Vincci Hoteles best kept secret: the coolest spots are the patios

When the hot weather arrives, the search is on for urban oases: hidden, discreet spots where tranquillity is paired with the finest cuisine and the most creative cocktails. At Vincci Hoteles, before the start of the summer outdoor terrace season, we’re opening our indoor patios to the public. Romantic, exotic, palatial or modern: we’ve got a patio to suit every taste and style! Located around Spain and Portugal, and with each boasting a very different décor, every one provides a unique, fresh experience. Do you want to discover them?

Vincci Soho 4* (Calle del Prado 18, Madrid)

Located in the heart of the ‘Art Triangle’, in the renowned Barrio de las Letras (Neighbourhood of Letters), Vincci Soho’s patio offers a cosmopolitan retreat from the bustle of Madrid. The patio is right in the centre of the property, which is based on five historic, protected and carefully renovated buildings.

The patio is open-air, though it has a covered zone, in case the weather prevents the enjoyment of Madrid’s heavens. The décor is predominated by the warmth of wood combined with white and touches of red, accompanied by an extensive selection of plants.

It has a varied menu, offering dishes to share or enjoy individually. There’s something for every taste, all of which can be accompanied by something from the extensive wine list, along with cavas and champagnes, as well as spirits or cocktails. And for those who’d prefer something without alcohol, there are soft drinks, teas and juices.

Vincci La Rábida 4* (Calle Castelar 24, Seville)

Designed around an 18th century mansion, located in the centre of the city, our hotel has a traditional Andalusian patio for those looking to enjoy an utterly classic Seville experience.

Open-air, with white décor fringed by classic Andalusian tiles, wrought iron tables and chairs, a wealth of greenery and the unmistakable presence of geraniums, the patio at Vincci La Rábida breathes the traditions of the Andalusian capital. It even has a fountain resembling those of other Sevillian patios.

On the patio, you can enjoy all the magic of the city while you savour its tostas (Spanish open sandwiches), salads, hamburgers and pizzas, as well as a variety of pescaito frito (fried fish) or the serranito de lomo (a hot sandwich of pork loin, peppers, ham and tomato) all washed down with rebujito (lemonade with manzanilla sherry) or the sherry on its own.

Vincci Albayzín 4* (Carrera de la Virgen 48, Granada)

Just 700 metres from the cathedral, a 10-minute stroll to the famous Albayzín neighbourhood and with easy access to the Alhambra, Vincci Albayzín conceals in its interior an impressive patio where the main element is the resplendent light that streams through its glass roof.

Decorated with traditional Andalusian tiles, with impressive marble columns, exotic lamps and plants, and a central fountain, it evokes ancient Arabic palaces and showcases elements of traditional Granada architecture, inspired by the Alhambra.

The patio plays host to the Gran Patio La Acequia restaurant, offering an experience that’s a treat for all five senses. The unifying thread is the quality of the raw materials, using local ingredients in dishes such as home-made mini cured beef cecina croquettes with rustic tomatoes or medallion of fillet steak on a bed of beans and mushroom ragout. Another highlight are the tapas to share, full of the flavours of Andalusia. 

Vincci Gala 4* (Ronda de Sant Pere 32, Barcelona)

Located right in the centre of Barcelona, Vincci Gala has an open-air patio-terrace with cutting edge décor in line with the city’s style. The hotel is set in a majestic neo-classical building from 1900, which preserves the most emblematic elements of the property: the central staircase, the main façade, and the floors, with decorative mosaics.

On its patio, where design and tradition combine in perfect harmony, neutral and dark ochre tones alternate to give the space an air of modern sophistication. It’s a place that enables you to duck out of the rhythm of the Catalan capital, at the same time as you experience it first-hand through the culinary delights and the range of drinks.

Vincci Liberdade (Rosa Araújo 16, Lisbon)

Just 80 metres from the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade, in a majestic, central zone, close to the city’s landmarks, is the Vincci Liberdade. Over 100 years old, the building is a perfect representation of gaioleiro construction.

Inside can be found a cosy patio where you can rest after a hard days sightseeing, savour a drink and enjoy the tranquillity; or simply let yourself be carried away by the city’s bohemian atmosphere. The décor follows that of the hotel’s interior, based around a carefully designed mix of three elements: wood, iron and stone. Another highlight are the blue motifs found around the hotel, in honour of the Tagus river that passes the city.