USP De las Letras Hotel & Spa is a sympathetically converted former printing house built in 1917. Centrally located, its blend of contemporary comfort and inspired architectural design makes it an ideal choice for a weekend trip to Madrid.

AMBIENCE Attentive staff, beautiful décor throughout, fabulous rooftop bar - they even have a library nestled beside the spa as homage to the hotel's past.

EXPERIENCE Fernando, the spa manager and therapist, gave me a tour in perfect English of the “nearly ready” spa. Its stylish, modern interior and ambient lighting gave it a “boutique” feel – and would be perfect to chill out in after a day's sightseeing.

So, by the time Fernando had stopped enthusing about what the spa would be offering; beauty treatments using the finest natural products, seven types of massage – even a chiropractor, I was thoroughly frustrated.

Fortunately, just as I was coming to terms with missing out, Fernando revealed that all spa services are available in the privacy of your own room. All was not lost.

With a massage booked in for 5pm, I spent the day exploring Madrid, returning exhausted to the welcome sight of a massage couch set up in my hotel room - a stunning duplex with two roof terraces (one with an outdoor hot tub) and views overlooking the Gran Via. It made a superior treatment room and I felt like royalty.

Fernando duly arrived with his collection of oils and got to work. He tackled the knots in my back with a combination of Swedish, shiatsu and trigger-point therapies and then massaged each limb entirely (front and back) in one go leaving me prone for the entire session.

The whole massage was performed with such expertise and fluidity that I drifted into a sleepy haze, waking briefly when the massage stopped - convinced he was finishing the treatment with a little Reiki.

Making a mental note to check post-treatment, I must have drifted off again and when I woke, there was no sign of Fernando. It was only then I noticed the little bottle of exquisite massage oil and handwritten "thank you" note Fernando had left for me on the side.

IN-CROWD Fashionable weekenders, smart business types and touring musicians.

FOOD AND DRINK Although the restaurant has a reputation for excellent food, breakfast was the only meal I sampled – this was a generous spread of delicious breads, pastries, fresh fruit and cold meats. Additionally there a couple of trendy bars at De las Letras - a gin and tonic post massage, on balmy Madrid evening in the Roof Top bar comes highly recommended.

WALLET WATCH My hour-long, full body/sports massage will set you back €75 (£55), but there are plenty of reasonably priced massage options to choose from. Typically, a 40-minute treatment will be €55, and 120 minutes for €140. Their “Alchemy” facial and body treatments are a little pricier, but considerably less than you would expect to pay in an equivalent London hotel spa. There's a 20 per cent supplement for treatments in rooms.

If you are feeling flash, exclusive hire of the spa is available from €150 per person (minimum of two people).

NEED TO KNOW Hotel De las Letras H&R Gran Vía, 11 28013 Madrid (+34 915 237980; www.hoteldelasletras.com)
E-mail: info@hoteldelasletras.com

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