Tótem, Madrid, Spain

Some hotels like to flaunt their counter-establishment grunge-chic. Not, we’re pleased to report, the newly opened Tótem. 

Designed by Barcelona-based designers Corium, the hotel looks and feels like it belongs in Madrid’s tony barrio de Salamanca – its bold-coloured interiors entirely in keeping with the neighbourhood’s haul of fancy boutiques and starched table-linen. The discretely marked entrance of the handsome 19th-century corner block opens into a naturally lit lobby furnished in shades of beige, moody blue, and turquoise. 

The 64 rooms are splayed out over five floors, their décor a calm blend of oak floor, walls of deep blue, and brass trims around door frames. Each room is dominated by large windows that overlook either broad leafy streets or the internal courtyard bar, while the black marbled bathrooms are stocked with organic and natural amenities by local brand, Hand Made Beauty. There is a small gym, which is just the tonic after demolishing the room-minibar chocolates by chocolatier Matias Lopez.