PAUSE Visits: The Principal Madrid & Hotel Único Madrid

Madrid is one of those cities where the neighbourhood you stay in can completely shift the experience. From the energy of Gran Vía to the polished streets of Salamanca, each part of the city reveals a very different side of the Spanish capital.

Único Hotels offers the opportunity to experience both. The Principal Madrid and Hotel Único Madrid may be sister properties, but aside from sharing the same first-class approach to hospitality, the two hotels feel completely different. One places you right amongst the energy of central Madrid, while the other feels more like a private residence hidden behind the streets of Salamanca. Staying at both offers an interesting way to see the city, with two very different interpretations that together give an almost complete picture of Madrid.

Want to be right amongst the energy of Madrid? Looking for a highly rated five-star hotel? Want somewhere you can step away from the hustle and bustle and into a little calm? The Principal ticks all the boxes, and as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it’s easy to understand why.

Located at the beginning of Gran Vía, the hotel places you within walking distance of some of the city’s most recognisable sights, while nearby neighbourhoods are filled with boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The Prado is around 900 metres away and the Thyssen-Bornemisza just 600 metres, giving some idea of just how central the location is.

The hotel itself has a much more classic feel, with original architectural features, artwork and historic details finished with contemporary touches. There’s something quite regal about the property, but as a smaller boutique hotel, the service feels personal, genuinely warm and attentive.

The rooms are equally impressive. Large original windows look out onto the surrounding streets and architecture, while inside they’re spacious, chic, minimal and incredibly cosy.

One of The Principal’s many great features is found upstairs. While there’s no swimming pool, the rooftop loungers give guests somewhere to relax and catch some sun without leaving the hotel. It’s a simple addition, but one that contributes to the relaxing setting the property manages to create away from the energy of the city.

Imagery courtesy of: Único Hotels 

Hotel Único offers a completely different stay on a completely different side of the city. Located on Claudio Coello Street in Salamanca, the hotel switches out the energy of Gran Vía for one of Madrid’s most upscale neighbourhoods, where luxury boutiques, restaurants and galleries sit amongst elegant architecture. Madrid’s Golden Mile is a stone’s throw away, while El Retiro is also within walking distance.

Despite being surrounded by some of the most renowned names in luxury, Hotel Único itself feels surprisingly homely. Housed within a 19th-century palace with just 44 rooms and suites, there’s an intimate feel to the property. Beautiful interiors, original details and artwork give the hotel much of its character, while its boutique size adds to the feeling of staying in a private residence rather than a large city hotel.

The rooms are modern and cosy rather than overly grand. Light oak, neutral tones and high ceilings create a warm, contemporary feel, with rooms overlooking either Claudio Coello Street or the hotel’s garden. With so much within walking distance, Hotel Único manages to offer that home-away-from-home feeling while still putting some of Madrid’s best shopping and dining right on the doorstep.

And then there’s the garden. Hidden behind the hotel, it feels completely removed from the streets outside and is undoubtedly one of the property’s most charming features. Whether for breakfast, a drink or simply some time outside, it’s an unexpected little escape in the middle of Salamanca.

Imagery courtesy of: Único Hotels 

Imagery courtesy of: Único Hotels 

What makes staying at both properties particularly interesting is just how little they feel like sister hotels. The Principal puts the city front and centre, with the energy of Gran Vía outside, impressive views and a rooftop that provides a little haven to retreat from it all. Hotel Único feels more intimate and residential, offering a slower side of Madrid surrounded by the elegant streets, upscale shopping and dining of Salamanca.

Despite their differences, the personal service, attention to detail and sense of warmth are present at both. Único Hotels has cleverly created two distinct stays that each capture a different aspect of Madrid, while sharing the same first-class approach to hospitality.

PAUSE Rates: 5/5 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Having previously visited Finca Serena Mallorca, another Único Hotel which was incredible, I was excited to experience both The Principal Madrid and Hotel Único Madrid during my first trip to the city. The separate stays created a perfectly balanced trip, allowing me to discover not only two very different properties, but also two neighbourhoods I might have easily missed or skipped entirely had I stuck to one stay. It was perfect, from the locations and rooms to the service and dining. I’d highly recommend experiencing both.” – Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

A special thank you to Andrés for arranging such lovely stays, and to the staff across both properties for the wonderful hospitality.

Imagery courtesy of: Único Hotels