COMPILED BY Danielle Weakley PHOTOS Joe Thomas, Supplied
It’s currently being touted as the coolest city in Europe – and these new additions to the Madrid hotel scene are much-buzzed…
Mandarin Oriental Ritz
The legend goes that, after honeymooning at The Ritz in Paris and London, Spain’s King Alfonso XIII wanted Madrid to have its own Ritz – so much that he financed it himself. The hotel first opened in 1910, but this Belle Époque grande dame recently underwent a major refurbishment, giving it was has been dubbed a “Roaring Twenties 2.0” makeover. Its luxurious, neutral-toned suites have played home to royalty and rock stars – but it remains a favourite of Madrileños too, not just for its rich history, but also for its traditional afternoon tea of scones and clotted cream. This is the spot where the concept of high tea was first introduced to the city. | @mo_ritzmadrid
The Madrid Edition
“Madrid, for us, is a truly world class capital.”That’s the word from Ian Schrager, the visionary hotelier behind Edition. Expect the Schrager ethos in spades, with a heady mix of understated elegance, mega-coolth and unbeatable nightlife. The chic new property – a clean-lined, modern building that sits almost adjacent to a 16th-century monastery – boasts two restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop bar with jaw-dropping views of Madrid’s cityscape. This is the place to enjoy tapas at one of the poolside cabanas while admiring the quintessential vista over the city’s red rooftops. Better yet, overnight in the penthouse, complete with a private infinity pool and an eight-seater marble dining table. | @editionmadrid
Four Seasons Madrid
Seven historic buildings, including various bank HQs and a newspaper office, were knitted together to become Centro Canalejas – and the jewel in the crown of this development is the Four Seasons Madrid. It took eight years to build, and the result is pure high-voltage glamour. The property sports a four-level spa with a seemingly endless indoor pool, a truly stellar art collection, a lobby eatery, a gastro bar, and a sun-soaked rooftop restaurant. Many of the building’s original features have been maintained, adding to a singular sense of authenticity that makes it seem as if it has always been part of the urban landscape. We recommend booking a rooftop dining experience with Spanish celebrity chef Dani García, for his take on southern Spanish ingredients. | @fsmadrid
Rosewood Villa Magna
It’s just made the 2022 It List of top 100 new hotels–and for good reason.Located on one of Madrid’s most coveted boulevards, and sandwiched between some of the city’s best-known designer shopping and dining destinations, this historic property has been a beloved local landmark since it first opened as the Anglada Palace, and then the original Villa Magna. In its new guise, it still boasts all the centuries-old grandeur, as well as the expansive terraces and gardens. And the dining is truly special: the signature restaurant is headed by Michelin-starred chef Jesús Sánchez, the man known as the ultimate purveyor of Spanish haute cuisine. | @rosewoodvillamagna
Hard Rock Hotel
For something a bit younger, Hard Rock has opened a colourful urban oasis in the heart of the city. It’s signature Hard Rock: a little bit rockabilly, with a firm focus on music and fun, even when it comes to the decor and design. Expect contemporary artworks hanging alongside Fender guitars – in fact, you can reserve a guitar for the duration of your stay should the urge to play strike you. You can also customise your playlists – so come for the music, but stay for bespoke additions such as the curb-side pool. The terraces are slung with hammocks, which are the best place to be after a summery day spent exploring the central city. | @hrhmadrid
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