THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL HESPERIA

Spain Madrid

There is something slightly disturbing about entering Hotel Hesperia. Seeing the eclectic decor of its rather flashy lobby, it is easy to imagine something soulful has been sacrificed on the altar of designer consciousness. Thankfully not: this five-star establishment, which opened in March 2001, lays special emphasis on service. The airily spacious lobby and restaurants, the work of high-profile Spanish designer Pascua Ortega, mix Mediterranean minimalism with offbeat baroque. Most of the 171 rooms are more homely, featuring teak furniture and marble bathrooms. That is, until you reach the top floor with its four grandly conceived, brightly coloured executive suites and a presidential suite. The Hesperia's showpiece, however, is the Santceloni restaurant, run by Santi Santamaría of the celebrated El Racó de Can Fabes near Barcelona, which has three Michelin stars. Just seven months after opening, the Santceloni received a Michelin star of its own. WHEN TO GO Visit in May for the San Isidro bull-fighting festival WHICH ROOM TO BOOK The graceful presidential suite, with split-level terrace, open-air Jacuzzi and 180-degree views over modern Madrid CONTACT Hotel Hesperia, Madrid Paseo de la Castellana, 57, 28046 Madrid, Spain (00 34 91 210 8800; fax: 210 8899; hotel@hesperia-madrid.com; www.hotels-hesperia.es). Doubles about £175-£205; executive suites and the presidential suite about about £605-£780