Lonely Planet Review
Hotel Orfila is for those who value luxury with a more intimate atmosphere than you'll find in Madrid's grandest luxury hotel. The former home of the exiled Queen of Bulgaria, this small 19th-century palace is one of Madrid's most charming hotels.
Period furniture and decor from the 18th and 19th centuries fill the rooms and common areas, making each corner unique. The private garden at the back is a secret haven (some rooms overlook the garden). In the rooms, antiques abound, and the high ceilings, light colours and expansive dimensions ensure a wonderfully luminous ambience. Staff are discreet but accommodating, seemingly at ease with treating their guests like royalty with nary a trace of stuffiness. The breakfast buffet (though not included) is nothing short of heavenly. For those not familiar with Madrid, the hotel's location is perfectly suited to its style - private palaces, quiet streets and ample greenery make this one of the Spanish capital's most exclusive barrios, where wealthy Madrileños retreat from the clamour.
Review by author
Anthony Ham