Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 15 kilometers (9 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 extensive Metro system connects the hotel with the rest of central Madrid within 10 minutes. The Underground station closest to the hotel is Banco de Espana. There is also a wide choice of buses. The hotel can order taxis on request.

Wine Cellar - Over 700 Spanish and international wines are laid down in this small tasting room adjacent to the Rotonda.

Palace Bar - Set in the most dramatic room of the hotel, the bar is dominated by the Art Nouveau stained-glass dome with its flower motif, from which a large chandelier is suspended. Cocktails (particularly dry martinis or a choice from over 700 wines in the adjoining cellar) are enjoyed day long by guests firmly ensconsed in the green-leather armchairs or navy-blue divans. Live piano music is played for afternoon tea.

Amenity highlights: Club Neptuno fitness center is open 24-hours daily, and offers views over Retiro Park. The 18 modular meeting rooms are all soundproofed and some are wood-paneled with Venetian chandeliers.

Insider tip: Just 1.5 kilometers from the hotel is the fabulous Filmoteca Nacional (National Film Academy) - where a small fee wins entrance to a rich choice of art house cinema, including matinee performances and original language versions. Less high-brow, just 200 meters from the hotel, guests can explore the Hertas district, and its maze of tapas bars.

The business center on the ground floor, adjacent to the front desk, has telephone and fax services, high-speed Internet access (fee) , telephone booths and meeting area. Mobile phones are available for hire, and secretarial and translation services are available.

Club Neptuno fitness center is open 24-hours daily, and located on the seventh floor, offering roof-top views across the Buen Retiro Park. There are around 20 cardiovascular and strength-building machines, and free weights, a sauna, sunbed, and massage. Juices and light snacks are sold in the center’s bar, where there are also international newspapers and magazines, and satellite television.

R’diffusion beauty treatments, including facials, massage, epilation, manicure and pedicure, are available on the sixth floor, A small hairdressers of the same name is located on the second floor.