Casa Almagro by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Madrid

Last Updated on July 12, 2025

A Short City Break in Madrid: Art, Culture, and Boutique Luxury at Casa Almagro

There’s something deliciously indulgent about a city break. A few days carved out of the calendar to simply wander somewhere new, no agenda beyond curiosity, no pressure beyond finding the next excellent coffee. It’s about walking unfamiliar streets, letting the rhythm of another culture seep into your bones, and surrendering to the charms of a place. In Madrid, that might mean stumbling upon a hidden tapas bar tucked behind a grand boulevard, catching a golden hour glow in El Retiro, or losing time to the masterpieces of the Prado. But for all the joy found in getting gloriously lost, I’ve learned that where you stay matters. It’s the difference between merely visiting a city and feeling, however briefly, like you belong to it. Enter Casa Almagro by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Madrid, a stay that feels like being handed the keys to someone’s artfully designed, impeccably located townhouse.

Getting to Casa Almagro Madrid from Barajas Airport

We took the Metro from Madrid airport to Casa Almagro, which was super easy and surprisingly efficient. From Barajas, it’s a straightforward journey with just one change, and you can buy a very reasonably priced ten-journey pass that’s valid for two people, making it a very affordable option. With trains running regularly and clear signage, it’s a hassle-free way to slip straight into city life. Alternatively, you can hop in a taxi for a fixed fare of €33, which gets you to the hotel in around 20–25 minutes – ideal if you’re travelling with large luggage or arriving late.

About Casa Almagro by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Madrid

Tucked along the quietly elegant Amador de los Ríos street, Casa Almagro is a whisper away from the buzz of Plaza de Colón and Madrid’s cultural heavyweights, yet it offers a peaceful counterpoint to the pace of the city.

Behind its modern façade, you’re met not with the slick anonymity of so many urban hotels, but with character, calm, and a certain old-world glamour, softened by modern grace.

The lobby of Casa Almagro feels more like a boutique gallery than a traditional hotel reception. Works by emerging Spanish artists are thoughtfully displayed throughout the space, with rotating exhibitions that spill seamlessly into the guestrooms, each one becoming a private, miniature gallery. A sculptural gold-brass pillar anchors the room, while a giant black beanbag-style sofa lounges playfully on the marble floor, offering an unexpectedly cosy spot to sink into.

Toward the rear, a soft grey velvet seating nook lines one wall, scattered with gold cushions that catch the light just so. It opens into a bright, leafy conservatory, where breakfast is served each morning, sunlight filtering through the glass as the city slowly stirs to life outside.

There are just 29 rooms & suites at Casa Almagro, accessed via a quiet lift that whisks you up to your own stylish sanctuary. We stayed in a Superior King on the fifth floor – simple and elegant, with a modern aesthetic softened by playful quirks and rich textures.

The palette is earthy yet bold: soft stone and brick red textured wallpaper, offset by a black-and-white étoile-style fabric that upholsters a chic banquette, flowing seamlessly into the headboard of the comfortable king-sized bed. It’s a space that feels considered, rather than curated, stylish but never shouty.

Sleek, marble-fronted mirrored doors conceal both storage and the entrance to a well-appointed shower room. Inside, a double sink, walk-in rain shower and a verdant green wall create a sense of spa-like luxury, with water pressure that leaves no room for disappointment.

Thoughtful touches abound: universal sockets in all the right places, TV, a Nespresso machine for that crucial first cup of the day, cotton robes, a discreetly stocked mini bar, and well-chosen contemporary prints that reflect the hotel’s broader artistic leanings. It’s the kind of room you could happily retreat to after a day pounding Madrid’s pavements, with just the right balance of comfort and flair.

Breakfast is served in the garden-styled conservatory, a light-filled space where leafy greenery and gentle sunlight create an unhurried, holiday-morning kind of atmosphere. Service is warm and attentive, and the à la carte menu offers a generous start to the day: fresh juices, buttery pastries, and a selection of hot dishes that promise to keep you fuelled well into your afternoon explorations.

While the hotel doesn’t currently offer lunch or dinner on-site, change is in the air. A brand-new dining concept is set to launch this summer, helmed by a well-known Spanish chef, though details are still being kept deliciously under wraps.

In the meantime, guests can opt for the excellent ‘Dine & Dream’ package offered by the hotel, which includes dinner at Bar Tomate, a stylish local favourite just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. It’s the perfect choice for your first evening in the city, enough to wander to, delicious enough to linger at, and relaxed enough to ease you gently into Madrid’s magnetic energy.

