Room Mate Mario

Situated near the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, Mario belongs to Room Mate, a budget designer chain of boutique hotels in Spain that prides itself on cutting-edge interior design and a serious eye for fashion.

From the get-go, Mario looks as if it springs from a home décor magazine. The entryway is decorated with a black-crystal chandelier and a cream shag rug. Hallways are lit up with fluorescent fish tank lighting that is too cool for school.

In rooms, dream-inspiring headboards are painted in a chic manner, backlit for a special effect. Fresh green apples are used as decoration on bedside tables. On the writing desk sits a black Lucite-like lamp with white 1970s-era scoop back chairs. Flat-panel televisions are hung above them. Glass doors encase modern bathrooms with their deluxe furnishings. Each room also sports free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and air conditioning, and exterior rooms feature balconies.

The breakfast area is equally impressive, with designer lights we've seen on the pages of ELLE Décor. And no fretting, breakfast lovers: your favorite meal is included in the nightly rate (check when booking to make sure your stay included breakfast!). Dig into a buffet stocked with everything from fresh pastries and juice to cold cuts and yogurt.