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Right bang in the heart of Madrid is the highly fashionable four star Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via. Part of the ever growing Iberostar Group, the name Las Letras and indeed the literary theme that unfolds behind its listed neo-classical facade, is a nod to the historic neighbourhood around the hotel.

This was where Golden Age greats such as Lope de Vega and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quijote de la Mancha, once lived. A further literary tribute is the quiet mini library in the basement and dotted around the hotel and in many of its bedrooms, have prose or poetry quotations on the walls.

There’s plenty of heritage seen in various listed traditional items that have to remain intact. This includes the lovely wrought iron lift, which though looks great is no longer used. Instead there are modern lifts reached from the small but cheerfully decorated reception in red white and black complemented by red carpet staircase that winds its way up the six floors.

Who for

City-breakers who want to enjoy the buzzy city life and sights of Madrid.

Accommodation

There are 109 pleasingly spacious rooms but ask for a corner room for even more space. Room colour schemes vary but all have plenty of windows letting in natural light.

Low lying double beds means you can flop on the bed rather than climb on. Bathrooms are modern in white and toiletries include a handy dental kit including a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Food & drink

There are four places to eat or drink. The first, Gran Clavel is a Vermouth house that is popular with residents and the general public. There’s also a wine bar with an abundant choice of Spanish wines. Check out the wine from the Madrid highlands made from the Garnacha grape, and wine from the Valle del Jarama, from the Galician Atlantic.

There is comfortable gourmet restaurant specialising in the cuisine typical of Madrid.

Breakfast is served until 10.30 am in the restaurant and offers local breakfast specialities including churros – a fried-dough pastry – and Spanish omelette known as tortilla española. There are take-away cups by Nespresso machine which is handy if you would like one to go. And if you have to stay in the bedroom, there is  a 24 hour service too.

There’s also roof-top snacking at the Atico 11 bar. During the summer months the bar offers a sunny corner to enjoy a drink while checking out the city’s rooftops. It’s particularly lovely at sunset.

Facilities

There is a small gym and a small library which offers a quiet space to curl up on one of the white sofas with a book.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes and its free throughout

Value for money

Doubles cost from 155,00 € (£134,91) per night which is fair value for a luxurious roof over your head in a central location.


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What’s nearby

Located at the head of the Gran Vía, the main avenue through the centre of the city.

You can walk to the Prado – the Spanish national art museum – and the major museums. This is also the main shopping area with plenty of local and internationally recognised shops peppered with restaurants and tapas bars all within walking distance. A few minutes walk away is the fabulous Mercado San Miguel, a fabulous food market.

The airport bus stops five minutes’ walk away in Plaza de Cibeles.