Palacio de Tepa

Even if you're not staying in the NH Palacio de Tepa, you can always stop in for a meal in the restaurant (decorated by Ramón Esteve), and discover this little-known Madrid palace. Though if you do stay here, it is quite something to sleep in a building that was a project of Juan Villanueva's, the architect who collaborated on the façades of this once-semi-abandonded structure. Built in the 18th century and located in the always-bustling Barrio de Las Letras, the palace underwent renovations and the intent was to preserve its original appearance and classical style. With over 6,000 square metres, the palace was created as a residence for the Count of Tepa, but then became a house with two apartments per floor. A fire and the Civil War affected its structure, and it went through a stage of deterioration and neglect before being renovating it as hotel.