For a hotel in the heart of the city’s top tourist attractions, The Principal Madrid fits the bill for those that want to walk out of the front door in either direction to dining, theater, art museums and cultural attractions. Not only that, The Principal sits directly across from the Metropolis Building, now a private club, but long one of the city’s most famous architectural landmarks. Many of the rooms here look directly out to this marvelous structure. Aside from all of that, these are the top five reasons to stay here.
The rooms
The building’s main entrance is just a small reception area where bottled water, candy and a staff member directs arrivals to the sixth-floor lobby. That’s where check-in takes place before you head to the accommodations.
Done in dark hues with leather and velvet fabrics, the accommodations here are cozy and comfy. The best of them face Gran Vía from their Juliet balconies where you can wave at passersby below. And those with Metropolis views are some of Madrid’s most scenic places to sleep. Otherwise, rooms face to neighboring streets or the interior courtyard.
The beds here features some of the city’s most comfy pillowtop mattresses with enormous pillows and easily accessible power outlets on either side. Extra perks include niceties like coffeemakers, garment bags you can take home and robes with slippers.
While the rooms vary in size and layout given the building’s historic layout, all feature the same amenities. Their bathrooms have glass shower stalls with Italian beauty products in large bottles.
Grand Deluxe rooms are the biggest here although several suites add a wealth of space, depending upon how much you need. There are Junior Suites with ensuite living rooms. The largest Gran Vía option features a separate bedroom and living area that can sleep as many as four people with great views of the main street.
The food and drinks
In nice weather, guests can book one of the prized tables on the sixth-floor terrace or in the panoramic lobby lounge facing the Metropolis building. The menu features traditional cocktails like the Brazilian caipirinha, traditional Bloody Mary or locally themed options such as La Tonta y La Prisa with Grey Goose vodka, espresso, Frangelico and cookie crumble. Mocktails are also on offer.
The main restaurant, Ático, focuses on a regional menu, but with the chef’s own twist. Some of our favorites include the cheese croquetas with cecina (Spanish dried beef) and oxtail with port wine and semi-cured cheese. Other popular items include the meatballs with Perigord sauce, the leek with hazelnut butter and egg yolk and grilled trout.
The location
Directly on Gran Vía, which is the city’s busiest tourist center and where all of the famous theaters and mainstream shops are. From this address, you can walk to the Golden Triangle of Art, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and famous neighborhoods like Chueca or Barrio de las Letras.
Retiro Park requires jogging down the hill, across the Paseo de la Castellana and up the hill past the Prado (all a scenic trip that makes it worth it). But, it is the building’s position across from the Metropolis building that is its claim to fame. You can appreciate this at its best from the top floor.
The rooftop
On the seventh floor, and reserved for guests only, this rooftop perch is a Gran Vía marvel. You can see the entire length of the city’s most famous thoroughfare with its flashing lights and landmark buildings. In the distance is the snow-capped mountain range, glittering skyscrapers that also serve as directional way points for most in the city and other famous rooftop terraces from neighboring buildings.
Wander around the corner, if your jaw can be lifted back into place, to discover a seasonal cocktail bar and sundeck with cushioned lounge chairs and red fabric umbrellas. A series of fountains adds to the sense of relaxation. Two modular buildings nearby also feature a small gym (the small packs of granola and bottles of water are also great for taking along for a run in the nearby Retiro Park) and spa.
Massage and beauty treatments are on offer. My massage with Luisa was one of the best I have ever had. The treatment room also had its own shower and changing area.
The perks
This hotel belongs to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a collection of boutique properties around the world. Its Hilton Honors affiliation means that travelers can earn or redeem points during their stay. Elite status members can take advantage of certain perks like bonus points or perhaps a room upgrade, if available.
This property is one of several new additions to the Hilton portfolio in central Madrid, which for years was a white spot in the Hilton Honors system. Now, The Principal becomes the ideal spot to spend a few days in the Spanish capital.
