Tr avel report MADRID
The high-end boutique stores offered a pop of colour with the occasional dramatic window display.
Cheuca is also less than a ten minute walk from the famous Gran Via.
The Only You Boutique Hotel is located in a former 19th century palace. Lots of original features are complimented by bold modern interior design.
Meandering through the lobby towards reception, the clash of quirkiness hits you the second you are though the automatic doors.
It’s hard not to notice the most striking feature wall around the elevators, which makes my heart sing - full of blue and white china tiles, reminding me of my childhood, and my grandma’s beloved willow pattern crockery (that was strictly just for show).
An opposite wall was completely stacked with antique-style cases, and book cases with fancy books were everywhere. There was a lot going on.
Reception is located in what was once the central courtyard of the palace - and it’s now a beautifully tiled area with an ornate and intricately designed hut-like structure - with smiling reception staff inside eager to help.
My room was beautiful, contemporary and sleek. Staying in an internal room, I was amazed at the natural light that found its way in.
A navy blue mix of leather and velvet with studs make up a bold feature wall, classy against the various shades of white elsewhere in the bedroom, bathroom and closet. Flashes of mustard bring the palette of the room on trend. Black and white old world style Madrid city maps add a subtle decorative touch.
There’s another winning touch to this wondrous place - breakfast is available no matter what time in the day you want it, a useful addition considering Madrid’s bustling nightlife.
The Only You Boutique Hotel also offers expert spa treatments at the Thai Room Spa – I wandered down one morning after booking myself in to avoid the predicted rain. Although small, it was very well placed, and what it lacked in size, it made up for with a friendly therapist and the treatment.
My therapist was a petite and welcoming lady, who took me to my treatment room. It wasn’t long before I discovered she had the strength of an ox. I started my day with an Hawaii full-body massage, choosing strong pressure I was expertly pummelled and kneaded for an hour and left with my body feeling light as a feather.
Madrid is a haven for foodies. The Only You Boutique Hotel offers a signature brunch every Sunday, running from noon to 4pm. Booking means you can eat and drink as much as you like, with the cool and funky sound track of a local DJ playing on the terrace.
It’s a weekly event which is as popular with the fun-loving locals as it is for the many tourists visiting the city. But if funky beats and pizza, charcuterie and salads aren’t your thing, it is easy to find something that is in the city.
While staying in Madrid, I wanted to go for authentic tapas. I was sent to find Calle Cava Baja, not far from Plaza Mayor, a curved street of loveliness located in the heart of La Latina district. This cheerful area has character in abundance, and houses many of Madrid’s authentic and best tapas bars and restaurants