When a new boutique hotel is celebrated locally, and not just in the pages of the latest travel magazine, you know you’re onto a winner. Since opening in June 2016, TOTEM Hotel has fast become a fashionable hotspot in the swanky Salamanca neighbourhood of central Madrid. Its refurbished façade harks back to the 1800s, while the decadent bar evokes the glitz and glamour of the roaring 20s, complete with potted palms, blue velvet sofas, and a good-looking, cocktail-sipping crowd.
Spread across the 5 floors above, the 64 rooms are funky without being loud. Designer Paco Llonch played with a palette of greys and whites, combined with bright pops of colour; all rooms have smart sitting areas, and many have balconies with views of the tranquil, tree-lined street below. Best of all, the location is ideal for sightseeing, museums and shopping, with boutiques all around and metro stops nearby. There’s no doubt about it: TOTEM Hotel lives up to the hype.
Highs
- Only minutes from independent boutiques, designer shops and top restaurants, and a short walk from museums and the Retiro park
- We loved the bar’s decadent 1920s vibe and outstanding cocktails
- Well-equipped rooms, with beautiful design throughout
- Attractive original features, including a 19th-century façade and perfectly preserved wooden staircase
Lows
- Unusually, extra bed rates will not be included on your online quote. Instead, they will be payable upon arrival at the hotel
- Standard double rooms are small - it’s worth upgrading if you can
- The restaurant has changed since we last visited so we're yet to sample the traditional Spanish fare on offer
- Only the higher-grade rooms have coffee-making kits (Nespresso machines)
Best time to go
Given the hotel’s location in the heart of Madrid’s exclusive shopping district, you might want to visit during the sales season in July. April and May are very pleasant, when the trees are in full bloom, as are the autumn months. Avoid August - it’s too hot, even for the Madrileños!
Our top tips
Head to the Chamberí district for an experimental meal at compact restaurant Sala de Despiece. Here, young and talented academy chefs fire out gourmet dishes from the open-plan kitchen – it’s a spectacle as much as an unforgettably good meal. Get there as the doors open at 8pm or be prepared to queue.
Location
The hotel is set on a quiet street in the upmarket Salamanca area of central Madrid. It's a short walk from the Retiro park and the city's major museums. The nearest metro stations are Serrano and Velázquez.
By Air:
Madrid Barajas airport (13km away) is a major international hub with flights from all over the world - click on the links below for a list of airlines.
There are several options for getting to the hotel from the airport - a 20-minute taxi ride or car transfer, a metro journey, or a train to the city's main Atocha station followed by a walk/taxi.
By Car:
We don't recommend bringing a car into Madrid, as the city is easy to explore by public transport and the traffic can be heavy. That said, if you want to hire one then see our car rental recommendations. Valet parking is available at the hotel for a daily charge.
Detailed directions and arrival information will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to Madrid and getting around
Airports:
- Madrid Barajas 13.0 km MAD
Other:
- Beach 300.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Great location, tasteful decor. We really enjoyed it.
The staff were very helpful, food was good and the room was comfortable. The only issue I had was a very noisy mini bar in the room which I had to unplug.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape