Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila ★★★★★

Go to Madrid. Make contact with American operative at Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila. Code-named Albatross. Retrieve vital intelligence from Paris…

Neutral under General Franco, and with Paris under occupation, Spain was the natural safe-haven for the wayward, often American and Canadian, wartime expats. It was the perfect place from which spies and messages could be sent in and out of occupied France. In Madrid, this helped to create an electric atmosphere, mixing tension, passion and excitement. Both residents and visitors had an enhanced eagerness for life, and the Hotel Orfila was just the sort of place they would frequent, artists, writers… and spies alike!

The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila ***** built in 1886, retains much of its classic atmosphere and gives the feeling of being inside an art gallery. In the 1920s, the hotel was famous for staging plays within its walls. The flowered patio offers the perfect setting to dine under the stars, while the tearoom gives off a classic English chic vibe. With just 32 rooms, the hotel is exceptionally intimate. Each room is delightfully unique, with period furniture sourced from all across Europe. At the same time, you get all the modern conveniences and comfort, from free Wi-Fi to state-of-the-art bathrooms, you are guaranteed to feel welcome and comfortable throughout your stay.

Albatross was easy enough to find, but making contact proved more difficult. Exceptionally cautious and yet seemingly relaxed, he was rarely alone, often in the company of Hemingway and other writers. Life here is very different from London; it seems to operate 24/7...

Modern Madrid is no less restless, passionate and fun loving; a city that truly never sleeps. From your home in the heart of the city, there’s so much to see and explore. Within walking distance, or if you jump in a taxi or on the Metro, there are hundreds of cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and tourist attractions. It is a city that will capture your heart, making you want to come back again to immerse yourself in life lived at a different pace.

Contact was made, finally. While at the bar ordering a scotch, we exchanged code phrases. He delivered the intelligence I came for and it was time to go – reluctantly, as I was just starting to enjoy myself in this incredible city!