Room Mate Laura

Hotel description

As a sequel, or sister, or something, to the original Mario, Room Mate Laura has some big shoes to fill. The idea is that each Room Mate hotel will have a distinct personality, as well as a certain family resemblance. This one, like its brother, is stylish, minimalist, somewhat whimsical — we’re told she’s a publicity agent, with a passion for extreme sports, but what mostly shows from a look around is that she likes a bit of the classics mixed in with her international hotel minimalism, including some printed wallpaper and upholstery and a digitally rendered portrait of some old queen or another on the wall of just about every room.

It’s a new build, but in a neighborhood-friendly 19th-century style, and the location puts you close to the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol, the Royal Theatre and the opera, and a fair amount of Madrid’s best shopping. There’s a buffet breakfast, but little else in the way of traditional hotel services — this place is a bit more like an apartment house, with mini-kitchens in each room and a self-serve laundry that’s open around the clock. There’s plenty to do (and eat, and drink) out there in the city, though, and your host will be only too happy to provide you with a recommendation or a reservation.