Vincci Soho
Calle Prado 18, Madrid, 28014, Spain
Why We Like It
Nestled among the cobblestone streets of Barrio de Las Letras and steps from the city's best museums, the Retiro Park, and Puerta del Sol, Vincci Soho's location can't be beat. The inviting outdoor terrace adds to the allure—such tranquility is rare in this tourist-heavy, built-up neighborhood. And though we wish this property exuded actual "Soho" vibes, we can think of far worse offenses than an aspirational moniker.
Fodor's Expert Review
As its surname suggests, this city-center property conveys a sense of urban elegance and imagination. The colorful lamps, meeting areas with velvet armchairs and silk screens, and steel butterfly cutouts in the restaurant set the style, which, though playful, could use a bit of a makeover. But any design foibles are quickly overlooked, thanks to the hotel's attentive staff and prime location in the Golden Triangle of museums.
Tip Note to business travelers: A sizeable, well-equipped conference room can be booked for meetings and other events.
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Room
No two rooms are exactly alike in shape, since the hotel is an amalgam of five converted homes, but all accommodations are comfortable and relatively bright. Even the interior digs catch some rays, thanks to a large open courtyard that keeps the street noise out and lets the sun in. These days, the décor is more "aughties Vegas" than "Soho" with patterned velvet headboards and scarlet throw pillows, and TVs in a number of the rooms are surprisingly ancient.
You Should Know Those with mobility issues should note that stairs are everywhere in this hotel, including inside certain rooms.
Bathroom
Squeaky-clean bathrooms of varying styles are stocked with ample toiletries, and most add bathtubs and bidets.
Lobby
The well-lit lobby is a fine place to sit and plan the day's adventures, though in terms of its design (low glass tables, red rugs, round pouffes), it's nothing out of the ordinary.
Dining
Delectable breakfasts, served in a dining room decorated with hundreds of metal butterflies, are a smorgasbord of cured meats, Spanish cheeses, fresh-cut fruit, and standard pastries. When the weather's warm, the expansive terrace is a pleasant spot to enjoy an aperitif and light bites, but with so many standout restaurants right outside your door, it's not worth wasting a full meal at the hotel.
You Should Know The breakfast buffet doesn't offer gluten-free bread or pastries.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Most of Madrid's main attractions are within walking distance, but for adventures further afield (or if your legs need a rest), hop on the metro at Antón Martín (Line 1) or Sevilla (Line 2).
Restaurants
Venture outside the neighborhood for most of your meals— the hotel is surrounded by mediocre restaurants that cater to the tourbus crowd. Taking an 8-minute taxi to the nearby Salamanca district is a good idea; there, you can have a sit-down meal that oozes old-school Spanish elegance at El Paraguas, or, alternatively, embark on a tapas crawl, hitting Los Gallos (cocktails and finger food), Cinco Jotas (premium jamón ibérico), and Ultramarinos Quintín (rawbar and flatbreads).
Bars
Pop into one of Hemingway’s old haunts called La Venencia (4-minute walk), a sherry-only bar that hasn’t changed a lick since the Spanish Civil War, from its no-tipping policy, to its salty waiters, to its chalked bar tabs. Follow your aperitivo with an exhilarating flamenco performance two minutes down the road at Cardamomo Tablao (buy tickets to the show in advance).
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