Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid: A dog-friendly 5-star hotel rich in history and full of character

A luxury hotel with a glamorous 1920s art-deco vibe right in the middle of Madrid’s famous bohemian neighbourhood – Barrio de las Letras offers stylish rooms, excellent food and drinks and an impressive lobby kitted out with comfortable leather sofas which oozes history and charm transporting you to another era. 

Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid, a five-star hotel part of The Leading Hotels Of The World, originally opened its doors in 1886, making it the oldest luxury hotel in the capital. It was also the second building in the city with electric lighting and the only hotel with a banqueting restaurant and orchestra in the city.

In the 1920s, it was one of the leading cultural centres, where artists, writers, painters and politicians such as Virginia Wolf, Henri Matisse, Jose Rizal and Benito Perez-Galdos used to meet.

Fast forward, Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid has undergone extensive renovation and today guests can enjoy a modern and contemporary hotel with many of the original features being kept such as the large columns in the lobby. The ‘old meets new’ has been done in a tasteful manner and the result is a stylish yet historic feel with all the luxury trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel.

The Location

Gran Hotel Inglés enjoys a central location in the heart of the Barrio de Las Letras, Madrid‘s famous bohemian quarters, known as the city’s cultural and gastronomic hub. The hotel is located 300m from Puerta del Sol, and only 600m from the city’s main museums. The Royal Palace is a 20-minute’ walk while El Retiro Park is only 1km away. The nearest airport is Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, 13 km from the hotel. Gran Hotel Inglés is the perfect hotel for a cityscape and its central location makes it a breeze to enjoy all the highlights the Spanish capital has on offer.

The Deluxe Room With A Balcony

All 43 rooms and five suites feature a stylish décor honouring the original art-decó style and are all fitted with a seating area, a separate bathroom, king-sized beds, and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms have freestanding bathtubs such as the Deluxe Room which feels spacious and bright with large french doors and a balcony opening up to the street (some rooms overlook the inner courtyard depending on your preference).

The separate large walk-in marble-clad rain shower is the highlight of the room and provides a steam room vibe. The products are from L’occitan including shampoo, conditioners, shower gel and body lotion. Other amenities include a professional hairdryer, fluffy bathrobes and dental kits.

The mini-bar is well-stocked with a coffee machine, local and international beers and spirits as well as high-end snacks such as chocolate-covered coffee beans and roasted cashew nuts.  There’s also an in-room dining menu featuring pizzas, burgers and pasta dishes.

The Hotel Lobby

The lobby has become the heart of the hotel, and with its cosy decor, including two original lamps and large columns from the initial opening, comfortable leather sofas and impressive bar, it’s not hard to see why some guests decide to stay all evening rather than venture out. It’s a lovely space to enjoy refined cocktails, live music, Afternoon Tea, traditional aperitifs or a coffee while reading one of the many books in the hotel library, composed of works such as the 415 volumes of the complete Gredos collection, two paper bundles of old Chinese trade books and countless documents and antiques from the hotel found during its renovation.

Lobby Bar LoBbyto

The restaurant LoBbyto, owes its name to the old street that occupied this same place, the Calle del Lobo, where a famous taxidermist lived and hung wolf skins on his balcony every day.

Distinguished dishes paying homage to the traditional Madrid cuisine are being served, but with a sophisticated avant-garde twist. The hotel describes the restaurant as ‘a traditional and innovative cuisine in a sophisticated ambience’. The decor is warm and cosy yet elegant and refined. Some tables have soft and plush sofas which are perfect to sink into whilst enjoying a meal. And, as for the food, some of the highlights on the menu include; tuna tartare and seabass ceviche, both favourites among guests and delicious. As well as the creamy artisanIberian ham croquettes and the entrecote served with fries and chimichurri sauce. The most popular dessert on the menu is French toast served with homemade vanilla ice cream and it’s divine. The restaurant also features an extensive list of wines and champagnes as well as limited edition liqueurs and innovative cocktails.

The service is professional, warm and friendly, and the staff is attentive and welcoming.

The Breakfast at Casa Lobo

Breakfast is served between 7.30am – 10.30am in the hotel’s restaurant Casa Lobo. In addition to an a la carte menu consisting of hot and cold dishes such as eggs Benedicts, omelettes, pancakes, porridge and French toast, there is a small (but great) breakfast buffet including yoghurt, fresh fruits, cheeses and cold cuts.

Pet-Friendly Rooms

For those travelling with their furry friends, Gran Hotel Inglés is a great hotel since pets (up to 30kg) can stay for free in all rooms. Dogs and cats receive a warm welcome at the reception and a comfortable bed, as well as water and food bowls, are provided free of charge.

Not only pets will feel at home, but all ages are welcome making it a great city family hotel. Extra beds and cots can be added to all rooms, and babysitting is available from 25 euros an hour.

There is also a comprehensive fitness centre with top-of-the-line exercise equipment, offering, a varied program of services and activities, and a complete spa area with a wide range of exclusive treatments and products.

Rates start from €385 including free Wi-FI. Parking (valet service) is available upon request for 50 euros per night. 

For more information and bookings visit https://www.granhotelingles.com/