Hotel Review: Cool Rooms Palacio De Atocha Madrid

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…

If the name Cool Rooms sounds like a design hotel or some sort of overpromise, don’t worry. This hotel is certainly cool, but not in the same way that you might think. Operating a hotel in a historic residence is nothing new for the young Cool Rooms brand, which has been in hospitality for many years operating hotels under other names. Choosing to start its own brand name, Cool Rooms, in various cities like Madrid, Sevilla, Lisbon and Porto, was a deliberate choice to offer luxurious, service-focused accommodations on a small scale.

The Cool Rooms Palacio de Atocha Madrid property is the perfect example, and its easy-to-miss entrance is a prime example of how Cool Rooms will surprise you. These are five of the top reasons to stay at Cool Rooms Palacio de Atocha in Madrid.

The history

Once belonging to an aristocratic family, this unassuming building does not lend itself to being a boutique hotel for passersby. But, once you swing open the glass doors, a friendly hello from the staff is the first thing guests experience as they pass through the renovated space. Gorgeous cornice and sculpted high ceilings guide guests through the public spaces to indoor and al fresco lounges beyond.

Many of the building’s original features remained in place like the staircase and ornate wall accents. Guests receive a refreshment as they check in before being shown the way to their room. The building’s original residential layout was converted to individual guest rooms, which each vary in layout and size.

The rooms

What they share is a focus on high-quality furnishings and high ceilings. Hardwood floors have area rugs, soft sofas or armchairs, and modern paper or brass lamp shades. Soft textured wall coverings are behind the bed where power and USB outlets are in plentiful supply.

Most rooms are in the Deluxe category with Premium rooms slightly larger and with more entertaining views. The most interesting are the numerous suite types here from junior suites with ensuite sitting areas to the much larger Master and Cool Suites. The latter has a spacious terrace overlooking Madrid’s skyline from its furnished seating area and whirlpool. Its bathroom has a spacious shower area with two shower heads and sky lights.

All come with notable perks like minibars with local contents, Molton Brown toiletries in marble bathrooms and spacious closets with ample storage space.

The personalization

With only a few dozen rooms, the goal of Cool Rooms, no matter the location, is to offer a personalized experience at every touch point. This includes things like name recognition from the moment you check in to turndown service each evening. And, it’s no joke. During my visit, I noticed guests being greeted by name in the restaurant as well as in the hallways.

In the bathroom, the housekeeping staff organizes your personal items with precision and restocks towels and flowers throughout the day.

While lunch and dinner in the courtyard restaurant and streetfront bar and café draw in a local crowd, the attention to guest requests when they step inside is notable. Perhaps no more than at breakfast when instead of a buffet, the hotel decided to shift the lengthy menu from a buffet to an all-you-can-eat feast.

It begins with guests treated to a tray of fresh juice, water and coffee to order plus fresh fruit plates, bread and pastry baskets, and the option to order whatever you want. On the menu are all kinds of omelets, sweet dishes, acai bowls and breakfast toasts with toppings like salmon and avocado. It’s clear that this hotel wants to stand out, and by not serving things buffet-style, it helps to reduce waste.

The hidden spaces

The narrow public space may make the hotel seem small, but the further you explore, there is a lot to see tucked away in parts of the property. It starts with the small lobby that branches off into intimate sitting areas with fresh air or cozier areas that can be reserved for private events. In the hotel’s main courtyard is a curtained off main restaurant. It has heated during colder months. There is a full-service restaurant, streetfront cafe and another bar that is popular with locals.

Perhaps the biggest surprise comes in the plunge pool with splashing fountains surrounded by lounge chairs. While you won’t be able to do any laps here, it’s a pleasant inclusion for a small hotel in the heart of town.

The location

Close to Atocha train station, this is a great spot for those that want to make day trips to interesting neighboring cities like Segovia and Toledo. In the other direction, guests need only a few minutes to reach the famous Golden Triangle of Art with three of Europe’s most famous art museums. Also within walking distance is Gran Via (the city’s version of Broadway with top theaters and shopping), Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.