The Principal Madrid, Spain

Sunrise washes the copper dome of the Metrópolis building as church bells drift up from the street. Perched in a 1917 landmark on Gran Vía, The Principal Madrid is a boutique, modern hideaway with 76 rooms and suites and one of the city’s most coveted rooftops. Expect velvet-and-parquet interiors, clinking glasses at golden hour, and Madrid’s great museums and tapas routes a stroll away. The city hums below; up here, it’s all jasmine and skyline.

What Makes It Special

• Boutique scale (76 keys) with a private members-club mood
• Iconic rooftop terraces and conservatory-style lounges with near-touchable Gran Vía views
• Cocktail-forward bar and refined Mediterranean dining
• Urban wellness touches: compact gym and in-room treatments
• Prime city-center address for walking to the Prado/Thyssen, Retiro, and Chueca

A Day at The Principal

Morning
Espresso and a warm tortilla on the rooftop while the winged statue atop Metrópolis glows in the first light. A slow walk to Retiro Park for a lap around the lake.

Afternoon
Prado masterpieces, then a return to the hushed lobby for a siesta behind gauzy curtains. Late lunch of jamón, salmorejo, and a crisp verdejo.

Evening
Golden hour on the terrace: the skyline turning apricot, a citrusy gin & tonic beading the glass.

Night
Tapas-hop through Barrio de las Letras; back to the rooftop for a nightcap as Gran Vía twinkles like a river of lights.

Insider Tips for The Principal Madrid

• Request a room facing Gran Vía or the Metropolis/Rolex Building for spectacular city views 
• Don’t miss breakfast—it’s highly rated, especially when served on the 6th-floor terrace.
• The on-site restaurant is Michelin-starred—reserve in advance for dinner.
• Perfect central location—walking distance to the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and shopping areas.
• Be aware: the elevator doesn’t reach street level; a few steps are required to reach the lobby.
• Photograph the exterior—the historic building is beautiful.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Rooftop magic—Madrid’s emblematic skyline at arm’s length.
• Museum triangle on foot—art mornings, terrace afternoons.
• Serious cocktails—a golden-hour ritual locals love.
• Quiet luxury inside—inky tones, tactile fabrics, and soft lighting that flatters.
  

For Whom

For couples: sunset cocktails, balcony breakfasts, and nighttime city strolls.
For culture lovers: walkable access to galleries, theaters, and design districts.
For business travelers: central address, polished service, and calm rooms with strong Wi-Fi.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Gran Vía/Alcalá, Madrid, Spain—~25–30 min from MAD by car or train + metro
Rooms: 76 rooms & suites
Rates: From USD 365—worth it for the landmark setting and rooftop vantage
Best for: City breaks, culture trips, design-minded stays
Style: Boutique, Modern in a historic 1917 building