Located in the heart of Madrid’s fashionable Chueca neighbourhood, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid combines historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. Housed within a beautifully restored 19th century palace, the hotel reflects the lively spirit of the Spanish capital. With designer interiors, personalised service, and many of Madrid’s most celebrated attractions within walking distance, it offers the perfect base to explore the city.
Stylish Comfort in the Heart of Madrid
Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid balances boutique charm with upscale amenities, including 125 stylish rooms, a 24-hour gym, wellness treatments, flexible check-in and check-out options, and various dining spaces. The interiors, designed by renowned Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, blend classic architectural details with contemporary furnishings, colour, and patterns, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.
In the heart of the city
Situated on Calle Barquillo in the vibrant Chueca district, the hotel enjoys one of Madrid’s most desirable addresses. Known for its independent boutiques, lively café culture, and restaurants, Chueca is one of the city’s most dynamic districts. From the hotel, you can easily walk to Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and the world-famous Prado Museum. Chueca metro station is just a few minutes away, making it easy to explore further afield, while Madrid-Barajas Airport can be reached in approximately 25-minutes by car.
First impressions
The hotel immediately makes a big impression thanks to its elegant white façade, wrought-iron balconies, and grand entrance, while its interiors feel fresh and artistic. Stepping into the lobby, I was greeted by high ceilings, eclectic details, and oversized decorative pieces. Check-in was warm and efficient, with staff keen to offer helpful recommendations for exploring the city.
Where Palace History Meets Modern Living
The accommodation strikes a mix between classic and contemporary design. With 125 individually styled rooms and suites, the hotel offers a range of categories from the intimate Petit Barquillo rooms to the expansive Only YOU Penthouse. Each space preserves the original character of the palace while incorporating refined details and plush textiles.
The beds are big and comfortable, and despite being in such a central location, the room felt very peaceful. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail, from the pillow menu, to the luxury Codage bath products, to the signature giraffe-print bathrobe, and the thoughtful gifts on arrival (a pretty coral pink luggage tag and passport holder set).
A Curated Culinary Experience
The hotel’s main restaurant, YOUnique Arts Club, blends gastronomy with culture, regularly showcasing artwork from emerging artists while serving contemporary Spanish cuisine with international influences.
Breakfast deserves a special mention. The breakfast room is bright and pretty; it is set within an internal courtyard so the ceiling extends all the way up to the top floor of the hotel. Furthermore, rather than being restricted to traditional breakfast hours, you can enjoy an à la carte breakfast throughout the day, a thoughtful touch for those wanting a slower start or arriving from different time zones. The selection is extensive, featuring fresh pastries, fruit, local cheeses, juices, and cooked-to-order dishes. During warmer months, breakfast is served on the leafy courtyard terrace.
The hotel is also home to Celicioso, one of Madrid’s best-known gluten-free cafés. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or simply have a sweet tooth, its cakes and light lunches are worth sampling. Finally, El Padrino cocktail bar occupies what was once a 1915 bookshop and now serves expertly crafted cocktails led by Head Bartender Alex Canol in a sophisticated and retro setting.
Unwinding at Only YOU
While Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is primarily a city hotel rather than a wellness destination, it does offer options for relaxation and you can book massages, facials, and beauty treatments in the hotel’s Thai Room Wellness. There is also a fully equipped 24-hour gym.
Art, shopping and fusion flavours
One of the joys of staying at Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is that so much of the city is accessible on foot. I spent an afternoon wandering through the nearby Retiro Park before visiting the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. The upscale Salamanca district is also close by for high-end shopping, while Gran Vía offers some of Madrid’s best theatres, restaurants, and nightlife.
Closer to the hotel, Chueca itself is worth exploring. Its small boutiques, vibrant food scene, and buzzing terraces provide an authentic glimpse into contemporary Madrid life. One restaurant that I loved, which is just 30-metres from the hotel, is Kuoco, a quirky Michelin-recommended restaurant by Rafa Bergamo that serves the most delicious fusion of Latin American and Asian cuisine. Should you find yourself there, order the Attraverso tasting menu – it will both surprise and delight in equal measures.
About the author
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield
