Location is key for this older hotel. It was one of the first buildings constructed on Gran Vía and was designed by one of Antoni Gaudí’s teachers, Emilio Salas y Cortés. Renovated many times since its construction in 1898, it’s one of the larger hotels on the street. That footprint allowed owners to install a very nice seasonal rooftop pool with great views of the Cibeles fountain. Rooms are on the small side and feature a milk-chocolate and honey color scheme with hardwood floors. Bathrooms employ a pale honey-colored marble on the floors and walls, but the sink fixture is set in a red-brown marble that looks dated. Some upper-level rooms offer outdoor terraces and junior suites have mini-pools.