Taking Off

by travel-expert José Berrocoso

www.theprincipalmadridhotel.com

From Madrid to heaven!

Elegant and intimate, The Principal Madrid hotel’s discreet entrance sets the tone for this heart-of-the-action stay. Having taken over the top floors of a grand 1920s building, this penthouse crash pad makes the most of sweeping city views with a refined restaurant, alfresco cocktails and a sunkissed rooftop terrace.

Located on the Spanish capital’s grand boulevard Gran Vía, The Principal Madrid Hotel is a reference of luxury lifestyle in the capital of Spain. Opened in 2015 following a €3.5 million remodeling, the hotel stands out for its stately façade, luxury townhouse feel, and swanky rooftop cocktail bar— the latter being the best vantage point to admire the newly restored dome of the Metropolis, a Beaux-Arts marvel. A meticulous and elegant decor, an exclusive service and all the necessary privacy imbue this boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a private club. The property’s central location, within walking distance of Retiro park and the “Golden Triangle” of museums, is another great selling point. The Principal Madrid is the first five-star hotel on the boulevard, aiming to redefine Spanish luxury. Upon arrival, guests enter the heart of the hotel in the form of the sixth floor Ático to be welcomed at the informal reception area while the Ático restaurant, bar and open fireplaces set the social scene. The light-flooded sixth floor affords views of the ornate rooftops over the city, which can be enjoyed year-round from La Pergola. The interiors of the corner Spanish Renaissance style building celebrate the grand scale of the 20th century style building, with high ceilings, iron railings, large windows and marble floors. Outside, the detailed exterior stands in line with the Art Nouveau and Art Deco facades of its neighbours.The space is a mix of styles: influences of a posh British club, the famboyance and glamour of a palace in France, and the modern masculinity of a Manhattan loft. The result is an eclectic mix, an elegant and homey retreat for the visiting and Madrilenians alike. Strong lines and muted colors dominate the guestrooms and suites, with high ceilings and Windows that are a nod to the heritage of the hotel. Charcoal-hued carpets and sofas are complemented by the cool greys of the fabric wallpaper and bed covers. Mustard yellow benches and design classics like BKF’s Butterfly Chair provide contrasting highlights to the sleek rooms. Not only a design feat, The Principal Madrid offers highlights such as babysitter, personal shopper and fully equipped gym, sauna and the Wellness Suite offering a variety of treatments. The Principal hotel is with no doubt one of the most exclusive options to visit Madrid. The hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway in the city. You will love the Principal if you do not want to sacrifice on location during your trip to Madrid. If you are a foodie, the hotel has one of the best restaurants in the city, Ático.

FOOD DESTINATION

A bright, elegant stretch of marble floor and rich velvet seating, Ático looks out over the city from its sixth-floor perch. The restaurant is overseen by celebrity chef Ramón Freixa, who has two Michelin stars at his restaurant at the Único Hotel, which is The Principal’s sister hotel in Madrid. Ático is a place where the most creative and original flavours are mixed with technique, along with the careful selection of produce. An elegant, sophisticated, yet unhurried place that invites you to travel through culinary heritage in a journey round the different corners of Spain through its varied offers. Split between finger food and unpretentious mains, the menu is a testament to his culinary skill and love of Iberian produce: book ahead for a chance to simple fig-and-foiegras éclairs, monkfish tacos and moreish croquettes. It's Ramón Freixa with a pret-a-porter attitude. The restaurant is also planned as a multi-use space, and it has a 70-person capacity. The space is divided into two areas. One is the elegant and welcoming Salón Ático, where massive windows provide views of plant-covered terraces. The other is the closed, year-round terrace known as La Pergola. Rattan furniture, hanging greenery and a thatch-covered ceiling lend the room an organic finish, and every table overlooks the gilded tower of the Metropolis building and the Círculo de Bellas Artes. This glazed terrace is open every day of the year for guests and the local public. It offers a vast list of wines, snacks and creative cocktails by the awardwinning mixologist Manel Vehí.