Read Madrid Charm in new URSO hotel

The Spanish capital is a captivating city, from its cuisine to its nightlife to its artistic pedigree. But, above all, it just has that undefinable quality that capital cities such as London New York share.

Signs of economic recovery include the opening of URSO, a new five-star boutique hotel, sister to Cap Rocat and Torralbenc in the Balearics — and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The neo-classical façade hints at the grand interiors lined with marble floors, wrought-iron banisters and and oak paneling.

Some 78 rooms and suites have soaring ceilings and wooden floorboards dressed with rugs in muted tones and a chequered theme for headboards and bed throws. Pretty much everything is local, from the traditional marble to the spa brand, high-end Barcelona based Natura Bisse to the uniforms to be made by an as-yet-unnamed Spanish designer.

In October, the Table restaurant concept will see six Spanish Michelin-starred chefs in residence for a month each while the nearby Barcelo market will provide local delicacies for hotel guests.

Double rooms from €200 B&B,hotelurso.com

WEEKEND IDEA
The 14-room art deco Palais Amani riad, set among Fez’s UNESCO World Heritage Site medina, has doubles from £143 per night, including a three-course Moroccan breakfast, wi-fi and 25 per cent off all hammam treatments in September/ October. Complimentary room upgrades, subject to availability. Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Fez.

palaisamani.com

WHAT'S GOING ON IN...BRAZIL

** Chick Corea & The Vigil play at Brazil’s biggest free music festival MIMO, held in Ouro Preto Olinda, Paraty and Tiradentes,

mimo.art.br

** TAP flies from Heathrow to Belo Horizonte, returns from £971, flytap. com (hourly coach to Ouro Preto, £20 return)

LAST MINUTE HOTEL NEWS

** The 1,117-suite Delano Las Vegas opens, with beach club, Bathhouse Spa and an Alain Ducasse Rivea restaurant opening next year. Doubles from US$200 room only.

delanolasvegas.com

** The 210-room the Hoxton, Shoreditch, is hosting a pop-up Jose Cuervo Mexican tequila garden during London Cocktail Week, October 6 to 12, with tequila master classes and closing fiesta. Doubles from £69 with breakfast bagand Wi-Fi.