Beautifully
renovated 18th-century palace
Centrally located
in literary Huertas district
10-minute walk
to Prado Museum
Elegant, stylish rooms with minibars and kettles
Suites feature original ceiling frescos
Some rooms open
to French balconies
Generous breakfast buffet with Bloody Marys
Free afternoon
finger buffet
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
No spa or health
facilities
Basement and lower rooms
can be noisy
The Catalonia Las
Cortes is an upscale, 65-room hotel located in the popular Huertas neighborhood of central Madrid. This initially unassuming 18th-century palace has been
beautifully restored and retains much of its elegant baroque-style interiors -- the
suites' ceiling frescos are particularly striking. The location makes an excellent
base for exploring the city with plenty, including the Prado, well within
walking distance. Some rooms are prone to street noise, however. Rates are competitive for this caliber of hotel, but those who prefer a modern look to a historical feel may want to consider the similarly priced ME Madrid Hotel nearby.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Restored 18th-century palace with inconspicuous facade
The entrance and
facade of the Catalonia Las Cortes hotel is inconspicuous almost to the point
of being missable -- its typical, stuccoed facade blends unobtrusively into
its similar surroundings with little to announce its presence beyond a discreet
sign. The sleek, contemporary reception area is smart and
understated, though with the first hints of the flamboyant period decor that
lay just beyond. Occupying a palace dating back to the 18th century, much of
the interiors have been renovated in sympathy with the era while retaining plenty
of the original elements and character. Most striking are wonderful arched
stained glass windows adorning a hallway, but also original parquet wood
flooring, ornate coving, and intricate baroque detailing wonderfully recreate
the period ambience. The atmosphere is polished and upscale.
Location
Set in Madrid's buzzing and literary barrio of Huertas -- 10 minutes walk from the Prado Museum
The hotel is
located in the central Madrid district of Huertas, a historical and buzzing
neighborhood now a popular nightlife spot and tourist destination. Also known
as the Barrio de las Letras, the area is also considered the capital's literary
district having once been the hang-out of Spanish writers including Cervantes (who also died here). One of Madrid's most picturesque squares, the Plaza de
Santa Ana, is just a one-minute walk from the hotel and is full of bars and restaurants. While
the nearest metro stop, Antón Martín, is five minutes' walk away, the Puerta del
Sol transport hub is a little further and connects throughout Madrid. The
world-famous Prado Museum is just 10 minutes away on foot, and just beyond
the city's large and picturesque Retiro Park.
Rooms
Suites feature original frescos and some rooms open onto French balconies.
The hotel has 65
rooms and suites, all of which follow a modern take on classical 18th-century
styling with wood wall paneling in appealing neutral tones, antique-style furnishings,
heavy tasseled drapery, and parquet floors. Rooms are all air-conditioned and
standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with
satellite channels. While all suites also include Nespresso coffeemakers and
bathrobes, they also feature gorgeous restored 18th-century ceiling frescos. Bathrooms are traditionally finished in green marble,
while some rooms open to French balconies. Lower street-facing rooms can
experience some noise -- especially basement rooms -- though higher or
courtyard rooms are generally quiet.
Features
Free finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks plus a breakfast buffet
A decent and
nicely presented breakfast buffet is served each morning, which includes Spanish
omelet and Bloody Marys, though is not included in the regular room rate.
However, a small finger buffet with mini-sandwiches and soft drinks is
available free of charge from lunch time while for dinner the Las Cortes
restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel
and there's also an Internet corner for guests' use though there are no spa or
health facilities on-site.
