Posada del Leon de Oro

Housed in a four-story 19th-century building, this hotel delightfully combines modern style with historic charm. Among its special features is its lovely corrala, or interior courtyard. Hallways to guest rooms look down onto this area, which is where the restaurant and bar are located, as well as the reception desk. Locals as well as guests visit the restaurant, which gets great reviews for its tapas, Spanish dishes, and wine. The atmosphere at the posada is intimate and friendly, suitable for all sorts of travelers looking for a charming hotel in the center of Madrid. 

This hotel is situated on a small pedestrian street in the bustling La Latina neighborhood near the center of Madrid. The neighborhood is filled with bars and restaurants, and the Tirso de Molina Metro station can be reached in about five minutes on foot. Plaza Mayor, the city's main square, also is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Other notable attractions within a 10-minute walk include the Mercado de San Miguel food market, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. The buzzing Sunday market and antique fair -- El Rastro -- is also less than a 10-minute walk away. Budget 18 minutes by public transportation to reach the Reina Sofia or Prado museums (or 20 to 30 minutes on foot -- Madrid is made for long strolls, after all). Plan on about 30 minutes to reach Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport by car, or 45 minutes by metro. 

Rooms are individually decorated in a chic, contemporary style. Furniture is modern and sleek, and floors are tiled. Plenty of modern light fixtures ensure they are well lit. Some rooms feature hot pink or bright red accents, while others are just black and white. Exposed beams on ceilings add historic charm to some, and old-fashioned rotary dial phones provide additional throwback flair. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and heated floors. Bathrooms are also modern, with stylish tile and fixtures, plus heated towel racks. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided, as are robes and slippers. Some have showers only, while others feature shower/tub combos or jetted tubs. In the Buhardilla rooms, the jetted tub is next to the bed, with a velvet-covered chaise adjacent. Modest guests may not appreciate the open bathroom concept found in these rooms and some others. Balconies with nice views of the street and attractive adjacent buildings are available in select rooms, and family-friendly rooms that sleep three or four people are available.

The highlight at this hotel is its restaurant, Enotaberna, which draws both locals and hotel guests. It's a charming, stylish space with exposed beams on the ceiling, exposed brick walls, a stone bar, and a wall of wine. An unusual glass floor allows guests to look down to see the old stone wall on which the hotel was built. Large vintage black-and-white photographs add more historic style. The menu features traditional Spanish dishes and tapas, and the wine list is extensive, with a focus on Spanish wines. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee and includes juices, meats, cheeses, pastries, fruits, and breads with olive oil. Room service is available. Otherwise, there aren't many other features of which to speak. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but parking is not available.