Casa de las Artes, Madrid

The Melia Collection’s debut in mainland Spain has an artistic wow factor

- RIC STOCKFIS

What's it like?

It's not often that a hotel builds its identity around fine arts, let alone all seven of them. But when you've taken up residence in Madrid's literary heart - the Barrio de las Letras - it makes perfect sense.

The latest addition to The Meliá Collection's portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels opened in October and draws inspiration from the neighbourhood's most famous resident: playwright, poet and author, Miguel de Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame).

Mere minutes from Atocha station, the Retiro and Plaza Mayor, the hotel is tucked between Calle Atocha and Calle Moratín. It gives little away from the outside, but on entering, it's clear that architect Álvaro Sans, of Spanish studio ASAH, has created a series of inspiring and unusual spaces, across more than one interlinked building.

Rooms