Gran Hotel Inglés

Style

Gran dame

Setting

Literary circle

In Madrid’s bohemian, bookworm-favoured Barrio de las Letras, Gran Hotel Inglés is a historic hotel brought back to life. Back in the day – the original incarnation opened its soon-to-be-hallowed doors in 1886 – all of Spain’s literary and artistic movers and shakers moved and shook here. Sound fun? We’d wager it’s even better nowadays, thanks to a restoration by American architect David Rockwell. Art deco influences abound, as does tasty tapas – both in the lupine Casa Lobo and beyond the hotel, where all Madrid’s key cultural players are but a short amble away.

Facilities

Rooms

48, including seven suites.

Checkout

Noon, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm, also flexible.

More Details

Rates don’t usually include breakfast (€39 for adults; €35 for ages 3–17; free for under-2s).

Also

Some rooms have been specially adapted for wheelchair users, but the restaurant isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Fitness Center

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pet Friendly

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

Spa

At the Hotel

Free WiFi throughout, gym, valet parking. In rooms: TV, air-conditioning, soundproofing system, minibar, free bottled water, tea- and coffee-making kit, wellies and L’Occitane bath products.

Our Favourite Rooms

If a (Twenties-style, freestanding, roll-top) bath is a dealbreaker, don’t choose a Deluxe. If a balcony’s your bag, request a room with one when you book. All rooms have an art deco influence, with soft grey chairs, gilded edges and velvet headboards, but if you’d prefer to survey the streets of the lively literary quarter below, opt for an outward-facing room, rather than one overlooking the inner courtyard.

Spa

The award-winning Le Max Wellness Club Spa deploys Sisley Paris products for facials, massages and other rejuvenating rituals (which include vinotherapy and jet-lag cures) in its two treatment rooms.

Packing Tips

Stubble, scarves and specs will help you look the literary part; a well-thumbed copy of an early-20th-century Spanish classic might help you keep up the pretence.

Children

All ages are welcome. Babysitting is available from €25 an hour; it’s advisable to give a week’s notice and a cancellation fee applies.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Sit next to the open kitchen if you want to get some tapas tips; otherwise, go for one of the round booths.

Dress Code

Not too shaggy.

Hotel Restaurant

Casa Lobo is so called after the Spanish word for wolf, and there are lupine references everywhere (except actually on your plate). Breakfast is an indulgent spread of pastries, smoothies and homemade jams; don’t miss the house-special fried eggs, served with pan con tomate and jamón ibérico. Later in the day, the classic Spanish cooking continues, don’t miss the croquetas; other favourites include the almond gazpacho and truffled eggs with chorizo and fried potatoes.

Hotel Bar

Lobbyto is in the lobby (natch) and the first thing you see as you enter the hotel (handy if you’re desperate for a drink). The staff channel Jay Gatsby’s styleas they mix up dry martinis; there’s also a whole menu dedicated to gin. Tasty tapas (mini stew of the day, squid sandwiches, and so on) are served whenever you want them. There’s also an impressive choice of wine, vermouth and beer.

Last Orders

Breakfast is from 7am until 10.30am; lunch hours are 1.30pm to 4pm; dinner service is 8.30pm until 11.30pm, and for night owls, the bar is open until 1am, or until you choose to retire.

Room Service

Breakfast and a series of snacks, salads and sandwiches (including some child-friendly options) can be served in-room.

Planes

Madrid’s Barajas airport is 14 kilometres away; the drive should take about 20 minutes, and hotel transfers start from €160 each way.

Trains

The city’s grand old Atocha station is a 15-minute drive from the hotel; transfers start at €75. Renfe services arrive from other cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Lyon and Marseille (www.renfe.com).

Automobiles

The city-centre setting means you won’t need a car to get around; parking at the hotel costs €50 a day if you insist.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

The marvels of Madrid are laid out before you, whether you want to go for a jog (optimistic) around El Retiro Park, the entrance to which is 15 minutes on foot from Gran Hotel, shop along the calles Gran Via or Serrano, or visit the Prado museum. Raise a toast to all things cerveza in the old-fashioned German beer hall Cerveceria Alemana, which has been serving fermented hops to thirsty punters since 1904. A flea market has existed on the same site as El Rastro since the Middle Ages; magpies can get their fix every Sunday and public holiday. Trainspotters will love the 19th-century Atocha station, which is still in operation but has simultaneously been transformed into a tropical garden. The barrio has lots of flamenco shows, the oldest of which can be witnessed at Corral de la Moreria, a 20-minute walk from the hotel.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .