Small Hotels in Big Places: Hotel Abalu in Madrid

Where: Calle Pez 19, Madrid, Spain, 28004

March 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM | 0 Comments

Huge hotels in huge cities are the norm. Sometimes, though, in a city with a million inhabitants, several million tourists, and even more stray dogs and cats, you really need somewhere small and cosy to disappear to.

Madrid is one of those places. Hotels are generally either 400-room monstrosities for which you pay through the nose, or tiny 10th-floor bunk-bed dormitories with leaky showerheads, whirring fan heaters and noisy drunks outside.

We heard about the Hotel Abalu in Madrid from a groovy Madrileño friend and it sounds just blimmin' perfect.

Ten rooms, all designed and kitted out by a kid called Antonio, who took over his parents' grubby hostel and turned it into a mini boutique extravaganza.

They're all individual, all clean and stylish with stone-walled bathrooms and cleverly lit walls. A bit IKEA in some places and a bit art-deco in others, but this guy's got style.

The Abalu's just a short step from the downtown Gran Vía, so you get all the bustle and location without all the noise and fumes. A jacuzzi in the suite and a home cinema projectors in the lounge. Working Wi-Fi. "Mini-room service" - does that mean portions, menu or what? No matter. Friendly staff by all accounts, as you'd expect in a mini-hotel.

Mini-prices
Mini-prices too, which is great. You can get mini-deals on the suite, with breakfasts, massages, etc included for €250, which is peanuts by central Madrid standards. We like the 'Amor' deal - jacuzzi, chocolate fondue, strawberries and champagne and a late check-out. Standard rooms are only around €70 a night.

So really, what more could a big hotel offer?

[Photo: TripAdvisor]

Tags: Madrid Hotels / Spain Hotels / Boutique Hotels / Mini-Hotels / Budget Hotels / Monica Guy

by femmefatale

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