Madrid · Europe » Hotels (35)

Alfonso XII, 14, Madrid, Spain

An early-20th-century restored palatial building owned by a noble family with extravagant habits (the elevator carried the horses up and down from the exercise ring on the roof), this spectacular hotel closely follows the Santo Mauro's template: tasteful, modern decor in a historical building. Palacio preserves even more of its grandiose past: baseboards and fountains covered with ceramics from Talavera, original Parisian stained-glass windows, marble floors and columns, and original moldings. All rooms have superb views of the nearby Retiro Park. The double superior rooms' bathroom doors are full-size Lichtenstein silk-screen prints. www.ac-hotels.com. 51 rooms. In-room: safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, parking (fee). AE, DC, MC, V.