Casa de Las Artes by Meliá Collection, Madrid

• The hotel sits at the edge of Madrid's famous Literary Quarter, surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Prado Museum and within easy walking distance from Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park.
• A 2024 renovation retained the 1913 building's period details while updating the interiors with chic contemporary design and furnishings. 
• Art and culture buffs will enjoy the many literary-inspired artworks, as well as the well-stocked library, private cinema room, and a calendar of events like art exhibitions and flamenco shows.
• Don't miss dining in the spectacular Maché restaurant, set in the building's original great hall with soaring ceilings and stained glass windows.
• You can keep active in the large, modern gym or unwind in the heated indoor pool, sauna, or Turkish bath.

• The building's historic past means rooms can be on the small side, so you'll need to upgrade if extra space is a priority.

Authenticity

Step through Casa de las Artes' front doors and into a grand 1913 building, once the headquarters of the General Association of Employees and Workers of the Railways of Spain. The stylish renovation retains original touches like imposing moldings and stained-glass windows, and the decor takes inspiration from the surrounding Barrio de las Letras, a center of culture and art during Spain's Golden Age. The spirit of Cervantes looms largest here: you are, after all, just a few doors down from the Cervantes Institute. Bedrooms host gilt-framed Gustave Doré engravings from the 1869 edition of "Don Quixote," and the lobby showcases Dalí lithographs inspired by the classic tale. 

Location

The hotel sits at the edge of Madrid's Literary Quarter ("Las Letras"), where you'll find pedestrian streets, excellent restaurants, and the city's "Golden Triangle" of art museums (including the Prado) within an easy stroll. The address puts you equidistant between Plaza Mayor and the Atocha train station, both under 10 minutes away on foot. Foodies will appreciate being kitty-corner from the Antón Martín Market, a buzzing spot to sample some of the city's best gastronomy, while cinephiles can step next door to the Cine Doré, a vintage arthouse theater beloved by Almodóvar.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll find 137 rooms spread across four interconnected buildings and six floors, some with creative layouts due to the historic setting. Options range from snug singles to sprawling suites, the latter with perks like separate seating areas, private terraces, and standalone soaking tubs. All feature premium DreamMaker mattresses, feather pillows, velvet upholstery, and linen drapes that add warmth to the sleek midcentury-style furnishings, pale walls, and wood floors. Bathrooms make clever use of limited space with rain showers, marble finishes, and Carner Barcelona amenities. Along with a luxurious minibar, all rooms also come stocked with a selection of books on art, literature, and cinema.

Amenities

The hotel's Maché restaurant is a real showstopper, housed in a spectacular second-story space with vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and rich terracotta-colored walls. This was once the union's great hall; today, you'll find velvet banquettes, sculptural brass lighting, and a marble-topped bar where you can enjoy a simple but beautifully executed menu of Spanish classics and signature cocktails. For the wellness-inclined, there's a glass-fronted space off the lobby with a heated pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, plus a large modern gym complete with a barre studio on the floor below. Readers can nab a book and a cozy chair in the library, while film buffs will want to seek out the hotel's secret cinema room.

Family-Friendliness

Casa de las Artes welcomes children, though the hotel is most popular with couples and single travelers drawn to its artistic and cultural offerings. Families can request interconnecting rooms (you'll want to book well ahead to ensure availability) or opt for the two-bedroom suite for plenty of space and privacy. Cribs and infant beds are available for free, and all floors are served by elevators.