Westin Palace Hotel

Description:

• The Palace is an ornate Victorian wedding cake known as the gran dueña of Spanish hotels. It had an auspicious beginning, inaugurated personally by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, and covers an entire city block in the historical and artistic area. The property was a military hospital during the civil war, and when it reverted back to hotel status, politicians, artists, and celebrities formed a strong part of its clientele. It faces the Prado and Neptune Fountain and lies within walking distance of the main shopping center and the best antiques shops. Some of the city's most intriguing tascas and restaurants are a short stroll away.

  Architecturally, the Palace captures the grand pre-World War I style, with an emphasis on space and comfort; a stunning atrium dominates the ground floor public areas. Although it doesn't achieve the snob appeal of its nearby siblings, the Ritz and the Villa Real, it's one of the largest hotels in Madrid and offers first-class service. The air-conditioned hotel has conservative, traditional rooms, boasting plenty of space, large, immaculate bathrooms, and lots of extras. Accommodations vary widely, with the best rooms found on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors. Rooms on the side are noisy and lack views. Many rooms appear not to have been renovated for some time.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

The Royal Suite comes with its own private butler, a sauna and Jacuzzi. There's a fully equipped business centre, an exclusive shopping arcade, a courier service and transport can be arranged to and from the airport.