Vincci The Mint

Vincci The Mint is situated in an elegant historic building that dates back to the early 1900s, featuring a lemon chiffon-colored facade with white accents and ornamental details. The lobby doubles as a chic gastropub that pairs retro color and patterns with modern styling. Walls tend to be dark, but upholstery is daring in minty and olive greens, teal blues, and tartan plaid. Floors are beautiful wood parquet, and the bar-cum-reception area invites a relaxed social vibe right from check-in. Vincci is part of a Spanish-based luxury hotel chain, but there's a particular boutique feel to this branch, which is still fresh from its 2016 opening. The property attracts tourists and leisure travelers looking for a trendy place to chill between sightseeing. 

The hotel has an enviable location on Gran Via, a major avenue running through the heart of Madrid, lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, upscale shops, hotels, dining, and nightlife. A host of major attractions are reachable on foot, including Puerta del Sol (seven-minute walk), Plaza de Cibeles (seven-minute walk), the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (eight-minute walk), Retiro Park (12-minute walk), Plaza Mayor (13-minute walk), and the Royal Palace (18-minute walk). For sights farther out, the Sevilla metro station is a four-minute walk. Madrid-Barajas Airport is about 45 minutes away via public transit or 15 to 25 minutes by car. 

Guest rooms are minimalistic-chic, with bright turquoise and teal walls, coordinating drapes, and wood parquet floors. Comfy white pillow-topped beds feature brown leathery headboards with gooseneck reading lamps and nailhead trim. Furniture is stylish -- expect to see marble-topped bedside tables and velvety upholstered chairs with tapered legs. Bathrooms have a trendy retro vibe, with black-and-white-checkered floors, pedestal sinks, and brass fixtures, plus rainfall showers (some rooms also have tubs). Upgraded rooms add spacious terraces, lounge areas, and other extras. 

Units are equipped with smart TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, free toiletries, and kettles with free coffee and tea or Nespresso machines (depending on room category). At 215 square feet, entry-level rooms aren't huge, but they're adequate for a central city hotel; the largest suite is double that size. Rooms higher up and facing the street have the best views, and guests say that with double-glazed windows, noise isn't an issue. Courtyard facing rooms lack views, and some guests find them a little dark.

Trendy hangout spots are the highlight of Vincci The Mint, starting with the lobby's gastropub, which offers drinks, appetizers, and casual meals all day. Breakfast is a la carte, but it isn't always included in room rates. There's also a rooftop terrace that overlooks the city, where drinks and light eats are served from a retro food truck, and there are cafe tables and a canopied lounge. The hotel offers high-end service from attentive staff, including concierge service, laundry service, and 24-hour room service. The biggest downside? There's no wellness facilities at all, meaning no gym, pool, or spa. There's also no on-site parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.