THE FACTS ABOUT MARIO

Spain Madrid

Mario is the kind of place that makes you feel good about yourself even when money is tight. Photographic portraits of a bulldog and a pit bull terrier provide a somewhat ambiguous welcome as you step into the lobby, but they are the only ferocious thing about the place. Laid-back minimalism is the principle, with design and clean-lined comfort working together in the service of a young, upmarket clientele with a creative bent. Designers Angel Verdu and Tomás Alía have gone for a limited range of strong tones, pearl greys and black-and-white checks in some of the bathrooms - rather than bland pastels, but illuminated wall panels in the corridors provide a welcome blast of colour. The room may be a little small and the ceilings are low, but smart lighting maximises what's available, while the side-street setting means that noise should not be a problem even in this inner city location. ROOM TO BOOK Number 101, a mini-suite, which is relatively large and has a balcony. CONTACT Calle Campomanes 4 (00 34 91 548 8548; fax: 559 1288) COST Doubles from €106 B&B