H10 Puerta de Alcala

Renovated in 2016, this hotel is now looking stylish, modern, and fresh, and it fits right in in its upscale neighborhood. That impression starts right off the bat, as the lobby sets the tone for a stay here, with its polished wood floors, cool art behind the front desk, retro seating, and red stairs leading up to the second floor. Art is displayed throughout the hotel, and hallways feature framed portraiture. The highlight here is the rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and bar. It's a popular spot for hanging out and taking in panoramic views of the city. The hotel draws all sorts of travelers, both leisure and business, though its tony address means that the vibe is restrained and classy. 

This hotel has a wonderful location in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. There are few sights in the heart of the neighborhood aside from high-end boutiques and expensive restaurants, but many major attractions can be reached on foot. Retiro Park, Madrid’s most famous garden, is just two minutes away on foot, and Puerta de Alcala is a five-minute walk. Upscale shopping on Serrano Street is an eight-minute walk away, and Cibeles is 13 minutes away on foot for great art and Madrid-centric installations plus a stellar rooftop viewpoint. Both the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums can be reached in 20 minutes on foot. It's also a 20-minute walk to Chueca, the city's LGBT neighborhood that's a go-to destination for folks of all stripes looking for great dining, boutiques, and nightlife. Budget 40 minutes to reach the airport by metro, or 20 minutes by taxi.

Rooms and suites are modern and fresh, with striking back-lit accent walls behind the headboards. Contemporary art -- ranging from graphic prints to photography -- hangs collected in cool arrangements on the walls, surrounding mounted flat-screen TVs. Accents colors vary, but all rooms feature chic black trim and white bed linens, plus black furniture. The hardwood floors complete the polished look, though keep in mind double beds are often just two twins pushed side by side. Amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. The welcome bottle of cava on ice is a nice perk. Attractive modern bathrooms are equipped with sleek black-and-white vanities and mirrors, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, and marble showers or shower/tub combos. Rainfall showerheads come standard. Some rooms have furnished balconies or terraces with lounge chairs, and the views of the city can be outstanding. Superior Rooms add sofas and coffeemakers. 

This small hotel has limited features (no fitness center or spa), but it does make sure everyone is fed. La Galeria Restaurant serves Mediterranean fare for all meals, including a breakfast buffet with a nice selection of hot and cold items. The restaurant is lovely, with wood floors, blue and gray cushioned chairs, wooden tables, and large modern lighting fixtures hanging overhead. The Lobby Bar is a hip space with plush rugs atop wood floors, funky retro seating, and artwork on the walls. Glass sculptures add more pizzazz. The menu features cocktails, tapas, housemade cakes, and specialty coffees. Without a doubt, the highlight here is upstairs. El Cielo de Alcala terrace on the eighth floor is a gorgeous space with a glass-sided plunge pool. Views of the city and Retiro Park are spectacular, and cushioned lounge chairs on the wooden deck invite relaxing poolside. Drinks and tapas are available at the bar, and it's a great place to take in the views and the sunset.  The hotel has three attractive meeting rooms, and two of them have windows for natural light. Two can be combined to accommodate groups of up to 150 people. Catering and technical services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and on-site parking is available for a fee.