Nobody seems to know why Madrid's Hotel Wellington takes its name from one of Britain's most famous military commanders. And it's a pretty ironic name given that this fundamentally Spanish hotel shuns the jovial internationalism habitual in five star establishments. Sure, the staff speak English, but you get the feeling they'd rather be speaking their native tongue. They know how to look after you, though.
Housed in a big, solid bull of a building in the city's upmarket Salamanca area, the hotel offers easy access to the business district, the high-class boutiques on Serrano and Jose Ortega y Gasset streets and the so-called Art Triangle of world-class galleries (extra points if you can name all three). The place first opened in 1952 and has seen its fair share of glamorous guests spin through the revolving doors over the years, from Gene Kelly to Matt Damon. Its independent air can perhaps be explained by the fact that it's not part of a chain but is owned by a foundation. The most obvious expression of this is the diverse collection of paintings that line the corridors, all winners of an art competition the foundation organises each year.
Décor is classical with hints of art deco. The lobby is a piece of art in itself with its airy glazed cupola. Mirrored doors lead to a meeting room/banqueting hall that can seat 250 and features 17th century tapestries on its walls. Eight more meeting rooms are available on the first floor, all with natural light. If you're British, you may fail to see the charms of the English Bar, which is designed around a pub theme, albeit an art deco one. But when it comes to restaurants, the Wellington can offer a double whammy in the shape of Goizeko, which offers a modern take on Basque cuisine, and Kabuki, whose accomplished Japanese menu has won it the first Michelin star in Spain for non-Spanish food.
Unless you're in a rush to get to your room (or really unfit), eschew the lifts and use the stairs, stopping to admire the ornate stained glass windows on each floor. Once through your door you'll find traditional furnishings, linen sheets and a marble bathroom. There's WiFi, but you have to pay 10 euros an hour for it.
To the rear of the hotel is an outdoor swimming pool, which is a huge benefit during Madrid's sizzling summers and enough to make you forget you're overlooked by the neighbouring apartment blocks. There's also a small Wellness Centre combining spa, gym and sauna. Overall the Wellington is a good choice if you're looking for luxe in central Madrid, and especially if you fancy a little Spanish authenticity.
Hotel Wellington, Velazquez 8, 28001 Madrid. +34 915 754 400. www.hotel-wellington.com
