The Brussels-based Rezidor Hotel Group has opened its first property in Madrid, Spain.

Radisson Blu Madrid Prado is adjacent to the new Caixa-Forum cultural center, across from the Prado Museum and within walking distance of the Golden Triangle of Art's Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. The hotel's 54 guest rooms feature individualised interiors by Sandra Taruella and Isabel Lopez, with highlights including oversized photographs of Madrid underscored with soft lighting.

Elsewhere are The Cask specialty grill, a bar and lounge providing cocktails and a menu of modernized tapas, and a Whiskey Bar in the hotel's courtyard which offers more than 20 single malts. Other facilities include an urban spa - offering an indoor pool, steam room, spa treatments and a fitness centre - and a 465sq ft conference area.

Radisson Blu Madrid Prado is the latest in Rezidor's new breed of boutique hotels in major European cities. In 2009, two signature boutique hotels opened in Paris' 16th arrondissement and Radisson Blu Milan is scheduled to open later this year. Pic: Museo del Prado, courtesy of Brian Sneldon