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HOTEL OF THE MONTH
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April 2003
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Catalonia Moratín
Madrid, Spain
This sleek and intimate hotel is the latest unit of a rapidly growing chain that has its origins in Barcelona. It carries forward an admirable practice of that city, recycling historic buildings to alternative contemporary uses. In this case, an 18th-Century palaceta was converted to create Catalonian Moratín.
Mammoth granite foundation blocks line the two-story entry hall, which was large enough to accommodate horse-drawn carriages. The aristocratic family that resided in the mansion greeted their guests at the base of the truly grand staircase. During Spain's Civil War, the cellars served as a bomb shelter and were believed to be connected by tunnel to the royal palace.
Modern wings now embrace the inner courtyard, containing bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar-lounge. Rooms and baths are unusually large for Spain, many with king-size beds and pull-out sleeper sofas. Minibars, hairdryers and thick terry robes are standard, as are TVs with English-language channels. Double-paned windows muffle the traffic sounds of busy Calle Atocha out front.
Much of old Madrid, with its many museums and shops, is within a short stretch of the legs. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, containing Picasso's mural-sized masterpiece, Guernica, is 10 minutes away. Within similar walks in other directions are the Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, the Puerta del Sol and the centuries-old flea market, El Rastro.
Contact us for rates and further information about this hotel. We can help you plan transportation and other accommodations for your trip to Spain.
See our reservation page for information about how to book this hotel through Marketing Ahead.
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