The NH Madrid Suecia first opened in 1956 as Hotel Suecia, and soon became a favorite among celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway and Che Guevara. In early 2014 the hotel became part of the Innside brand of Melia Hotels, only to be rebranded an NH just a few months later. Interiors are stylish and contemporary, with a sexy lobby lounge with an intimate vibe, a sun-filled Mediterranean restaurant decorated in soft tones and red accents, and chic rooms with open-floor bathrooms and a soft neutral palette with pops of black. The lobby is integrated in the lounge, and features little more than a backlit front desk. The rest of the space is taken up by the bar and a few round tables where sometimes business travelers hold casual meetings. A long table with power sockets provides comfortable seating for guests working on laptops. Although the hotel’s central location and style draw many couples, the hotel also gets a good share of corporate guests. 

The hotel is located on a quiet street right off the intersection of Alcala and Gran Via, two of Madrid’s largest thoroughfares. The popular Circulo de Bellas Artes cultural center, home to exhibitions, an elegant cafe, and one of the city’s top rooftop terraces, is just a few doors down, and Banco de España metro station is barely a block away. Major attractions such as Cibeles, the Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Retiro Park, and Puerta de Alcala are all less than 10 minutes away on foot. High-end shopping in Salamanca neighborhood can be reached in about 15 minutes, and the Royal Palace and the Cathedral in 20. High-speed trains stop at Atocha station, located a 20-minute bus ride away. The airport is a 30-minute drive or 50-minute metro ride away. 

The hotel has 127 rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and air-conditioning. Decor is stylish and contemporary, with wooden floors, large off-white tufted headboards, and red bed runners with geometric patterns. The soft neutral palette lends rooms a fresh, chic feel, while white round plastic tables instead of more traditional work desks, and shelves instead of full closets are minimalist touches that add to the streamlined decor. Deluxe Rooms overlook a light courtyard, but most other room types have either big widows overlooking the street, or spacious terraces with panoramic city views. Premium units are larger than Deluxe rooms, and have extras such as iPod docks. Junior Suites feature Nespresso machines, electric kettles, sofa beds, and robes and slippers. 

Although modern and sexy, the open bathrooms might not appeal to all guests, as the sink and shower areas are directly inside the room and lack privacy. Toilets are in a separate cabin with a proper door. 

The rooftop terrace is a favorite among guests on warm days. It is spacious and stylish, with a bar area, several minimalist couches and tables, and panoramic city views. Located on the ground floor and open to non-guests as well, the restaurant has a casual vibe, and serves fresh, tasty Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. An excellent breakfast is offered here daily as well, and a good drinks menu is available at the lobby lounge. With only three machines and a few free weights, the fitness center is tiny and better suited for a quick workout than for a full exercise routine. The hotel also features six meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and catering services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.