozy and comfortable. The spa, which is open to the public, features a water area with hammam.

URSO Hotel bar, with steps leading to the Conservatory, where the buffet breakfast is served

URSO Hotel Junior Suite (430 square feet), available with terrace too

Palacio de los Duques

Historic garden outside the hotel where you can dine and have cocktails

A member of Leading Hotels of theWorld and also Virtuoso, this extraordinary property may not be “boutique” in the way TOTEM and URSO are. However, it is so unique and creates such an impression that I had to include it here on my list.

The building is a 19th century palace, located next to the Royal Palace, Royal Theater and Almudena Cathedral. Although the hotel is located right in the heart of Madrid, this compact area with narrow streets has less traffic, and is wonderful for walking.

You will find Velazquez images throughout the hotel, like the grand wall of Meninas behind the reception desk when you enter (photo below), and in the guest rooms. I love the drama they create!

Palacio de los Duques Reception Desk with Velazquez images

Palacio de los Duques Deluxe Room (430 square feet)

This property has three restaurants, a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub with sundeck and cocktail bar, and a large garden for dining or relaxing, very rare in Madrid. It also offers its Red Level with additional private lounges and VIP spaces, for anyone wanting extra-special service and amenities.

The rooftop is open seasonally featuring a pool, hot tub, sundeck and cocktail bar

Hotel Urban Madrid

This 5-star Gran Luxe property is a member of Design Hotels and certainly ideal for anyone who appreciates elaborate, modern design. As you can see from the photos, it’s a little… over the top… but that makes it fun and completely different from the other hotels I visited in Madrid.

Of course the hotel’s rooms are as unique as the rest of the property, offering junior suites and suites that are duplexes. The photo below shows a junior suite duplex with bed and bath on the main level and lounge area on the second floor. There are interesting design features and artwork throughout the whole hotel, from the lobby to the restaurants to the guest rooms.

There are two fabulous restaurants: CEBO which has one Michelin star, and Glass Mar by acclaimed Spanish chef, Angel Leon whose seafood restaurant, Aponiente has three Michelin stars in Cadiz.

Hotel Urban’s Glass Mar restaurant by leading Spanish chef, Angel Leon

The property has a rooftop pool, gym, and even a space dedicated to artwork from Papa New Guinea. All this, along with an excellent location in the commercial center of Madrid, make for an exciting and truly unique stay.

I find that Madrid is often overlooked as a destination. It tends to be passed over for Barcelona, seen as fun and artsy. But I think it’s a real shame, especially since Barcelona tends to be overrun by tourists these days.

There is so much to see and experience in Madrid. So, no matter where you choose to stay, my main advice is simply: GO!