I have repeatedly said I can sleep anywhere (I’m koboy that way). Just give me a pillow and a blanket and I can sleep soundly, especially after a long, wander-full day. Having said that, I don’t mind upscale digs either. More so if said digs offer a welcome platter, free wi-fi and a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Some months ago, I had the pleasure to experience all these at the Hotel Petit Palace Santa Bárbara when I was hosted by the Spain Tourism Board during my visit in the Spanish capital, Madrid.
The Petit Palace Santa Barbara was a palacio originally owned by the Marques of Quintanar, a title created by King Philip V. According to hotel manager Rebecca Evans, the building was built in 1874 and was only recently renovated. In 1880, it belonged to Antonio Marquez and later, in 1934, to Lucia Callejas and her husband, Antonio Gallego de Chavez, the 6th generation Marques of Quintanar.
Prior to becoming a hotel, various well known companies have had offices in this building including the British Council and SGAE (Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). “The 2nd floor of the hotel used to be a Protocol School, we still have the old brass placard on the large wooden door of this floor,” says Rebecca of the boutique hotel. “We very much like our building and I personally think it is ideal to have been converted into a hotel,” she adds.
The hotel is located in the town square of Santa Barbara in the Chueca district. It is within walking distance of some of the main city attractions such as the Gran Via, Retiro Park and Puerto del Sol. But if you don’t feel like walking, you can always take the Metro which is just a block away. There are also a lot of bars and restaurants nearby which I found very convenient since I was too tired (or lazy? 😉 ) to go around looking for a place to eat.
The guest rooms are spacious and airy. My room was facing the square so I had a nice view of the city from my window.
I really loved the stylish and modern interiors. And the amenities are equally impressive.
Each room is fitted with a flat screen TV, an iPod dock, and a laptop computer with free WI-FI connection, ideal for travellers who need their daily internet fix.
I especially appreciated the welcome fruit platter that was waiting for me in my room with a note from Rebecca.
In the restaurant, the hotel has preserved some of its original architectural features.
But one of the things I loved the most during my stay was the sumptuous breakfast buffet!
How much did I love it? Let me enumerate the ways: lots of cold cuts, at least 5 kinds of cheeses, chorizo, juicy tomatoes, fresh fruits, freshly squeezed juice, cereal, bread of all types, yogurt, overflowing freshly-brewed coffee of your choice, and pastries! All sorts of pastries! Just writing all these down made me hungry!
The hotel also has a spacious courtyard that turns into a bar in the evenings.
At 119€/night for a double room (less if you book way in advance), this is a great deal. For its location, amenities and breakfast, it’s definitely a terrific choice. Visit their website here.
Note: Although my stay at the Hotel Petit Palace Santa Barbara was hosted by the Spain Tourism Board, this is not a paid review. My opinion is based entirely on my personal experience of the hotel. All photos mine unless indicated.