Palacio de los Duques Gran Melia is a palace hotel on Cuesta de Santo Domingo, in the old royal quarter between the Royal Theatre and Gran Via. Its property class is listed as 5 and above, with 179 rooms across 27 room types, and it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The location is exceptional: the Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Theatre are two minutes away on foot, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor about five, Gran Via three, and Opera Metro station three. The facilities are rich for the centre of a city: a garden, a rooftop terrace, a poolside bar and seasonal pools with skyline views, a steam room, a 24-hour gym and a Thai Room wellness centre. Dining is a major strength, with two restaurants, Jardin de los Duques and Los Duques Grand Cafe, plus Dos Cielos Madrid, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the former stables, and a lounge called Coroa Royal Gallery and Garden for cocktails and light tapas. A Red Level lounge is also listed. Free WiFi, a concierge, tour and ticket assistance and an electric car charging station are also listed.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners, special-occasion travellers and anyone who wants a quiet, garden-like retreat steps from the Royal Palace and the opera. It is a good base for visitors who plan to spend time in the Habsburg and Bourbon quarters, with Plaza Mayor, the Almudena Cathedral and the Descalzas Reales within a short walk. Active guests will like the gym and the pools in season; the hotel is less suited to travellers who want to be in the middle of Gran Via nightlife.
Living in it
Rooms vary a lot, so check the room types when you book, and consider whether you want a garden or city view. Buffet breakfast is priced separately at a high rate, and parking, whether valet or nearby, is charged per day, so budget accordingly. Pets are accepted at a fee per pet per day for up to two dogs. The seasonal pools mean your summer visit gains an extra reason to linger at the hotel, while a winter stay leans on the spa, gym and restaurants.
Value
This is one of the premium addresses in Madrid, and the rates reflect that. The reward is a setting that feels like a private garden within the old city, with extremely strong dining, and a walk to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. The hotel's class is listed only as 5 and above, so treat the setting rather than a star count as your guide. If you want a more casual, central location, look at the Gran Via hotels; if you want grandeur and a view of the palace quarter, this is it.
Why stay here
- ✓179 rooms in 27 types
- ✓Michelin-starred Dos Cielos Madrid
- ✓Garden and rooftop terrace
- ✓Seasonal pools with skyline views
- ✓Thai Room wellness centre
- ✓Steam room and 24-hour gym
- ✓Opera Metro three minutes away
- ✓Member of Leading Hotels of the World
Good questions
How far is it from the Royal Palace?+
About a five-minute walk. The Plaza de Oriente and Royal Theatre are two minutes away and Opera Metro is three minutes.
Does it have a pool?+
The hotel lists seasonal pools with skyline views, a poolside bar and a Thai Room wellness centre. Check the pool dates before booking.
Is there a Michelin-starred restaurant?+
Yes. Dos Cielos Madrid, in the former stables, is listed as Michelin-starred.
