The NH Collection Madrid Abascal is a 4-star hotel in an early 20th century building (which formerly housed an embassy), and it was completely renovated in 2014. This NH Collection hotel is contemporary and filled with light — a clean, white palette that is accented by shades of cream, beige, gold, silver, blue and burgundy throughout. The NH Collection is a brand that is designed with business travelers in mind.

Experience NH Abascal Madrid:

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If you stayed here in the past, I’m told you may be expecting a darker hotel, but that’s no longer the case. In fact, the lobby has been opened up three floors of space to create an open and inviting atmosphere with archways and moldings. There’s also a unique lobby chandelier composed of wooden ribbons that is suspended from the ceiling, designed by LZS in Valencia, Spain.

You’ll find artwork throughout the building, including a Mariscal. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the large images of protected (landmark) buildings in Madrid on the guest room floors as well as the hotel’s grand staircase which retains its original splendor — including stained glass windows. I love hotels that have keep their original staircases because they become part of your unique experience and not hidden behind a door at the end of a hall like so many hotels do today (don’t worry, there’s also the typical European elevator/lift that you can use).

NH Abascal is located in an upscale residential and commercial neighborhood that’s about halfway between Madrid’s financial district and the historic city center and museums. So, depending on where you want to go, it’s a short transfer using one of the two nearby metro stations, buses, taxis or private car services.

Guest Rooms at NH Madrid Abascal

NH Abascal has 183 rooms with high ceilings: 106 superior and 54 premiums rooms (each at 215 square feet), 6 premium rooms with a terrace or patio (320 square feet) — these are on the 7th floor, 10 junior suites (270 to 375 square feet), 3 suites, 4 rooms that are designed for guests with disabilities and 6 single rooms (140 square feet). Rooms include satellite TV, flat screen TVs, Nespresso machines, desks, minibars and shoe horns/shoe shines if you need them. Premium rooms and suites include bathrobes and slippers (which I really like when I’m on the road). Wifi is available throughout the hotel at no extra charge — that’s something all hotels should offer!

I stayed in Room 404, a larger junior suite (corner room) with a king bed and a view of the main street, José Abascal. Because the building was originally designed for residents, the space offers those special little design nuances, like a generous alcove that allows for a small table and chairs in front of the window — and a white, modern six-light pendant chandelier. You can also open the window and feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.

When you enter the room, it has a small foyer that leads to the bathroom and then an additional door that leads to the bedroom space. I like that because this helps minimize the typical hotel hallway noises we all tend to expect when on the road. The decor is bright white yet muted and brings various textures to the room, such as the the velvet chairs and couch, the white wardrobe valet stand, wallpaper with a muted vertical pattern (on a single wall), dark wood floors, the building’s exterior design elements are etched into the corner wall (next to the bed) and a giant mirror that leans against the wall.

The marble bathroom has a separate shower (the rain-effect shower is cool as it covers your whole body) and full bathtub. There’s also a bidet, and I’m also a fan of bathrooms with these. The NH bath amenities have a light, green tea scent, and they’re pleasant (a bonus with NH is that you get separate hand and body creams).

Restaurant DOMO Abascal

Located next to the hotel’s lobby bar and lounge area, the hotel’s restaurant serves traditional fresh, seasonal dishes from the region under the direction of Ángel Aylagas and the creative guidance of Paco Roncero.

The breakfast buffet includes a range of fresh fruit juices, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, breads and much more. They also have a choice of churros, which the Spanish enjoy at breakfast. You can also request various hot dishes made to order, including a range of eggs to prepare your eggs, bacon and sausage. (If you need to depart early, ask the front desk or restaurant in advance about the earlybird breakfast.)

I also stopped by for a late dinner on my first evening, and the menu embraces includes heart stews, grilled dishes and a selection of wines. It was fairly late for me, and my first night in Spain, so I requested their chicken breast with vegetables. I enjoyed it with a house recommended glass of sauvignon blanc (Verdajo Fray German, a rueda house recommended glass of sauvignon blanc that is produced in Spain. I skipped the dessert (it was already around midnight), but did finish with an after digestif of Baines Etiquelta Oro, a pacharan that was nice and smooth. This was a perfect ending to the night.

Events at NH Madrid Abascal

If you’re planning for a small meeting or intimate event, the NH Madrid Abascal has six meeting rooms, which can comfortably hold between two and 60 people. DOMO Abascal is often used for cocktail parties, receptions and other events. The pleasant surprise is that there’s a lovely outdoor terrace that can be used for private events — that’s a nice oasis. NH Madrid Abascal has an onsite event planner who can assist.

The Verdict

NH Collection Madrid is a lovely hotel that you’ll enjoy. The front desk, concierge and dining staff are attentive, and the hotel is well-maintained.

And, if walking around Madrid or on a trade show floor for the day isn’t enough, there’s a small room on the lower level where you can workout (open 24 hours/day). It has a couple pieces of cardio equipment and some free weights.