Radisson Blu Hotel Madrid Prado ★★★★

The stylish Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado sits at the corner of a picturesque plaza, filled with fountains and cafes. Its elegant, traditional neoclassical façade is complemented by a modish design interior – think chic glass light fittings and bright backlit photographs filling entire walls. The trendy yet cosy bedrooms, by interior designers Isabel Lopez and Sandra Tarruella, offer plush furnishings, neutral tones with splashes of colour, with sepia photographs of the city adorning the walls. Extras such as coffee makers, luxury toiletries, temperature controls and high speed Wi-Fi ensure that you’ll feel right at home.

Breakfast each morning is served either inside or outside in Plaza de Platerias Martinez, under the shady trees. Choose from an impressive buffet selection containing over 80 different items – anything from homemade cakes and pastries to yoghurts, fresh fruit, cheeses and cured meats.

After a delightful start to the day, why not head out and marvel at some of the best pieces from the art world? Try the Prado for classic European art up until the 19th century; the Reina Sofia for 20th century art, including pieces by Dalí and Picasso; and the Thyssen Bornemisza for a privately owned collection of both classic and modern art.

Madrid may be exciting and full of life, but it’s also big and busy, so it’s important to have a relaxing sanctuary to return to. Thankfully the hotel has just the answer – its serene pool and spa. The soothingly lit spa is just the place to rejuvenate and revitalize with an indulgent spa treatment. There’s also a cardio gym for a bit of a work out.

Madrid is, of course, one of Europe’s great foodie cities and the hotel’s Cask Restaurant keeps up with the tradition. It’s open for both lunch and dinner, serving up an array of regional cuisine and Spanish classics, using local ingredients, in a cosy atmosphere of wine red furnishings.

Make sure you add the hotel’s Cask Bar to your list of nightspots - an enchanting environment that looks not unlike Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night sky, with twinkly lights suspended in the dark room and white glowing tables. It is both trendy and chic – the perfect spot for sampling a range of tasty cocktails.

To sum up, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado occupies a unique position within Madrid’s Golden Triangle and is a perfect retreat for a stylish and artsy city break in the Spanish capital.