Hotels

In 1952, a Spanish bullfighting entrepreneur opened a hotel inside a glamorous corner building in central Madrid. Hotel Wellington went on to host Ernest Hemingway and several Kings of Spain, whichever impresses you more. Today, this luxury hotel retains its old-world grandeur, and also features a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, among six other dining venues. Guest rooms are more than comfortable, with modern soundproofing and marble bathrooms. But the hotel’s public spaces are the real standouts, with high coffered ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, elegant drapery, and velvet sofas. A spa, rooftop terrace, and seasonal pool sweeten the deal, as does guest-only access to the Wellington Club lounge, with beautiful vertical gardens, complimentary snacks, and sweeping views over the city. The hotel lends bicycles, too, perfect for exploring the picturesque boulevards of the surrounding Salamanca neighborhood.