Hotel Abalu is proof that there’s much more to the hotel business than just location. What was formerly a rather dowdy little hostel (albeit a well-located one, right off the Gran Vía) is now, after some drastic renovation, one of Madrid’s hippest small hotels, the kind of cozy yet stylish boutique hotel that could only be the result of an individual owner with a strong point of view.
At first it was just the original ten hostel rooms, updated with smart new furnishings and dramatic lighting, creating bedrooms that were quirky and stylish, if still a touch on the smallish side. They’re still a fine value, and quite comfortable, but the second phase was an annexation of the property upstairs from the old hostel, resulting in five new suites. Here the Abalu gets a chance to spread its luxury wings, with the new “presidential” suite even going so far as to incorporate a jacuzzi tub.
From the humble single rooms to the more upmarket suites the Abalu has something for everyone — even a destination for socializing, in the form of the popular Beauty Bar. It’s chic, and it’s slightly odd in an endearing and memorable way — just as all the best little boutiques ought to be.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com