"Lobbies are for amateurs. Let the unimaginative chain stays and the lemmings of the luxury hotel industry have their check-in desks, their cavernous foyers, their impersonal seating areas awkwardly arranged throughout the front rooms. The Principal Madrid —one of the Spanish capital’s newest hot spots and the latest venture from hotelier Pau Guardans’ Único Hotels group—knows better. Drawing inspiration from the private clubs frequented by artists, writers, aristocrats, and bons vivants of nearly a century ago, this Spanish Renaissance–style residence (built in 1917) starts the guest experience with a quick trip up to the top floor, where you emerge from the elevator into an unpretentious living room of sorts, a refreshing drink and panoramic views of the city’s belle epoque rooftops awaiting you. As if a room were kept ready for you at all times, your bags will have magically been whisked away to your understated abode, its soothing hues and clean-lined designer furnishings a welcome respite from the bustling city outside. But why retire already to your room when your arrival drops you straight into the salon of Madrid’s cognoscenti? Here the city’s cool and creative types sip cafés con leche by day and cocktails by night, dine on tapas by a top Spanish chef, and lounge in one of the most effortlessly comfortable spaces known to hotels. The only place that overshadows it—quite literally—is the next floor up: with its fountainside lounge area and Parisian café–style deck, the rooftop terrace just might boast the best sunset views in town."
