I have stayed in numerous hotels in Madrid—and in various locations around the city. But most recently, I booked a room at the NH Palacio de Tepa in the Las Letras district. Located near the enchanting Plaza Santa Ana, the hotel may be my new Madrid favorite. I loved the hotel’s style, panache, and comfortable vibe—and I loved the neighborhood it was located in almost as much.
The Palacio de Tepa is located near the Plaza Santa Ana in Las Letras district of Madrid, Spain
While the NH collection is considered a chain (it has hotels worldwide) each of its properties has their own character, flair and price point. (Check out Tim Leffel’s review of three budget-friendly NH hotels in Madrid.)
The NH Palacio de Tepa is priced considerably higher than some of its other hotels, but I felt the quality, service and location matched up to warrant the higher cost.
There are 85 rooms in this beautifully renovated 18th century building—including some unique two-story suites—and all the rooms reflect the Spanish architectural element. They also all have hardwood floors and are done in neutrally elegant colors that somehow manage to convey a sense of warmth and coziness. My 5th story “superior” room featured sloping and wood beamed ceilings along with a skylight that gave it a nice sense of space and light. And when I peeked out the skylight, I could see the top of the ancient church across the way—almost as if the window had been built to frame it. With its King-sized bed (or twins), a throw for a an afternoon nap, the room was one of those that could work for a romantic retreat (unless your partner is a NCAA basketball player—the slanted ceiling could be a challenge), a girlfriend’s getaway, or a single like myself on a business trip who appreciates (and needs) a little pampered indulgence and warmth. (Desk clerks are friendly and all speak English, plus the hotel offers 24-hour room service.)
A “superior” room at the NH Palacio de Tepa
View from the skylight
Upgraded amenities feature luxurious little touches for guests: Bulgari toiletries, bath salts for the tub, a Nespresso machine, china cups and saucers, an electric tea kettle, a complimentary bottle of water. Wi-fi is a little spotty but free, and all rooms have flat screen tvs, iPod speakers and classic marble bathrooms.
What’s not to like with amenities like these?
I did not have a chance to eat dinner at the restaurant, Estado Pruro—under the direction of the 2-star Michelin chef Paco Roncero. But I did splurge on the breakfast buffet served– a colorful array of fresh fruits, platters of pastries, eggs cooked to order (mine were perfectly poached, I might add) and much more.
Buffet breakfast at the NH Palacio de Tepa
For more information, check out the hotel’s website.
You can also compare rates and book online through Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Donna Tabbert Long
