Madrid is a city of layers. You walk down Calle de la Postas, a stone's throw from the Plaza Mayor, and you're stepping on history that dates back centuries. But right there, tucked into a corner that looks like a movie set, sits the Petit Palace Posada del Peine. It isn’t just another boutique stay. It is officially the oldest hotel in Spain, founded in 1610.
Think about that for a second.
While the pilgrims were still figuring out North America, people were checking into this spot to rest their weary heads after a long carriage ride through the Castilian plains. It’s wild. Most people walk right past it, distracted by the smell of calamari sandwiches nearby, without realizing they are looking at a landmark that has survived dynasties, a civil war, and the total transformation of Madrid from a dusty outpost to a global metropolis.
The 400-Year-Old Identity Crisis
The name itself is a bit of a giveaway. Posada del Peine translates to "The Inn of the Comb." Back in the 17th century, hygiene wasn't exactly what it is today. Having a comb attached to a piece of string in every room was considered the height of luxury. It was a status symbol. "Look at us," the owners basically said, "we provide grooming tools." Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Petit Palace brand has taken over, blending that gritty history with high-tech amenities.
Honestly, the architecture is a bit of a labyrinth. Because the hotel expanded by swallowing up neighboring buildings over four centuries, the floor plans make zero sense in a modern architectural context. You’ll find staircases that lead to nowhere, narrow hallways that suddenly widen into sun-drenched courtyards, and rooms that feel like secret chambers. It’s glorious. You’ve got three distinct facades representing different eras—the original 1610 structure, an 18th-century expansion, and a 19th-century addition. It’s a Frankenstein’s monster of bricks and mortar, but it works.
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What it’s Actually Like Inside
If you’re expecting a dusty museum, you’re going to be disappointed. Petit Palace is known for being "tech-forward," which is a weird contrast when you’re standing on floorboards that probably creaked under the weight of Enlightenment-era poets.
The rooms are compact. Madrid’s city center doesn't do "spacious" unless you're the King living in the Palacio Real. But they maximize the footprint. You get iPads in the rooms, free MiFi devices you can take out into the city so you don't burn through your data roaming, and high-pressure showers that feel like a religious experience after a red-eye flight.
The design palette is heavy on the bolds. You’ll see bright reds, deep blacks, and sleek whites. It’s a "love it or hate it" aesthetic for some traditionalists who want lace doilies and mahogany, but for the average traveler who wants a clean, functional base, it’s perfect. The contrast between a 400-year-old wooden beam and a flat-screen TV is basically the vibe of modern Madrid in a nutshell.
The Location Factor
Let’s talk about the Calle de la Postas. You are thirty seconds from the Plaza Mayor. You are three minutes from Puerta del Sol. You are ten minutes from the Royal Palace.
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Staying at the Petit Palace Posada del Peine means you don't need the Metro. You will walk everywhere. You will get lost in the winding streets of Los Austrias. You’ll find yourself at San Ginés eating churros at 3:00 AM because it’s right around the corner. That’s the real value proposition here. You aren't paying for a sprawling resort; you're paying for the ability to step out of your front door and be in the literal heart of Spanish history.
The Secret Room and the Clock
There is a legend—though the hotel staff are usually pretty coy about it—of a secret room used during the Spanish Civil War. Madrid was a frontline for years, and the hotel has seen its share of shadows. While you won't find it on the booking menu, the basement areas still retain that heavy, vaulted feel of old Madrid.
Also, look up when you’re outside. The famous clock on the facade has been a meeting point for Madrileños for generations. Before everyone had a smartphone glued to their hand, you’d just say, "Meet me at the Posada del Peine clock," and everyone knew where to go. It’s a piece of the city’s social fabric.
Why Some Travelers Might Struggle
It isn't perfect. Kinda depends on what you value.
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- Noise is a thing. You are in the most tourist-heavy part of Spain. Even with double glazing, the hum of the city—the late-night revelers, the early morning delivery trucks—seeps in. If you need total silence to sleep, bring earplugs or stay in a sterile Marriott out by the airport.
- The elevators are tiny. Like, "don't look your partner in the eye" tiny.
- Street access is restricted. Since it's in a pedestrian-heavy zone, don't expect a taxi to drop you at the literal doorstep. You’ll likely have to walk a few yards with your luggage from the nearest accessible square.
But honestly? That’s part of the charm. You’re staying in a place that predates the concept of a "drop-off zone."
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest room. If you can, aim for one of the rooms with a balcony overlooking the street. Sitting there with a glass of Ribera del Duero while watching the tide of humanity flow toward the Plaza Mayor is the best theater in the city.
The breakfast is surprisingly robust for a boutique hotel. They do the "healthy" thing—lots of fruit, seeds, and juices—but they also have the staples. Eat enough to skip lunch so you can spend that time exploring the Rastro market or the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum instead of hunting for a tourist-trap sandwich.
Also, take advantage of the bikes. Petit Palace offers free bike rentals. Riding through the nearby Casa de Campo or down to the Rio Madrid park is a side of the city most tourists miss because they get stuck in the "Golden Triangle" of museums.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a stay at the Petit Palace Posada del Peine, keep these specific points in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Request a "Quiet" Room: If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the interior courtyard. You lose the street view, but you gain a decent night's sleep.
- Use the MiFi: This is the hotel's best-kept secret. Instead of buying a local SIM or paying for an international plan, grab the portable hotspot from the front desk. It works throughout the city.
- Check the "Petit" Status: The rooms are categorized by size (Small, Medium, Large). If you are traveling as a couple with two large suitcases, the "Small" will feel like a submarine. Spring for the "Medium" at a minimum.
- Skip the Hotel Coffee: You are surrounded by some of the best specialty coffee shops in Madrid. Walk five minutes to Pum Pum Café or Hola Coffee for a real caffeine fix.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Petit Palace has a "Tripster" program. It’s usually free to join and often gets you an immediate 10% discount and late checkout, which is huge if your flight isn't until the evening.
The Petit Palace Posada del Peine is a weird, wonderful bridge between the 1600s and the 2020s. It’s for the traveler who wants to feel the weight of history without giving up high-speed Wi-Fi. Just remember to look for the comb—it’s not on a string anymore, but the spirit of the old inn is still very much alive in the walls.