Name: URSO Hotel & Spa
Address: Calle de Mejía Lequerica, 8, Madrid, 28004, Spain
Telephone: +34-914-44-44-58
Price range: $$$$

Fodor's Expert Review

Housed in a regal turn-of-the-century municipal building, this luxury hotel and spa boasts Old World luxury and avant-garde design to satisfy alternative types and jetsetters alike. Tucked behind the bustling Tribunal station, URSO is within walking distance from the city’s top attractions, yet removed enough from the tourist track to lend it an air of exclusivity.

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Room

With high ceilings, minimal wall art, taupe blackout curtains, and gray plaid accents, every room at URSO feels like a sanctuary. And thanks to impeccable soundproofing, you’ll get excellent shuteye here, regardless of the boisterous partiers in transit to the discotecas that flank the hotel.

Tip There’s no end in sight for the construction taking place on the southeast side of the property; ask for a balcony room facing away from it.

Bathroom

While most hotels in Madrid have replaced their bathtubs with less-than-luxurious walk-in showers, at URSO there’s a deep-soak tub in every bathroom. Complimentary bathrobes, top-quality products from The Lab Room, and plush slippers are there to remind you that you’re on vacation.

Lobby

You feel like a million bucks stepping into the lobby at URSO, with its comfy couches, backlit bookshelves, and rhythmic, synthy background music. Be sure to take a ride on the 100-year-old elevator, complete with carved mahogany flourishes and a scarlet-upholstered seat.

Spa

Sleek and petite, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better urban spa in the Spanish capital. Sink into the seven-meter hydromassage pool, unwind in the steam room, or pamper yourself with a Natura Bissé spa treatment.

Gym

Meant for light workouts, the gym's few machines are fine for a cardio session or two. But if the weather allows, opt for a run or bike ride in the nearby Retiro park.

Dining

It’s a treat to start the day with a made-to-order breakfast (as opposed to the usual buffet spread), and a downright joy to savor it in the sun-drenched dining room on an ironed white tablecloth.

You Should Know URSO’s Media Ración is a perfectly passable restaurant, but with such stellar dining options in the neighborhood, it would be a shame to hole up in the hotel for meals beyond breakfast.

Drinking

URSO’s bartenders make a mean pisco sour, but think twice if you’re looking for a nightcap--last call is at midnight, early by Madrid standards.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

URSO sits at the intersection of three iconic neighborhoods—trendy Malasaña, gay-friendly Chueca, and charming Chamberí—but easy metro access at Tribunal (lines 1 and 10) and Alonso Martínez (lines 4, 5, and 10) makes every excursion a cinch.

Restaurants

The newly renovated Mercado Barceló is worth a visit, if only to ogle at the artful displays of pristine produce. After you’ve whet your appetite, head to the top-floor stalls for a tapa... or ten. For a more substantial meal, book a table at Casa Hortensia, Madrid’s premier Asturian restaurant featuring specialties of the northerly region like fabada, a meaty, soul-warming bean stew.

Bars

Madrid’s most innovative coctelería, Macera TallerBar, is just steps from URSO. There, you’ll find cocktails blended with house-macerated spirits such as cilantro-and-jalapeño-infused tequila (in a margarita, it’s a revelation) and cherry-and-almond-infused whiskey (you’ve never had a Manhattan like this before).