A STYLISH STAY AT BARCELO TORRE DE MADRID

Any trip should start with a stylish base so a check-in at the Barceló Torre de Madrid on the Plaza de Espana is an obvious choice.

Steeped in Spanish historical and cultural references light floods the iconic hotel as soon as you enter the lobby and notice you are being greeted by an enormous sculpture of a zebra-striped bear, tipping his large brass top hat to you – a surreal and pleasing nod to the coat of arms of the city of Madrid.

With interiors designed by Jaime Hayon, you might feel like you’ve landed in the most stylish MADE showroom with added Oliver Bonas rose gold accessories, striking jewel emerald green sofas, blush pink chairs, sapphire blue walls and mustard yellows rugs all jettisoned together in a vibrant splash of beautiful colour.

Throughout the hotel, small sculptures, masks and characters from the vivid imagination of Hayon populate the public spaces and hallways. Showcasing the richness and diversity of Spanish culture works by photographers Klunderbie fill the walls. They choose their subject; the bullfighter, the flamenco dancer, palm trees, a variety of cultural icons and emblems and give the images their unique painterly approach resulting in work that feels both exuberant and classically restrained, stark in beauty and rich in detail – the perfect complement to Hayon’s design.

The furnishings and light fixtures are the result of the many fruitful collaborations that Jaime has worked on in the last decade with some of Europe’s finest furniture brands and design houses. The rooms are furnished with pieces by Fritz Hansen, &Tradition, Gubi, Arflex, Cassina, BD Barcelona, Parachilna lamps and more, each piece part of a unified design language that involved many expert craftsmen to bring this dazzling interior to fruition.

But that’s inside, and it’s time to leave the stunning rooms with balconies and city views. Now you’re orientated from up high head outside to see what this perfectly walkable capital city has to offer.

First stop is to grab a bite to eat on the way to the Plaza Mayor. While tapas is plentiful, how about one of Madrid’s most famous food offerings: The bocadillos de calamares (or squid sandwich)? Bar La Campana is bustling with people munching on half a baguette filled with lightly fried calamari, bowls of fresh green olives are also served with a small beer to swill it all down.

Fully fuelled it’s time to take a walk past the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid and to the wonderfully eclectic Latino barrio and Santa Ana streets to check out the vintage stores and markets. Bunting lines the route as shoppers weave through the bargains laid out on blankets, across tables and in boxes.

Back in the center and among the pretty pastel buildings, the Mercado de San Miguel gives visitors a one-stop shop of fine foods and wine to choose from. Iberico ham, chorizo snacks, oysters and sangria are on offer and it’s the perfect place to pick up a picnic to take to the Egyptian temple of Debod to see the sunset over the city. Locals and tourists cheer as the sun goes down and the temple is lit up. Cue selfies, heart-shaped fingers, and smartphones.

Rates at Barceló Torre de Madrid start from €156 per room on a B&B basis based on two sharing including taxes. For further information or to book visit www.barcelotorredemadrid.com