Hidden away on a leafy residential street not far from Plaza Colón and the gallery-lined Chueca district, this elegant 1886 townhouse boasts every comfort of larger five-star Madrid hotels—sans the stuffy corporate vibes. Originally a residence of the literary and aristocratic Gómez-Acebo family, the building now belongs to a well-to-do family whose genteel tastes can be felt in the colorful flower arrangements in the lobby, antique furniture (purchased from rundown French and English castles), and collection of Loewe silk foulards framed and displayed in the rooms.

room

The 32 rooms, decorated in cream and ochre tones, could double as a Downton Abbey set with their satiny wallpaper, cabriole-legged furniture, and heavy patterned curtains. Keys come on tasseled keychains, and fine-threaded pillowcases are embossed with Orfila's logo. Upgraded rooms feature balconies (garlanded with tinsel come holiday season) as well as whirlpool tubs and sound systems.

bathroom

Every inch of these bathrooms gleams with polished metal and buffed marble. You'll feel like a million bucks donning the soft bathrobes monogrammed with gold thread.

lobby

The ornate, gold-laden lobby resembles the entryway of a sumptuous 19th-century mansion because, well, it is. Extravagant fresh flower arrangements and restored Victorian furniture are gorgeous—and likely to make you feel perennially underdressed. A variety of domestic and international newspapers are available for the taking.

pool

Though there's no pool on the premises, determined swimmers can take a 7-minute taxi to Hotel Miguel Ángel, whose pool is available to Orfila guests.

gym

The hotel has an agreement with a local gym, which guests can use for a fee.

dining

Orfila's Garden is a refined (if somewhat overpriced) restaurant whose main draw is its restful garden (usually open April–October), superb for summer dining.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Beware of the disingenuous "Three Michelin Star" meals advertised on the hotel's website; sure, certain seasonal menus are the fruits of the collaboration between chefs holding one and two Michelin stars, but that does not make Orfila's Garden a three-Michelin-star establishment.