The new flagship 5 -star luxury hotel, VP Plaza España Design, brings ultra-contemporary style to Madrid?s Plaza de España, close to the city?s historic and cultural hotspots, writes Andrew Forbes.

Through creative use of art, design and architecture, the new VP Plaza España Design (from VP Hoteles, a Madrid family owned hotel group) has a distinct style and character, that runs through the hotel?s public spaces, it?s chic Biloba Spa; the 214 guest rooms & suites; as well as through the stunning destination Gingko Restaurant & Sky Bar on the 12th floor.
Design & Function
I have to admit to being sometimes sceptical of ?design hotels? ? the notion usually manifests itself with overt, self-conscious interiors that are more about the designers? ego than the users of the space. Yet that is not the case at the VP Plaza España. Yes, design and nature are strong themes that run through the heart of this new hotel, but they are there to tell a story, and add beauty to what I believe is an extremely functional hotel, well-designed for both corporate and leisure visitors.
The Gingko Biloba tree
I remember walking in the centre of Tokyo one autumn, strolling along avenues lined with striking trees, their autumn colours ignited by the sunlight. Below my feet the streets were carpeted with beautiful fan-shaped leaves, in deep saffron yellow. They looked so beautiful one felt compelled to stop and pick one up and just study it. I discovered that these remarkable trees w...