Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles).

Minibuses and taxis are available for transfer from the airport to the center of Madrid. Metro line 8 also serves the airport and takes passengers into central Madrid. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for guests. Contact the hotel in advance to arrange this.

The extensive Metro system connects the hotel with the rest of central London within 30 minutes. The Metro station closest to the hotel is Grand Via. There is also a wide choice of buses. The hotel can order taxis on request.

This hotel has 133 guestrooms, all of which have high-speed Internet access (complimentary) and double glazing. All are decorated in mustard contrasted with maroon tones, wooden floors and wooden furniture. Some have views onto Grand Via, others onto the smaller Calle Chinchilla or Salud. The en-suite marble bathrooms have ceramic basins set in glass supports

What to expect: The 18th-century façade opens up into a small hall, dominated by a large chandelier. Five marble steps lead into a more private area, with gilded mirrors, orchids and two crimson zebra-print chairs. Two lifts, lead up to reception on the second floor. Leisure travelers, mainly couples, choose this family-run hotel for its personalized atmosphere and its location in the shopping and sightseeing district.

Amenity highlights: The lobby, with its marble floor and distinctive crimson zebra patterned or aubergine leather sofas set around glass and bronze tables, has plenty of space for relaxing and enjoying bar snacks, freshly squeezed orange juice, cocktails and coffee.

Insider tip: Shoppers can explore the cavernous high-street fashion store Zara just opposite the hotel or head for one of Madrid’s largest department tores, El Corte Ingles, a three minute walk away at the Puerto del Sol.

There are two meeting rooms. The larger one, called the Grand Via, has a capacity for 25 people and is fitted with audio-visual equipment. The smaller one, called the Goya, has space for ten people. Both are popular with the local business community.