Where to stay in Madrid: Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá.
Recently, Madrid became the most trendy destination in Spain and one of the trendiest in Europe, leaving behind even Barcelona. I’m not sure how it happened but I can guess why. Madrid, the heart of Spain, did tremendous job to become what it is now, but unlike more cosmopolitan Barcelona, it is still very true to its origins.
I remember visiting Madrid 10 years ago, and it was lovely, cultural, interesting, characteristic, but still missing infrastructure which some of our sophisticated clients are looking for. Well, it changed. Infrastructure is now there but Spanish authenticity is there too, and unique character didn’t vanish so far, and rates for luxury hotels are still kind of human. Probably it is time to go and explore this easy reachable by international flights destination, great hub for many discoveries, South or North.
Between my favourite places to stay in Madrid, Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá is. I love Gran Meliá brand (luxury segment of bigger Meliá which also includes some lower end properties) for many reasons. Not the first one but quite important, is the price range. If you are looking for great value for your money, think of Gran Meliá, and not only in Spain.
But the first and utmost is the service. I had few disappointments with Spanish hotels (well, I’m quite spoilt with Italian hospitality and my bar is rather high), but Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá is above perfect, the same as few other Gran Meliás I experienced. Warm, friendly, hospitable – exactly as you wish to see it.
Another important reason why you may want to choose Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá for your stay in Madrid, is an interior design. The owners are very keen for the oeuvre of Diego Velázquez, the leading painter of Spanish Golding Age and one of the greatest artists in the history of Western art, and I found it both beautiful and educating to see big reproductions of his works incorporated in interiors of the property all over – in your room, public areas, corridors. I loved this gentle reminder that beauty of world started way before Instagram era.
I was truly happy to be reconnected with Velázquez heritage which I learned decades ago as a student of architectural faculty, but art, modern and classic, is a core of Palacio de los Duques, and every corner is adorned with its presence in accordance with perfect taste (at least my aesthetics were pleased everywhere I looked), with some whimsical elements to keep you out of boring.
I very much enjoyed privileges of RedLevel – kind of club level at Gran Melia, and I would easily recommend my clients to invest in it for their stay. It includes:
- Private check in at dedicated area
- Open bar for coffee and soft drinks between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm in the RedLevel lounge
- Snacks and wine from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Flexibility in the departure time (upon availability)
- Shoe shining and ironing service and more
Another thing which I really enjoyed at Palacio de los Duques, is attention to detail which you may call old fashioned in our digital era, but I would call it personal touch which can’t be replaced by gadgets or AI, at least so far. With night turn down, post card with Velázquez painting (the one you have over your bed) which tells you story of this work and person represented on it. At the morning, printed itinerary for pleasant walk, highlighting easy walking distance attractions – came very handy for me since my internet roaming got exhausted at some point, and I walked around with paper map and this fabulous itinerary. Or – oh! live music in the lobby during the breakfast hours to create atmosphere. My cup of tea!
Speaking about location… I can’t imagine better one in Madrid (just reposting itinerary I found in my room and followed):
Begin your walk from historical street Cuesta de Santo Domingo, quiet yet central, it offers a refined and atmospheric starting point to discover Madrid.
Royal Theatre and Plaza de Oriente – 2 minutes from the hotel
Highlights: Madrid’s grand opera house, overlooking the stately Plaza de Oriente with its manicured gardens and the equestrian statue of King Philip IV.
Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral – 4 minutes from the hotel.
Highlights: One of the Europe’s largest and most opulent royal residences, facing the striking Almudena Cathedral.
Athenas Park Viewpoint and Sabatini Gardens – 7 minutes from the hotel.
Highlights: A peaceful green area offering scenic views of the Royal Palace and access to the elegant Sabatini Gardens.
Plaza de la Villa – 7 minutes from the hotel.
Highlights: One of Madris’s oldest squares, featuring medieval architecture including the Casa de la Villa and the Torre de los Lujanes.
San Miguel Market – 7 minutes from the hotel
Experience: A beautifully restored gourmet market, perfect for sampling high-end Spanish products such as Iberian ham, seafood, cheeses, and wines.
Plaza Mayor – 7 minutes from the hotel
Highlights: Madrid’s most iconic and architecturally harmonious square, surrounded by porticoes and filled with centuries of history.
Puerta del Sol – 10 minutes from the hotel
Highlights: The symbolic heart of Madrid, home to the Kilometre Cero market, the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, and the famous New Year’s Eve clock tower.
Gran Via – 3 minutes from the hotel
Highlights: Madrid’s main avenue, known for Belle Epoque architecture, flagship stores, and renowned theatres.
Return to the Hotel via Callao and Plaza de Santo Domingo – 3 minutes from the hotel.
Really, can you imagine better location in Madrid? I can’t say that I had proper time to get deep in each of these fabulous highlights, but getting lost in old city of Madrid was a treat, and I’ve found my personal treasures following this itinerary, even not perfectly precisely. Well, this is my way of exploring the city: photo camera, abnormal curiosity, and whatever amazing you can find around the corner.
One of the treats of Gran Meliá Madrid’s Palacio de los Duques is a rooftop terrace. What a view!
As always (boring part), book with me and enjoy VIP perks listed below. Sincerely yours, [email protected]
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- For Standard room categories guests receive free access to Red Level Lounge
- For Red Level room categories guests receive a $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not applicable at Thai Room Wellness. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
