Hotel Palacio del Retiro, Paseo del Prado, Madrid, Spain - Explore & Book
"This palatial residence was built in 1908 for an Oriol aristocrat who brought in Mauméjean stained glass, Julio Romero frescoes, a Talavera ceramic fountain, oak flooring, a dozen marble columns, and a wrought-iron lift to transport her horses to a rooftop exercise ring. These are still in place, but now offset by arresting art - Lichtenstein prints on glass doors, pink sculptures with ET heads and monkey lips in the reception lightwell. The result is bold, imposing and occasionally incongruous, but always extravagant.Huge bedrooms retain ornate plaster moulding overhead and patterned parquet underfoot, but gain chrome chairs, defiantly angled kingsize beds and excellent bathrooms (some with Jacuzzis). Arched windows look through maple branches to the trees of Retiro Park. Plus the 50 black-clad staff (that's one per room!) provide faultless service, from the subterranean spa to intimate Suite Bar for a drink and bite to eat. If you want to spoil yourselves on a special weekend or an anniversary, with 3 world-class museums on your doorstep, you could do no better. Highs You get spoiling luxury as standard, combining mod cons (Jacuzzis, spa, WiFi) and understated contemporary design with Edwardian eleganceIncredibly well placed for exploring the city; 5-10 minutes from the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia, and 1 minute from Retiro ParkPerfect for combining sunset walks, spa treatments, shopping and artThe spa is perfect to unwind in after a long day shopping and sightseeing; body wraps, massages and beauty treatments are all on offerWe loved the incredibly unique Presidential Suite, which is set in the old library and features original dark-wood panelling Lows The modern, minimalist grey, chrome and brown furniture clashes deliberately, but not always successfully, with the ornate plaster-, wood-, and iron-workWe enjoyed our lunch at The Suite Bar, but found it overpricedThe 40-inch plasma TVs (in some rooms) may feel a little ostentatiousIt’s not cheap, but service is truly 5-star, and frequent promotions make it better value than other hotels in the areaGuests aren't able to iron their own clothes; instead there's an ironing service available for a charge" - Michael Cullen
