A city with flair and sophistication

The hotel porter began to wheel his baggage cart into the lift he had been waiting for, saw my partner and I approaching… and promptly backed out to let us take the ride instead.

It was a small, yet significant, gesture which typified the level of service (and friendliness) afforded to guests at the Melia Princessa in Madrid.

We were on a three-night stay taking in the sights, sounds of the city - and escaping the wrath of Storm Bert!

We opted to upgrade to Meliás Level service which made a fabulous experience even more fabulous.

Our 12th-floor room afforded a panoramic view of this bustling city and complimentary drinks (and alcohol) and food were available for most of the day.

As well as their dining and relaxation areas, Level guests also receive a priority check-in service.

We have stayed at Meliá hotels before and have always been impressed by the quality of our stays but this particular break was asombroso! *

The Meliá Madrid Princesa, a hotel that delivers a seamless blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge comfort.

Located in the vibrant Argüelles district, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see attractions. A short stroll takes you to the Royal Palace, while the bustle of Gran Vía is just a heartbeat away.

Yet, despite its central location, the hotel feels like a sanctuary and a place where you can retreat from the energy of Madrid without ever feeling detached from it.

From the moment I entered the marble-clad lobby, I was struck by the hotel’s understated sophistication. The service was impeccable, with staff who were attentive without being overbearing, a rare and welcome balance.

The breakfast buffet deserves a mention too. In a city where dining is an art form, the Meliá Princesa doesn't disappoint. The spread featured everything from freshly baked pastries to traditional Spanish tortillas, alongside a selection of international options that catered to every palate. It set the tone for each day, offering a reminder of the hotel's commitment to quality in every detail.

We visited in the run up to Christmas which saw a sprinkle of magic added to this fabulous city.

Indeed, Madrid takes on an entirely new persona during the festive season. We arrived just as the streets were draped in glittering lights, a sensory overload of twinkling brilliance that could warm even the chilliest of evenings.

The capital’s allure in December is undeniable. Gran Vía, the iconic boulevard, hums with the excitement of Christmas shoppers darting between its boutiques, while the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts and churros wafts through the air.

Another highlight of the season wasn’t the decorations, the shopping, or even the food – it was the palpable buzz surrounding El Gordo, Spain’s legendary Christmas Lottery.

To say the lottery is a big deal in Madrid would be an understatement. It is, quite simply, a national obsession. Every corner café, every buzzing plaza seemed to echo with conversations about ticket numbers and dreams of riches.

I couldn’t resist the pull and found myself queuing outside the renowned Doña Manolita lottery shop, surrounded by Madrileños who shared tales of winnings past and hopeful futures.

Of course, there’s far more to Madrid at Christmas than its lottery. The city’s markets, particularly the sprawling one at Plaza Mayor, are a festive treasure trove of handmade crafts, nativity scenes, and sugary delights.

Food, as always in Spain, was a highlight: hearty cocido madrileño (a traditional stew) warmed me after brisk walks through Retiro Park, while tapas tours offered endless culinary surprises.

Our only regret was not taking something a bit smarter to wear on our daily sojourns as it seems the whole of Madrid turns out in its finery, whatever the occasion. Even the football fans we came across looked like catwalk models.

Madrid is a city that invites you to join its joy, to share in its traditions at any time of year and knows how to live – and give – with flair.

As we checked out of the Melia Princessa the heavens opened and a porter immediately grabbed a brolly and escorted us to our taxi. It was yet another small, yet significant, gesture which typified our stay.