Hotel Unico Madrid

Housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century palace, this small boutique hotel is as elegant and exclusive as the neighborhood around it. Striking red spiral sculptures in the stairwell, yellow plates in the restaurant, and a manicured garden stand out against stylized upholstered furniture and a wall made up of artificial gray roses. Swirling marble tile mosaics and high ceilings adorn the common spaces and give off an airy and luxurious look. Large windows on the terrace allow in ample natural light and the mirrors around the hotel add to the bright feel. The library’s comfortable sofas, detailed ceiling, and abundance of reading materials makes the space relaxing, while bold light fixtures make the style more distinctive. Most of the hotel is decorated in understated blacks, whites, and grays, making the artwork, food, and outdoor spaces pop. Guests are offered a treat upon arrival and there are free newspapers and coffee/tea in the lobby. The hotel predominantly attracts discerning travelers in search of a distinctive luxury experience.

Hotel Unico is situated a little outside central Madrid, in the well-heeled Salamanca neighborhood, with high-end shops and restaurants all within walking distance. Attractions such as Plaza de Colon, ABC Serrano, and the National Library are also within walking distance, but downtown Madrid is about a 10-minute drive (or equally quick metro ride) away. Public transportation can get passengers to all the popular sites with a bit of planning, but a rental car is a nice perk if you're looking to explore more of the city. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for a fee, and does offer parking, also for a fee.

The large, modern rooms at the Hotel Unico are simultaneously design-conscious and comfortable. Each includes high ceilings, large windows that let in lots of natural light, (although, some guests mention that rooms can be dimly lit at night) and Jatoba hardwood floors. Some rooms have balconies with city or garden views, and all rooms have a king bed. The large wooden headboard is a pop of color against the gray chairs and sofa beds, gray curtains, and dark textured walls. Bathrooms are outfitted in light marble, black countertops, and leaf-patterned frosted glass; some suites have skylights in the bathroom, too. All bathrooms have rainfall showerheads and good-size tubs, but some bathrooms have a separate walk-in tile shower with massage jets and a jetted soaking tub. Heated towel racks, anti-fog lighted mirrors, and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries are also included.

All rooms have a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray/CD player with CDs and DVDs, iPod dock, magazines, pillow menus, free newspapers, a stocked minibar, slippers, and bathrobes. Suites even have a computer in the room, in addition to a Nespresso coffee machine and welcome gift. Although all rooms are soundproofed, some guests mention hearing street noise.

The hotel's restaurant, Ramon Freixa Madrid, is one of its highlights; the Michelin-starred eatery has been touted as the best restaurant in Madrid and, in the warmer months, has an outdoor terrace with views over the private garden. There’s also a lounge that offers free drinks to guests and a bar with 24-hour service. There's a cozy library for guests. If you book certain packages, you can get free breakfast and free parking; otherwise, breakfast is not included in most rates.

There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center that offers personal training upon request, and a range of workout equipment; free bottled water and towels are included. Additionally, the wellness suite offers massages and beauty treatments; in-room massages are also available.

Hotel Unico has many 24-hour services, including the front desk, business center, room service, shoe shining, laundry/ironing, and steward service. Concierge services, car rental with or without a driver, and personal shoppers (by request) are also on-site. Other services include laptops and iPads to borrow. An area shuttle and airport shuttle are also provided, but each costs a fee.