In the center of Madrid, just a 10-minute taxi ride from the Museo Nacional del Prado, where Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights hangs, Hotel Orfila seems to bring its own classic masterpiece to life. This small but elegant palace built in 1885 has the ambiance of an art gallery with its period furniture, marble accents and stunning trompe l’oeil effects in the courtyard.
Made famous in the 1920s by the plays that were performed in the gardens, the Madrid hotel hasn’t lost even an ounce of its original charm. Today, the flowered patio invites you to dine under the stars, and the elegant English tea room transports you to a world of grandeur.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Art lovers and history buffs will want to wander the halls of
Hotel Orfila to discover authentic period portraits of royalty from the late
Hapsburg and early Bourbon dynasties. The crown jewel of the collection is an
image of King Ferdinand VII painted by Vicente Lopez.
- Even though the hotel is just steps from Madrid’s bustling city
center, its serene courtyard, limited rooms (32 total) and residential address
help the property maintain a quiet, boutique feel.
- A stay at this luxe lodging puts you within walking distance to
some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Retiro Park, Plaza de
Cibeles and, of course, the Museo Nacional del Prado.
- The property’s romantic ambiance continues through to the details
— room keys come on tasseled keychains and fine-threaded pillowcases are
embossed with Hotel Orfila’s logo.
- The English-style tea room provides just the spot to relax after
a day of sightseeing. Light bites and garden views are the specialty in this
elegant lounge.
Things to Know
- Though there’s no pool onsite, you can take a short seven-minute
taxi ride to Hotel Miguel Angel, whose swimming hole is made available to
Orfila guests.
- The Madrid hotel is within walking distance to many popular
sights, but for adventures further afield, simply hop on the metro at nearby
Alonso Martinez station or request a transfer in the property’s own black
Mercedes-Benz.
- What the property lacks in amenities (there’s no gym, spa or
pool), it more than makes up for in personalized service. Regulars are greeted
at check-in with plush robes embossed with their initials.
The Rooms
- Due to its past incarnation as a palace, the luxury hotel has 32
rooms each with a unique layout that is complemented by its own original design
elements.
- Though all are slightly different, each accommodation offers
authentic 19th-century furniture procured from across Europe. You’ll find wingback
chairs, mahogany desks and ornate headboards.
- The elegant bathrooms gleam with polished marble from floor to
ceiling. You’ll feel like royalty donning the plush bathrobes monogrammed with
gold thread.
- Luxuriously blending antique details and modern comforts, Deluxe
Suites include full living and dressing rooms, high ceilings, private
balconies, whirlpool tubs and smart TVs.
The Restaurant
- The boutique hotel’s signature eatery, Orfila’s Garden, presents
an elegant dinner menu that accents the space’s European design and serene
garden views.
- Helmed by acclaimed chef Mario Sandoval, Orfila’s Garden serves
artfully plated, seasonal cuisine. During the winter, you might enjoy wild
salmon in a toasted onion sauce with pumpkin puree or steak tartare with
mustard grain and cucumber pearls.
- The English-style bar is a sumptuous spot to enjoy a pre-dinner
cocktail or a nightcap surrounded by ornate fabric-covered walls.
- Sunday brunch in the garden is an exquisite treat with fresh
pastries and fruits served on a bountiful buffet and sublime entrées (oxtail
tacos or a mushroom and Parmesan risotto) that are made to order. Light handcrafted
cocktails and exotic juices (passionfruit and blueberry) complete the scene.
Amenities
Bar
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Getting There
