Westin Palace Hotel, Madrid

A timeless Madrid classic, this former palace of the Duke of Lerma opened as a hotel in 1911, becoming Spain's second luxury hotel. Ever since, it has looked out across the Neptuno Square at its rival, the Ritz, like a lover unjustly scorned. While it may not have the world-famous cachet of the Ritz, its name, the Palace, speaks for itself.

When the snooty Ritz imposed a ban on actors and other public performers in the early 20th century, the Palace emerged as the preferred destination for celebrities. Mata Hari, the exotic princess from the East, resided here during World War I, and rumors suggest her ghost still roams the corridors. Hemingway, Dalí, and Lorca were regular patrons of the hotel's splendid cocktail bar, which remains a delightful spot to relax on plush couches and enjoy a glass of wine, a Mai Tai, or whatever your preferred libation may be.

For a satisfying lunch or dinner, the first-floor restaurant awaits, offering impeccable service and delectable cuisine. Don't miss the artwork adorning the ceiling of the rotunda, particularly the imagery of a gondola that evokes a dreamy sensation of floating in the sky.

Tip:
You can buy tickets for the Prado at the concierge desk to avoid the museum's long lines.

Operation Hours [La Rotonda Restaurant]:
Daily: 7am–12am