"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Located near Plaza Santa Ana, the stately NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa looks more like an official government building than a hotel. Inside, the mood shifts forward a couple of centuries to snazzy décor and mood lighting. Upscale yet approachable, the interiors are a clever blend of old and new, and it all works beautifully. What's the backstory? This 18th-century mansion was the work of Juan de Villanueva, the same architect who designed the Museo del Prado and the Plaza Mayor, and the hotel takes its name for the gentleman the structure was built for: Earl of Tepa, the last viceroy of Spain in Mexico. Part of the NH Collection, NH Hotel’s top-tier offering, the chain regularly transforms historic buildings into premium hotels—kudos to a job well done here. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Guest rooms are minimalist and confidently unadorned—no knick-knacks or unnecessary decor, just the plush bed (with a cushioned headboard) front and center. Some of the pricier rooms on the top floor come with cathedral ceilings with a skylight. For lots of additional space, go for a duplex Family room or junior suite; avoid the cramped single rooms if you can. Bright bathrooms stock the hotel’s own brand of (somewhat forgettable) toiletries. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's free wifi throughout the hotel. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The breakfast spread is epic: every imaginable Spanish cheese, overflowing platters of cured meats, and a la carte menu to boot. Arrive early to take advantage of it, then venture out into the neighborhood for the rest of your day's dining. And the service? Staffers here do a fantastic job. What type of travelers will you find here? Spanish and European guests know the brand well, but Americans would be smart to check it out, if only for the unique architecture. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? This chic abode is walkable to most major stops from the Plaza Mayor to Gran Vía. Take note of some of the modern artistic interpretations in the hallways here—you might spot the real version later in the Prado. Is there anything you'd change? It would be nice if Paco Roncero Restaurante, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, were actually inside the building. Still, you can charge meals to your room. Any other hotel features worth noting? NH Collection hotels tend to have ample gluten-free and vegetarian items on restaurant and room-service menus, and that's the case here. Additionally, don't miss the glass-covered exhibitions on the ground floor, which touch upon the 16th-century canal system below the hotel. Bottom line: Why should we stay here? For a glamorous old-meets-new hotel in a good part of town, this is an excellent choice." - Ramsey Qubein
