On Vacation Guide Book Madrid | Page 10

THE ORFILA HOTEL The Orfila Hotel was founded in 1999 and is located on the street of the same name, in a small palace built in 1886 in the centre of Madrid. This 19th-century palace located in a residential area, exclusive and quiet in the cultural and business centre of Madrid near the Plaza de Colón, serves as a framework for a new hospitality concept in the capital of Spain. The emblematic building, residence of a high bourgeoisie family, became famous in the 1920s among Madrid society because it hosted numerous artistic performances in a theatre inside the palace, where Еhe Terrace is now located. The reconstruction of the building into a hotel was undertaken in the 1990s, respecting the stately air of the time, while furnished with all the comforts of a luxury establishment. The building has the facade, hallway and main staircase of the original 19th-century building.   The Orfila Hotel is a member of the select elite of luxury hotels in the capital. In 2001, it climbed one more step in its national and international consideration: the Orfila Hotel joined the Relais & Châteaux Association, which groups the most prestigious hotels in the world and which currently are part of nearly 500 establishments around the world. The member hotels of Relais Châteaux must have 4 and 5 stars and less than 100 rooms, and distinguish themselves by strictly complying with the five concepts defining the philosophy of the chain: Character, Courtesy, Calm, Charm and Cuisine. Currently, only 29 establishments in Spain hold the distinction of belonging to this Family. To this day, only 2 hotels in Madrid are members since then, Orfila Hotel and heritage Madrid Hotel.