Intur Palacio San Martín

Pl. de San Martín 5, Madrid, 28013, Spain
Render Patio Interior Hotel Palacio San Martín

Why We Like It

Despite the hotel's design foibles, you can tell that its heart is in the right place. The made-to-order breakfasts, hyper-attentive staff, and immaculately clean spaces go to show that Intur Palacio San Martín has the potential to be a great property. Let's cross our fingers that the forthcoming renovation is just the makeover it needs.

Fodor's Expert Review

In an unbeatable location across from one of Madrid's most celebrated landmarks (Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales), this hotel—once the U.S. embassy and later a luxurious residential building crowded with noblemen—has the marvelous architectural bones of a turn-of-the-mansion with its hand-carved ceilings, marble foyers, and intricate iron balconies. Though the hotel is a pleasant, well-run operation, it's a shame that the current owners couldn't do something more intriguing with the interiors, which are distinguished by fusty furnishings and chintzy, dated wall art.

You Should Know The property closed in November 2017 for a complete refurbishment; with any luck, the hotel's new look will be more agreeable.

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Room

A half-finished update has left interiors feeling disjointed. Renovated rooms, though unremarkable in design, are bright and inviting with hardwood floors, Danish-style sofas, and colorful headboards, while the remainder of accommodations evoke, at best, a stuffy abuela's parlor. Heavy mustard-colored drapes, faded wall-to-wall carpeting, and gold-framed reprints are eyesores to travelers with discerning taste.

Tip Rooms overlooking the plaza are the sunniest and most scenic—and also the noisiest with head-splitting early-morning church bells.

Bathroom

Bathrooms, though antiquated and nothing out of the ordinary, are spotless and relatively spacious. Basic toiletries are provided.

Lobby

The grand entrance leads to a glass-domed atrium that serves as a tranquil sitting area with roll-arm sofas and Victorian tub chairs. There's an antique elevator, and many of the ceilings are carved and ornate.

Gym

The bare-bones gym and sauna area is equipped with a couple of cardio machines—and that's about it.

Dining

Breakfast is done right at this property and is a highlight of any stay. You'll love the long buffet of Spanish cured meats (jamón, chorizo, salchichón) and the made-to-order eggs, plus fresh-cut fruit and assorted pastries.

Tip Though the restaurant only opens for breakfast, 24-hour room service is available.

Drinking

Spilling out onto the cobblestoned Plaza de San Martín, the hotel's shaded terrace is an ideal spot to kick back with a glass of albariño or Spanish-style gin-tónic.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Most of Madrid's main attractions are right outside your door, but for adventures further afield, hop on the metro at Callao (Lines 3 and 5) or Ópera (Lines 2 and 5).

Restaurants

You're dangerously close to Madrid’s most fabled churro spot, San Ginés (2-minute walk), a 24-hour café where towering platters of crisp-fried doughnuts are served piping hot by white-clad waiters. Churros con chocolate are the perfect way to end a tapas crawl on and around Cava Baja (8-minute walk), the city’s most archetypal—if slightly touristy—tapas street. Seek out stalwart old-school restaurants like Casa Lucio; Casa Lucas; and Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world founded in 1725.

Bars

Around the corner from the hotel, La Coquette, Madrid’s premier blues bar, offers a terrific—and free—nightly show from Tuesdays to Thursdays in an arcaded brick cellar. Although the venue’s size might be likened to a sardine can, the upside is that every seat is front-row— it’s always a thrill to watch the talented musicians jam out right in front of you. When the show winds down, keep the night going at El Amante, a discoteca down the block frequented by Spanish celebrities.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 91-701–5000
Website: www.intur.com