The Pavilions, Madrid, Spain

The hotel is slightly removed from the tourist throngs, yet still in central Madrid, just a few streets away from Plaza de Colón and behind the Interior Ministry. It's an upmarket area where young professionals come to work and play. Colón metro station is a four-minute walk. For shopping, you can hit the Salamanca district in five minutes on foot, while twice that will get you to trendy Chueca with its independent boutiques and quirky cafés.

By plane: fly from London (2 hours 20 minutes), Manchester (2 hours 40 minutes) and Edinburgh (2 hours 45 minutes). The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the airport. Parking costs €25 per day. Book flights to Madrid.

This hotel has a youthful, trendy feel about it, helped in part by the modern art that's been provided by the popular Álvaro Alcázar gallery, including a giant sleeping bear in reception that doubles as a sofa. The breakfast room is lush with greenery, while art books encourage you to linger in the lobby.

The staff are young and enthusiastic and make you feel very welcome. The facilities are limited but there is a bijou gym on the seventh floor with Technogym equipment and weights, and a great view over the city. Parking is available in the basement for a daily charge.

• Terrace
• Snack bar
• Fitness centre
• Family-friendly
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have a designer feel and a dominant colour of either red or black, making them feel youthful and sophisticated. Minibars are surprisingly affordable and all rooms have coffee machines. The shelves are filled with art books about painters whose work you can see in the Madrid galleries.

Room types: Classic Room, Executive Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Attic Room, Rooftop Deluce Room, Family Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, sofa, TV, free Wi-Fi

The breakfast room is a delight, with a glass-panelled ceiling covered in climbing plants. The hotel has a relationship with nearby Bar Tomate restaurant, which is a lively local restaurant that's always full of Madrileños enjoying the tartare and carpaccios, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, pasta and grilled meat and fish.

Café Atrium: interior garden venue. Buffet breakfast, serving cereals, fresh fruit, yogurts, cooked items, juices and hot drinks. Open Mon-Fri, 7-11am (7:30-11:30am at weekends).