#8
The discreet charm of perfection.
This is my second time staying at Hotel Orfila in Madrid. I can only say great things about it. A small, charming, genuinely 5 star hotel on a quiet, almost private street in a posh area of Madrid. Very close to Salamanca and Justicia, a (very short) stroll away from great restaurants, shops and museums.
The staff is wonderful, always accommodating and very courteous. I've always loved Marcos and Carlos at the front desk (and during my last visit, ever-resourceful Estefania -hope I got her name right!). As well as all the crew serving breakfast in the morning.
Talking about breakfast, don't ever miss breakfast at Orfila. It's delicious, gloriously arranged and served in a beautiful patio/garden in the summer months or a cozy, very French dining room when it's cold outside.
During my visits I've booked rooms for other family members so I've had the chance to be in several rooms in the property. They are all spacious and bright, nicely decorated (think classic, tasteful, old money kind of way... if you like dark and modern this is definitely not for you).
I even liked the quality of the guests: nice, quiet and well mannered American families, Japanese couples, well traveled South Americans and even a very famous German baritone who was singing at Teatro Real in Madrid.
On a personal note, I take my elderly mom with me when I stay at the Orfila. It's comfortable and manageable for a person her age and the staff has been simply fantastic every time, looking after her and taking care of her requests.
Relais & Chateaux, you have a little gem in Madrid. Please keep it that way.