TOTEM Madrid

This stylish boutique hotel is housed in a restored five-story 19th-century building that was a residence until the mid-20th century, when it became a hotel. It still retains its period wooden-and-wrought-iron staircase, which is now a piece of beauty in the lobby. Previously called the Hesperia Hermosilla, the hotel changed its name to TOTEM Madrid after a renovation that was completed in June 2016. From top to bottom, this is one of the sharpest boutique options in Madrid. The lobby is a hip welcome to the hotel, with a long gray sofa and some chairs where guests can hang out. Blue velvet drapery separates the sitting area from the bar, which is a popular spot for drinks and light fare. The scent of flowers and fruits add a pleasing touch to public areas of the hotel. With its excellent location and trendy blend of vintage and modern details, this hotel appeals to all sorts of travelers, including business guests, and couples and families on vacation. 

This hotel has one of the most coveted addresses in central Madrid -- right in the heart of ritzy Salamanca, the most upscale central neighborhood in the city. The neighborhood is home to high-end boutiques and chain stores, great restaurants, and many major attractions. Plaza de Colon, where you'll find the National Library and the Archaeological Museum, is just four minutes away on foot, and Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcala can be reached in a 10-minute walk.. There are few nightlife spots in the neighborhood, but more of that will be found in LGBT-friendly Chueca (a 15-minute walk), and Malasana (five to 10 minutes farther on foot). The Serrano Metro station is essentially around the corner, making it easy to get to farther-flung sights like Plaza Mayor (20 minutes) and the Reina-Sofia (35 minutes). Budget 45 minutes to reach the airport by metro, or around 20 to 25 minutes by taxi.

Despite sometimes compact layouts, there is no denying that the rooms here are some of the sexiest you'll find in Salamanca. That's due to the handsome blend of vintage and contemporary accents, alongside restrained design choices. Entry-level rooms are on the small side, but you'll still spot historic features such as period molding, high ceilings, and hardwood floors. Corner sofas and mirrored walls add distinction to larger rooms, and all categories feature mostly gray color schemes accented by splashes of blue or chartreuse. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Higher-category room like Attic Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites add Nespresso coffeemakers. Beds get universal praise from previous guests for their comfy duvets and soft linens. The sloping ceilings in the Attic Rooms make them particularly cozy. Some rooms have small balconies with city views, and Suites have separate sitting areas. Turn-down service is provided. Impeccably sharp bathrooms are tricked out with black-and-white floor tiling, black marble countertops, and rainfall showers. Some bathrooms only have showers, while others feature separate tubs and showers. All come with magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers, and robes and slippers are provided. 

This little gem is short on features, but has emerged as something of a hot spot on the Madrid scene since its renovation in 2016. The highlight is its restaurant and bar, Hermosos y Malditos, which gets its name from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book "The Beautiful and Damned." The Beautiful refers to the restaurant, a 21st-century bistro with features from the 1920s and the Prohibition era. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus brunch on Sunday, and the menu focuses on Mediterranean and healthy cuisine. The space is simple, yet striking, with gray banquette seating, pops of bright color, and vintage lines in the furniture. The Damned is the trendy cocktail bar that serves drinks and draws a mix of locals, tourists, and hotel guests to its polished, jewel-toned interiors. Aside from destination dining and drinking, the hotel also has a fitness center, though it's small and windowless. There are a few pieces of modern cardio equipment plus free weights and exercise balls. Trainers can be arranged with advanced notice. Water and towels are provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and space for meetings and events can be arranged.