Hotels near Gran Via

Gran Via is Madrid's most theatrical avenue - 1.3 km of early-20th-century neoclassical, art deco, and modernist buildings cutting from Plaza de Espana east to Calle de Alcala. Built between 1910 and 1929, the street replaced 14 medieval blocks and was modelled on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. The Metropolis Building (1911) at the eastern end is the city's most photographed corner.

Free to walk, of course. Gran Via is Madrid's main shopping street and theatre district - 17 cinemas / theatres line the route, including the Capitol Hotel (sweeping curve at Calle de la Salud) and the Fontan / Telefonica Tower. The Edificio Carrion's Schweppes neon sign (1957) anchors Plaza del Callao at night.

Pro Tip: Walk Gran Via from Plaza de Espana east at sunset, when the neon signs flicker on. The Hotel Riu Plaza Espana rooftop has the iconic photo angle down Gran Via. End at the Banco Espana Metro for a drink at the Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop.