CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha, Madrid

Pros

• This "cool" hotel maintains many of its historic charms, including the original 19th-century staircase and ornate carved ceilings.
• An address on the central Calle de Atocha puts you within easy walking distance of most city landmarks and central neighborhoods.
• The building's inner courtyard is now a secret garden, complete with a turquoise plunge pool and outdoor dining.
• All of the rooms are remarkably spacious, and some suites include private rooftop terraces, outdoor hot tubs, and living rooms.
• A Michelin-starred chef leads the on-site restaurant, which embraces the "Slow Food" movement to creative and delicious effect. 

Cons

• The hotel is located on a busy central street that can feel a bit chaotic, though rooms are well soundproofed and the inner courtyard provides a peaceful escape.

Authenticity

The Spanish CoolRooms group is known for turning landmark Iberian palaces and heritage buildings into one-of-a-kind luxury stays—and the Palacio de Atocha is some of their finest work. The 1852 building was originally the opulent townhouse of a high-ranking official in the Order of Charles III. Over the years, it served as both a hermitage and a monastery before its latest incarnation as a boutique hotel. Inside you'll spy plenty of remarkable period details—including decorative ceilings, intricate frescoes, and a soaring hardwood and iron staircase—now blended with understated modern design and Art Deco flourishes.

Location

The hotel sits on the busy Calle de Atocha at the edge of Madrid's Literary Quarter (or Las Letras), once the haunt of legends like Cervantes. Today, you'll find charming pedestrian streets, plentiful shopping and restaurants, and the city's "Golden Triangle" of art museums (including the Prado) within an easy stroll. Turn right out the front doors to walk up to Plaza Real, the Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral in under 15 minutes, or head south instead to reach the Atocha train station in 20. You're also just a couple blocks from the Antón Martín Market, a buzzing spot to sample some of the city's best food. If you're traveling by car, you can find paid parking nearby or hand the keys to the hotel's valet service. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 34 air-conditioned rooms are all remarkably spacious—even the smallest options have far more square footage than most European hotels, and the multi-bedroom suites feel positively palatial. All feature pale herringbone wood floors, high ceilings, and large windows, plus stylish bathrooms with glossy tiling and brass accents. The decor channels an understated Art Deco vibe with vintage paneling, sculptural lighting, and elegant velvet furniture, and all rooms include premium details like handcrafted mattresses, Nespresso machines, and Bang & Olufsen speakers. Splash out on a CoolSuite to add a large private sun terrace complete with a daybed, hot tub, and 360-degree views over Madrid. 

Amenities

The peaceful garden area is a real highlight, complete with lush greenery, an elegant plunge pool, and plentiful sunny and shaded seating spots. You'll find another quiet respite in the open-air lounge, with plush settees and bubbling fountains. The hotel's El Patio del Atocha restaurant is renowned for it's "Slow Food" menu helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, and you can also order drinks and tapas poolside or in the cozy lounge bar. There's no spa on-site, but you can choose from a menu of in-room wellness treatments like aromatherapy facials and deep-tissue massages.

Family-Friendliness

Coolrooms Palacio de Atocha welcomes families, with spacious rooms and suites that comfortably accommodate larger groups. Baby cribs are provided free of charge, and the hotel offers babysitting services and children's menus in the restaurants.