Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen

Tucked into the corner of a leafy square is the unassuming glass entrance to the Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen, set into a quaint, balconied terra-cotta pink facade. Stepping inside this early 20th-century boutique property, the first thing that sets the cozy mood is a pleasant hit of the hotel's signature scent. Next is the charmingly styled reception area (updated at the end of 2016) that contrasts exposed brickwork and century-old wooden beams with fresh blue walls and floral-print wallpaper. Soft seating reminiscent of a living room, newspapers and magazines, and pastries and coffee also encourage relaxed lingering. Its 42 guest rooms are spread over four floors, connected by a single elevator and smart modern hallways. A central location and family-friendly room types make the hotel popular with vacationing couples both with and without kids. 

The hotel is set overlooking the relatively -- though not always -- quiet Plaza de Carmen square in the centrally located and buzzy neighborhood of Sol. Gran Via, one of the most iconic avenues in Madrid, with beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture, designer boutiques, a subway station of the same name, and lots of traffic, is just a block away. The bustling grand square of Puerta del Sol is also within five minutes' walk, while Madrid's majestic main square, Plaza Mayor, is 10 minutes on foot. Chueca, the hopping gay neighborhood, full of intimate restaurants, bars, and cool shops is also around 10 minutes' walk away. It's a 20-minute drive from Madrid-Barajas Airport, or 30 minutes by public transport.

All rooms are finished in a stylishly straightforward mix of hardwood floors, basic modern furniture, and cool gray walls -- with the occasional pop of color for good measure. Rooms come in several different shapes and sizes, with duplex rooms featuring spiral staircases, attic rooms with sloping beamed ceilings, and spacious family rooms with added bunk beds for kids. Most rooms have small, unfurnished balconies overlooking the square, though some face the wall of an interior courtyard. Reports suggest rooms are generally poorly soundproofed from internal and external noise, and street life can be noisy. Smart TVs (32-inch and larger), well-stocked minibars, and electronic safes come as standard in all rooms, while iPads are available on request from reception and upgraded rooms add tea- and coffee-making facilities. In-room Wi-Fi is free, though faster in some rooms than others. Clean, contemporary bathrooms sit behind frosted glass doors and include multi-jet hydro-massage showers, hairdryers, and generic hotel-branded toiletries; some also come qith digitally controlled whirlpool tubs. 

As you can expect from a boutique hotel, there's not a great deal in the way of facilities. However, there is a homey basement breakfast room with painted brick walls and arches serving a nicely presented continental buffet with a couple of hot options. Breakfast is not included as standard and there are no a la carte choices. Room service is available until late. Free tea, coffee, and pastries are available in the lobby, where guests can also borrow one of a few bicycles, also without charge.