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During the Spanish Civil War, when Madrid was getting bombed, the Hotel Europa kept its doors open. Guests continued to arrive. This 70-room establishment oozes Old World charm, with its front cigar lounge (ignore the fact that smoking is no longer allowed in the lounge!), and a scarlet runner leading up the original wooden staircase.
The Europa only has one star, though it's first-class charm certainly fooled us. That, along with its recent renovation, is why the hotel is applying for three-star status, which it hopes to earn by the close of 2007. Management claims that rates will remain the same. We'll see.
Rooms are hardy, with heavy fabrics and solid furniture. Large, mirrored sliding doors lead to roomy closets. Windows are double-paned glass, so sleeping above the biggest Plaza in Madrid isn't a problem.
For best results, request one of the newly-updated rooms. Superior rooms, which all face the exterior, cost €20 more. These are larger and have stunning views of Plaza Sol, including Tío Pepe, the trademark tequila billboard in Sol.
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