Housed in a 19th-century building in the capital’s commercial district, the NH Collection Madrid Abascal Hotel was formerly an embassy and home to one of the city’s wealthiest families. Now its 193 bedrooms are decorated in an all-white palette, with premium suites adding furnished terraces. Guests can sip cocktails by Diego Cabrera in the bar, dine from Spanish seasonal menus in the restaurant and relax with a book in the cool courtyard. There’s a bijou gym on the premises, but those staying here also have access to a larger fitness centre across the road.