About Bar Tomate, Madrid

Just a short stroll from Casa Almagro, Bar Tomate is the kind of effortlessly cool spot that feels like it belongs in every stylish city. With its industrial-chic décor, wooden floors, and tables to match, and a long open bar stacked high with heirloom tomatoes and fresh produce, it hums with energy.

Large windows let in soft light and frame the elegant street outside, making it a favourite haunt for groups of friends, date nights, and those simply looking for a buzzy, contemporary place to eat and unwind.

The menu leans towards Mediterranean, with wood-fired pizzas, zingy tapas, and beautifully plated mains. We started with a burrata salad that paired juicy peaches with toasted almonds and vinaigrette – a perfect early summer dish, followed by a vibrant ceviche that tasted like it had been whisked straight from the sea.

For mains, the salmón a la brasa came dressed in a teriyaki-style glaze, served with quinoa and vegetables, while the lomo de vaca madurada – tender aged beef with grilled asparagus, tomatoes, and a bold chimichurri – was rich and satisfying. All accompanied by a glass of Vinaselda Verdejo, with bright citrus and mineral notes that paired beautifully across the dishes. We finished with a tarta de queso served with fresh fruit – creamy, light, and just sweet enough to call it a night and head back to the comfort of Casa Almagro.

Three Nights in Madrid: What Not to Miss

Casa Almagro makes the perfect base for exploring Madrid’s cultural heart. Located near the grand Plaza de Colón, you’re well placed to dip into the city’s best museums, wander elegant streets, and discover its rich layers of art, history, and delicious distraction. Madrid is a wonderfully walkable city, with wide boulevards and leafy avenues linking its vibrant neighbourhoods, but when your feet need a break, the Metro is refreshingly easy to navigate.

Start with the city’s famed Golden Triangle of Art (Reina Sofía, El Prado & Thyssen Bornemisza). The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is unmissable, not least for Picasso’s Guernica, which is haunting and monumental in its own dedicated gallery. There are also several Dalí works, including The Great Masturbator, along with gorgeous pieces by Miró, and a scattering of surrealist gems to lose yourself in. From there, take a slow walk up Calle de Santa Isabel, a tree-lined street with a creative hue, draped in greenery and dotted with charming cafés—perfect for a midday pit stop.

You’re not far from Barrio de Las Letras, the city’s old literary quarter and now one of its most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Browse the independent boutiques, stop for a chilled sherry and plate of cured meats and cheeses at Casa González, or tuck into tradition at Casa Alberto – a tapas bar serving Madrileños since 1827.

Art lovers should also plan time for the Museo del Prado, home to Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya, as well as Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. It’s vast, but thrilling, and a must-see for any first-time visitor. It’s recommended you book in advance to avoid the queues.

As the sun sets, head to Malasaña, Madrid’s bohemian quarter. Expect vintage shops, lively bars, bold murals, and a buzzy energy around Plaza del Dos de Mayo. If you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, the city’s legendary flea market where you can browse for treasures beneath the trees.

And no visit to Madrid would be complete without flamenco. Tablao Flamenco 1911, one of the oldest venues in the city, offers the kind of passionate, foot-stomping performance that stays with you long after the music fades.

Three nights may never feel long enough, but with the right mix of neighbourhood rambles, iconic art, and late-night tapas, Madrid has a way of getting under your skin fast. And when each day ends with a return to the calm elegance of Casa Almagro – your own little slice of Madrid style and serenity – it’s easy to start imagining your next visit before you’ve even packed your bag.

Helpful Facts about Travelling to Madrid

Casa Almagro , Calle Amador de los Ríos, 3, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain
pavilionshotels.com
Tel +34 91 310 75 00

Bar Tomato, Calle de Fernando el Santo, 26, 28010 Madrid, Spain (Chamberí district)

I travelled to Madrid directly from Heathrow Airport, with my journey made all the more seamless thanks to the excellent services provided by Holiday Extras.

Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers – and last year its customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance.  

Booking Airport Parking and Airport Lounges means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus, with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend, you can without charge. Four days’ parking at the MBW Meet & Greet at Heathrow Airport T5 is available for £99.55 based on arrival on 14th July. Lounge access for two people at Plaza Premium T5 Departures at Heathrow Airport is available for £80 based on arrival on 14th July.

For more information and to book, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.         

*All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified, and therefore, availability may be limited at this price. Prices are correct as of 26/06/2025.  

For more things to do on a short break to Madrid, do read Madrid: Cultural City Break