Hotel Check: VP Plaza España Design Hotel Madrid, Spain

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HOW MANY ROOMS? 214 rooms and suites

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS In the heart of Madrid’s active Gran Via shopping street and close to many of the city’s main sights like the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol, this new design hotel is one of the newest to open in the city. It boasts an incredible rooftop pool and bar area with stunning views of Plaza de España square below.

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room on the random dates we checked start at $253

CONTACT VP Plaza España Design Hotel, Plaza de España, 5, Madrid, Spain, 28008, Phone +34-91-595-55- 10, https://www.plazaespana-hotel.com/en/

WHERE IS IT Directly on one of the city’s liveliest squares, the views from this tower of the surrounding neighborhoods and the square itself are breathtaking. Guests can walk to many of the city’s top sights within minutes or use the metro station close to the hotel’s entrance.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? As its name suggests, art and design play an integral role in the property’s makeup with many beautiful sculptures and art pieces on display throughout the building. The bright lobby offers plush conversation areas with a friendly staff willing to store bags for those checking out and wanting to explore (or arriving in the early morning from the U.S. before their rooms are ready). Female staffers wear glamorous dresses that are akin to what one might find at a flamenco show. Elevators are controlled by key cards leading to the accommodation floors, restaurant, meeting areas, and of course, its famous rooftop bar that has everyone in town buzzing.

ROOM FACILITIES Cool and clean in their appearance, hardwood floors and surfaces look almost Scandinavian, but it’s the floor-to-ceiling windows that draw the most attention.

Premium rooms on the highest floors understandably have the most prized views (many might say best in the city), but the curvature of the windows in most parts of the building distort the vista slightly making it hard to snap a panoramic photo. Desks and sitting areas still provide excellent vantage points to take it all in. Electronic shades control the amount of light that enters the room, and electronic devices get their energy from the plethora of international power outlets and USB ports found by the beds and near the desk. This is a strong suit of the hotel. Flat-screen cable TVs face the bed while full-length mirrors prove convenient. Other perks include night lights that illuminate underneath the nightstands and windows between the bathroom’s shower and bedroom that come with their own electronic shades for privacy. Premium rooms enjoy L’Occitane toiletries and turndown service nightly, and the minibar’s soft drinks and beer are complimentary.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The breakfast buffet overlooks the bustling street in front of the hotel and has everything from a live cooking station for eggs and crepes prepared to order to a long lineup of Spanish delicacies like acorn-fed ham, local cheeses, churros, and toasted bread stations with olive oil and tomato. The main restaurant, on the ground level, has a jungle book vibe with greenery growing on the walls and windows overlooking the street. Reservations are important at this hot spot dining option, which specializes in Mediterranean fusion cuisine with plenty of creative twists. A third dining option on floor 12 shares the space with the rooftop bar and lounge (a separate section of the building has rooms that go up to the 17thfloor). This is another very popular spot that opens in the afternoon for cocktails and dinner with some of the best views of any restaurant in town. It is earning a lot of attention, and it is wise to make reservations for a good table here.

LEISURE FACILITIES One level above the lobby is a well-equipped fitness center with plenty of healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit. There’s also a small spa offering massage and beauty treatments plus a lovely whirlpool with views of the street. A jog through the city or nearby gardens close to the royal palace is an even more creative form of working out.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Meetings and conventions make up an important part of the hotel’s business, and groups will find plenty of space to convene using the latest audiovisual capabilities and speedy wireless Internet.

VERDICT There is no other hotel of this size and artistic caliber so close to the action in Madrid making this a new favorite of business travelers and tourists wanting modern comforts without sacrificing location. While the brand name may not be as familiar to visitors, this modern option is among the city’s best.

(Pictures by VP Plaza España Design Hotel Madrid, Spain)

By Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey is a regular contributor to Business Traveler across all print, digital, web and social channels.  He travels more than 400,000 miles a year criss-crossing the globe to report on hotels, airlines, loyalty programs, and all things travel.

You can find more from Ramsey at http://www.ramseyq.com/, on Twitter – @dailytraveltips and Instagram – @dailytraveltips