"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Don’t blink or you’ll miss the unassuming façade of The Pavilions Madrid, housed in a residential-style building in what appears to be a business neighborhood. Only a picture window separates arriving guests from the reception, and the lobby is nothing more than marble lounge with contemporary art. It’s almost as if this were a chic gallery rather than hotel. What's the backstory? Once filled with one or two-bedroom residential studios, the building since been converted to a boutique hotel that seems to enjoy its hushed presence in the market. Already a favorite among loyal business guests, Pavilions is well situated for corporate events. Yet nearby Colón and Paseo de la Castellana make it a good choice for vacationers, too. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Rooms are spacious with plenty of local character, including fabrics depicting famous Madrid landmarks and framed paintings and prints of Spanish sites. There are also ample and well-placed power outlets, snazzy high-tech amenities like Bluetooth-enabled stereos, and, in the bathroom, glamorous Hollywood lighting. Views are the weak point here; most rooms either face an internal courtyard or the bureaucratic office building out front. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Thee WiFi is fast and free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Chef Guillermo Salazar's Guillermina serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, including breakfast (part of all room rates). Lunch and dinner include dishes like octopus with kimchi and Thai seasoning, steak tartare with accompaniments, and lamb stew with kale and black olives. And the service? The service is personalized; turndown includes chocolates and bottled water. What type of travelers will you find here? Guests from around the world will find this designer operation intriguing. Eavesdrop at the bar, and you’ll pick up interesting morsels about art, theater, shopping, and politics. What about the neighborhood? Plaza de Colón and Paseo de la Castellana are major thoroughfares, and Platea, a popular dining option converted from an old theater, is only a few blocks away. Any other hotel features worth noting? Be sure to check out the Technogym-equipped fitness center and rooftop terrace and bar. Be sure to peruse the artwork throughout the hotel, which is on loan on a rotating basis from the Alvaro Alcazar Gallery in Madrid. (It's all for sale.) Bottom line: Why should we stay here? You can steer clear from the tourist crowds with a stay at this compact, artsy hotel." - Ramsey Qubein
