Review of Hospes Madrid, by Gillian Ivory

With its sleek lines and chic design set in one of Madrid's historical buildings, Hospes Madrid looks on to the Alcala Gate in the ultra-central Plaza de la Independencia. To one side lies Retiro Park, the city's greenest area and a playground for many of its inhabitants.

Guests escape into this hip and stylish oasis in the busy city centre, knowing that everything is right on the doorstep when they choose to venture back out again. Attracting the young, elite city-breaker as well as the cosmopolitan business client, it is part of a growing number of Hospes properties around Spain and now moving into central Europe.

Architect Jose Maria Aguilar was responsible for the classic design of the original building in 1883. The recent restoration and refurbishment of this boutique hotel blends the original exteriors with elegant, contemporary interiors. The staff is upbeat and friendly and pride themselves on being a younger team than the average five star management crew.

Besides the formal restaurant, a cool and shaded internal terrace is the ideal backdrop for a late afternoon drink, and a stylish tapas bar opens on to the street at the front, giving it plenty of atmosphere in a trendy but informal setting.

The hotel is divided into two parts, connected by an internal courtyard next to the reception area. Guests can sit in this cleverly designed and uber-discreet enclave while they read a paper or wait for a taxi. Upstairs a bar area is next to a private smoking room, conjuring images of lavish vintage port and the best of Havana's cigars.

Calle de Serrano is five minute walk from Hospes Madrid, where avid shoppers flock for lots of great shopping venues at all ends of the price scale. If you shop yourself into a frenzy, you can regain your composure at the boutique hotel's indulgent Bodyna Spa.

Of the 41 rooms, a few are slightly narrow and elongated, in line with the shape of the building, but all are beautifully furnished in cool grey, silver and black tones. Some of the suites have a view of the Alcala Gate, where bullet holes from the time of Spain's Civil War can still be seen embedded in the stone façade. The hotel uses bed linen of the finest cotton the earth's soil can produce, and beds are of the outlandishly comfortable variety. Bathrooms are particularly stylish, with white marble tiles and large 'wet room' showers giving a relaxed, luxurious feel. All the cosmetics are 100% natural, so eco enthusiasts will be impressed.

Overall, this is a place to be seen, having built a reputation for understated glamour since its opening in December 2007, but if you choose to hide away, you can do it in quiet opulence.