A former palatial residence divided into spacious apartments for Spanish counts and countesses, the Villa Magna made the transition to its current five-star status after an extremely thorough renovation. The modernist granite exterior might not be exactly what you expect from a royal residence, but at the Rosewood Villa Magna it’s the unobtrusive perfection of the meticulously designed interior that counts. Instead of a heavy, imposing brand of marble-clad luxury, the Villa Magna specializes in a sort of whispered opulence that makes this hotel the choice for visiting heads of state, celebrities, business travelers and tourists alike.

This discreet dedication to silent efficiency is evident upon entering the lobby, which is dotted with plush sofas and features a champagne bar with garden-facing picture windows. The 150 guest rooms maintain an air of classic elegance: mahogany woods are offset by creams, wireless internet and flatscreen TVs are standard, and the array of high-end toiletries includes an exclusive scent by Asprey of London. Meanwhile the top-floor Real Suite is a study in penthouse decadence: an open-air terrace, a grand piano, and a private kitchen with butler service.

Although the Villa Magna is located in Salamanca, the Madrid district known for its tony boutiques and trendy restaurants, guests in search of fine Chinese or Mediterranean cuisine need not leave the hotel: the Tse Yang restaurant offers the former and Restaurante Villa Magna the latter. Those who do venture out will find themselves in walking distance of Madrid’s Big Three art museums, the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza.