If there is one city that has managed to stay on the cusp of aesthetical modernity and all worldly technological advances, it is certainly not Madrid. But that’s the point. You wouldn’t travel there for the theme-parks and Poptarts; no, you visit Madrid for the Victorian Architecture, the music, the galleries, the old-world Spanish charm that can only come from sipping café con hailo at a corner bistro.

But I suppose I’ve been a little misleading. Madrid is slated for a fully functional high speed train system within the decade. And if that’s not impressive, take a look at their airport; it’s straight out of THX1138.

ME Madrid is an ivory-white structure of seven floors, a rooftop terrace, and a number of specialty suites, overlooking Plaza de Santa Anna. Once the Gran Hotel Victoria, Melia has revived this historic heart of Spain by lending their contemporary pulse; combining the signature aesthetics of ME with the soul of Madrid.

Like Melia’s other ME resorts, the Madrid location is at the hub of city life. Venturing from the property, one is only steps from Museo del Prado. This could or could not be a good thing. If you are anything like me, there is some unfounded temptation while perusing these various rooms of timeless art. I remember visiting the Art Institute in Chicago and standing inches from Monets and Gustav Klempts and thinking to myself, “what exactly" is keeping me from touching these paintings.” I’m not saying that I would have ever acted on such a whim, but the possibility sure scared the hell out of me; to the point that I found myself standing far, far away from any of the remaining exhibits.

ME Madrid offers the elegance of Spanish culture, without succumbing to the antiquity. Surround-sound speakers in every room, a penthouse bar, wireless internet, and a 24-hour concierge—only a few of the elements that makes it Spain’s premier resort.