Posada del Dragón ★★★★

Madrid is one of my favourite cities in the world. Impossible to get a grip on but from the inside out, once you do, it will have gripped you, and that charm will never lose its hold on you. Although the palatial buildings of Goya, the crystal palace and enchanting green of El Retiro Park and the splendid, vast plazas are evidently eye-catching, Madrid's beauty is not so evident at first glance. You have to woo her a little. If you do so successfully, the secret face revealed to you will take your breath away, thrill you andmake you fall head over heels in love. So it is with all the best women! It is no wonder therefore, that she is Spain's greatest muse for artists from all walks of life and ages. Be it Dalí, Lorca, Buñuel, whom all came to study here and met in Madrid, or be it Hemingway, Cervantes or Velazquez; the finest talents, and greatest of minds have found inspiration here, unveiling this thrilling city's secrets. It didn't surprise me, therefore, that the hotel exterior, with its slightly unkempt charm, should hide such a modern, colourful contrast within. As part of a historic, protected building, originally constructed in the beginning of the 16th century and later restored, it contains old relics from its diverse past, such as a free standing, marble bathtub with gold taps, as well as some remains of the Christian Wall of Madrid, which crosses the hotel from end to end.

Despite its ancient historical setting, however, the 27 bedrooms are fresh, modern and comfortable, each with their own theme, be it a nod to its Baroque past, or the many marvellous impressionist painters that worked here. From the all velvet, purple to pop-art blues, they all have a retro, unique touch of crazy class and you can be quite sure that no one else in the whole of the city will have a room quite like yours. I had a red room, it was tempered with soft shades of white, which reflected the light from my little balcony overlooking the rooftops and filled the space with a warm glow. I felt as though I was in my own cosy, incredibly avant-garde cocoon, nestled high above the noise of the buzzing city beneath my window, totally safe. I imagine the memory foam mattress and pillows played their part in my restful nights and feeling of cosseted cosiness. The one problem with Madrid is that you find it very hard to know when to stop. There is always one more brilliant little gallery, one more bar bubbling with chatter and laughter that draws you in on your way home, until sheer exhaustion drives you to your bed and forces you to gather strengths for the next day's adventures. At least that was the case with me.

I was so excited to be here that as soon as I had arrived, taken in the fantastic, original surroundings of my room and peered out from my balcony, I wanted to be out in those sunny streets. It was lucky perhaps that the hotel was fresh and intriguing enough to hold me fascinated for some time, this way I was able to get some unintended repose. For if it hadn't been as captivating and enchanting as it was, I would surely have rushed out and collapsed exhausted before the first day was out! As it was, once there, I was inclined to linger, pleased to see that I had all the modern comforts including an LCD television and air conditioning with its own remote control—thank goodness! I couldn't resist lying on the bed to take in the creative décor, and once there it was quite hard to tear myself away again. I did so only through the curiosity to try out the very sophisticated, all-glass shower... I was alone but it still felt slightly cheeky. I emerged clean and full of energy. Now I was ready to go out!

I didn't go far as I was starving and found that the hotel itself offered me one of four totally different settings to get a taste of Spanish life and cuisine. Be it the homely cooking with market products at La Antoñita next door, a Drag-on-ice Mojito at the Dragónate bar, dining at classic marble-top tables overlooking the Christian Wall through the glass floor, or simply enjoying the local buzz at La Corrala or La Despensa, there is something for everyone. I went straight for the Tapas Tasting Menu, intrigued by the crispy oxtail roll and Madrid-style fish tempura. Delicious! It was thanks to these refreshing little touches of innovative elegance that I was able to recharge my batteries every night and emerge renewed to take Madrid by storm. What a fantastic little jewel I've found in the Posada Del Dragón Hotel, thank you VeryChic!