The Principal Madrid

In a fine company of Art Nouveau façades in the heart of Gran Via, one of Madrid’s grand avenues, stands a 1917 Spanish Renaissance building of the Principal Madrid—a hotel that combines the grandeur of a private club and the relaxed elegance of a New York-style loft.

The Principal’s glamorous interiors celebrate the best address in town and the grand scale of the historic building. High ceilings, iron railings, large windows, and columns are a background to eclectic furnishings which embody a New York loft aesthetic.

Fine materials, such as velvet, solid wood and marble, mid-century design furniture as well as vintage and some exotic touches all form a cohesive creative vision, contributing to an authentic atmosphere of at once a private home and a luxury hotel.

Spaces to mingle

Gran Via is famous for being the home to great cocktail bars that are frequented by famous writers, artists, and celebrities. The bar at the Principal Madrid is a worthy addition, offering delicious cocktails thanks to the most up-to-date mixology techniques and peerlessly stunning vistas in town.

There is the Ático, spread over the top two floors—a sublime sanctuary, ideal for tea or delicious cocktails, for leisure or business. Gastronomy here is overseen by the renowned chef Ramón Freixa.

A rare inner-city perk, the all-year-round La Terraza garden conservatory on the rooftop is lush with cypresses and olive trees, a fountain and an observation deck.

Check availability for The Principal Madrid: Booking.com | Tablet Hotels‎ | Mr And Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

Review with contribution from Design Hotels™. *This review contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 

in our opinion

What we love

• The uncluttered contemporary interiors: a lovely mix of cool grey tones, sophisticated textures, and upscale materials, accented by designer furniture, like the BKF’s butterfly chair;
• The designers managed to infuse the hotel with a cozy, romantic and exclusive atmosphere;
• The sweeping city views from the rooftop terrace and bar (especially at sunset!);
• Avant-garde cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freiza, whose restaurant in sister property, Hotel Unico Madrid, boasts two Michelin stars;
• The sleek guest rooms follow the minimalistic brief. Sparsely decorated with statement furniture pieces and contemporary artworks by Albert Coma, they feature en-suite bathrooms and benefit from tall windows and period elements (e.g. iron railings).

What you should know

• Behind the chic interior design is a creative collaboration of The Único Hotels design team led by Pilar García-Nieto, and designers from the Barcelona studio Luzio, María José Gómez and Maximiliano Zigart;
• WiFi is complimentary and every room is equipped with an iPod docking station;
• Located on the Gran Via, one of the Spanish capital's more affluent streets, the hotel is just minutes from Puerta del Sol, the Fine Arts Circle, Cibeles, and Puerta de Alcalá as well as the renowned museums (Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen), important buildings, and parks.
• The Banco de España metro stop is just a 3-minute walk away and the Madrid-Barajas Airport is some 14 km from the hotel.