Review of Hotel Vincci Madrid Centrum, by Isabel Clift

A stack of 19th-century travel trunks in Vincci Centrum's lobby is one of the few reminders that it occupies a listed building. Decor is exuberantly modern, with dark, cubic furniture and a judicious use of orange brightening up everything from walls to lamps and chairs. Glossy yet unimposing, this four star's a safe bet for on-the-go urbanites sick of corporate neutrals.

Vincci Centrum is a bare-essentials hotel without a restaurant or spa. A bang-on central location means there's plenty of surrounding places to eat, as well as sightseers' essentials Pueta del Sol square and shopping hub Calle Presiados. The hard-partying Huertas neighbourhood is just down the street, while Horteleza's independent boutiques and hipster drinking dens are a few steps in the other direction. Add to this the hotel's easy, sociable atmosphere and you'll feel almost obliged to let your hair down.

A mirror-panelled diner lit with orange neons is a surprisingly funky setting for breakfast, and an international snack menu is served throughout the day. The adjoining bar continues the lounge-lizard decor with candles, oversized orange lamps and chocolate brown armchairs. It's the hotel's social hub - drink your coffee here in the day, then swap it for a cocktail after dark.

Orange corridors and an original spiral staircase lead to 87 rooms, all decked out in Centrum's signature funky-luxe style. Dark hardwood floors are complemented by Edwardian-print brown cushion blocks and minimalist white beds have olive green covers. A pillow menu is available for the discerning sleeper, while Wi-Fi and internet TV will please technophiles. Slate grey bathrooms have bath/shower combinations, as well as lime counter-tops with double basins.

If size is your thing, get a Superior Room or Junior Suite - both give a substantially more space than a Standard. Go a step even better by booking one of the seven rooms with private outdoor terraces - you won't regret the rooftop views.