NH Collection Madrid Abascal

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that used to be an embassy, the NH Abascal is a stylish hotel catering mostly to business travelers. Extensive renovations in late 2014 upgraded it to NH Collection status, which is the NH chain’s high-end brand. White and silver decor, with a few dark blue and yellow accents, make the lobby chic and glamorous, while the high ceilings, vaulted entrance, heavy wrought-iron doors, and large windows honor the buildings grand origins. A striking bulbous white lamp -- one of only eight pieces of its kind and the first to be displayed in Europe -- is the centerpiece of the lounge area. Rooms have a similar style, with elegant wooden floors and chic all-white decor. As is the case with most old buildings in Madrid, rooms are small, but most guests seem to find that the upscale in-room amenities, stylish furnishings, and general charm make up for the tight quarters. 

The hotel is located on Jose Abascal, a wide, busy street that ends a couple of blocks down in Castellana, Madrid’s main north-south artery. A subtle and charming blend of corporate offices, handsome residences, and bars (geared towards people in their early 30s) make up the neighborhood. Low-key partying, dining, and convenient access to other areas of the city make the hotel popular with young professionals and well-heeled couples. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity, and three Metro stations can be found within four blocks of the hotel. Additionally, there are a number of buses running along Castellana and Jose Abascal. The Santiago Bernabeu stadium (home to the Real Madrid soccer team) is a 20-minute walk away, but other major attractions -- such as Sol, the Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park -- are all a 25-minute Metro ride away.

The hotel has 183 room, all featuring polished wooden floors that stand out against the stylish all-white decor. Standard rooms (known here as Superior) are small, and most other rooms types, including suites, are a little tighter than one would expect of an upscale hotel. However, all have high ceilings that add a little bit of visual space, and great amenities such as Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Bathrooms are clean and up-to-date, with walk-in showers featuring rain showerheads, contemporary rectangular sinks, and nice hotel-brand toiletries. Courtyard-facing rooms can be a little dark, but are quieter than units overlooking the street. Premium Rooms on the seventh floor have spacious furnished terraces. 

DOMO Restaurant serves a seasonal Mediterranean menu in an uber-stylish space with all-white decor, modern silver and gold accents, and delicate white and baby blue Chesterfield chairs. The breakfast buffet is particularly outstanding. The bar has similar decor and is known for its famous mixologist Diego Cabrera, who is said to make some of the best cocktails in Spain. In addition to six fully equipped meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout, the hotel has a chic terrace with wooden floors that can be rented out for private events. The fitness center is tiny and has no windows, but guests get free access to a high-end gym, located across the street, complete with a wonderful spa and salon services. Parking is available for a daily fee.