The Principal Madrid ★★★★★

At VeryChic we always have our ear to the ground to uncover some of the world’s finest new hotels and The Principal is certainly one of them, opening its doors to discerning visitors in January 2015. The setting is definitely worthy of what is sure to become one of Madrid’s most prestigious hotels; the Gran Via has always been synonymous with style, elegance and the inimitable madrileño lifestyle, and The Principal will only serve to enhance this reputation. It does not take you long to appreciate why the famous boulevard is known as the ‘street that never sleeps’: by day it is a blur of traffic, shoppers and tourists, and by night the city’s legendary nightlife brings its glamorous bars, prestigious restaurants and nightclubs to life.

Step through the hotel’s front door, however, and you instantly feel yourself transported into another world. The blaring of horns, the hum of engines, the excitable chatter and trampling footsteps of hundreds of tourists and businessmen all fall silent as you enter a haven of serenity and relaxation. The décor consists of an eclectic mix of furnishings, artworks and decorative features which somehow come together to form a harmonious whole, combining traditional grandeur with 21st century fashion in much the same way as the Gran Via itself.

The bedrooms are stylish and romantic in a kind of sleek and ultramodern way. The black and white colour scheme is simple but effective, with modern artworks adorning the walls and a view to die for over the energetic city far below. Meanwhile, you enjoy all the little luxuries you could hope for from a brand new five-star establishment, including a Nespresso coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, an enormous television with over 100 international channels and a cosy king-size bed with Egyptian cotton sheets. In the bathrooms, the same eye-catching design is complemented by high quality toiletries and an enormous shower complete with massaging jets.

Spectacularly comfortable as these rooms may be, perhaps the Principal’s star attraction is its panoramic roof terrace. Tables and sun loungers are scattered around this peaceful urban oasis, between cypresses, olive trees and plenty more greenery. The views over the Gran Via below, the surrounding rooftops and the cityscape beyond are surely some of the best offered by any hotel in Madrid, making this a stunning, romantic spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail as the sun descends over the city. In fact, it would be a great shame to miss out on the cocktails – the expert bar team have created a tantalising menu of classics and avant-garde cocktails, offering some delicious flavour combinations.

Speaking of which, after lingering over a pre-dinner aperitif, it is time to head down to Atico, the in house restaurant. Take a seat in the softly lit and atmospheric dining room or on the rooftop terrace on a balmy Madrid evening, and enjoy the menu of simple Spanish cooking with an unexpected modern twist conceived by double Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa. For something a little different, head down early and take your time to enjoy the exquisite afternoon tea. A brilliant array of high quality teas is combined with a feast of sandwiches, chocolate truffles, macarons and cakes, and why not add a glass of champagne for the ultimate indulgent experience?

When you finally manage to drag yourself back out of the hotel and into the streets of Madrid, you are rewarded with a location with throws you right into the thick of the action. Aside from the bustling Gran Via, it is just a short walk to the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the enormous Retiro Park and the charming ancient streets of the city’s historic quarter. Closest of all, it is just 500 metres or so to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a great starting point for discovering Madrid’s ‘golden triangle of art’, which also comprises the adjacent Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. You can really throw yourself into sightseeing, knowing that you are only ever a short walk away from putting your feet up with a cocktail on the roof of The Principal at the end of the day, which will have you refreshed and energised to test out Madrid’s famous nightlife in no time at all!