Hard Rock Hotels continues its expansion beyond North America across Europe, and the Spanish capital is one its most recent and exciting openings. The property is packed with signature memorabilia from famous musicians adding something to the Madrid hotel scene that has never existed before. Here are the top five reasons to see the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid.
The design
As soon as you walk into the bright lobby, it is immediately recognizable. This place has all the familiar touches: exciting music, framed memorabilia from famous musicians and an energy that draws in locals curious about what the Hard Rock brand can offer. A souvenir shop is just to the right of reception offering guests a discount when stocking up on branded merchandise. The bar has its own snack menu, but the Sessions restaurant is also worth a visit.
In guest rooms, the Hard Rock touches continue from music records on the nightstand to the ability to scan a code and enjoy the hotel’s signature playlist. On request, guests can even order their own guitar to try their hand at their own musical talent. Standard for Hard Rock properties are the Fender guitars, but being in Spain, this hotel offers some traditional Spanish guitars, too. Also part of the delivery are personalized playlists, perfect for nixing jet lag and getting in the mood to explore the city.
The beds are super comfortable with soft duvets and easy-access power outlets. Rooms feature an open-plan design that has the vanity area in the guest room and the bathroom and shower behind frosted glass doors. For some, this gives the room a more spacious feeling, but privacy can feel reduced a bit. Family rooms add sleeper sofas while several suites up the ante with outdoor patios and an in-room soaking tub in the Rock Star Suite.
The food
Sessions is the main dining room, but its menu does not focus entirely on Spanish cuisine. There are plenty of local dishes, but the menu straddles the line between fancy burger spot and steakhouse offering all kinds of dishes. My visit included a delicious starter of grilled avocado and artichokes followed by Korean-style beef lettuce wraps. Other options included a massive steak, a half-dozen burger options, Caesar salad (I tried that, too) and cochinita pibil croquettes (a fun combination of Mexican and Spanish fare). Weekend brunch has quickly become a hit with locals.
At breakfast, the dining room serves a lovely buffet of Spanish and international dishes. The Spanish tortilla is delicious, and there are plenty of fruits, cheese and cured meats to pair it with to get the day started. At each table, an a la carte menu of egg dishes is also on offer. I appreciated that you can make your own coffee (as someone that drinks a lot each morning). Also on offer is a yogurt bar with plenty of healthy seeds and toppings plus some less healthy candy and pastries for a morning dessert.
The music
The lobby lounge sits beneath a suspended guitar illuminated from above adding to the music theme. A schedule of live music, lobby entertainment and weekly drag shows bring in locals and guests to experience this design hotel. Even the elevators and guest room hallways play a wide range of music from a signature playlist, but don’t worry, you can’t hear them in the guest rooms.
If you’re a fan of contemporary entertainment and modern music or just want to quiz yourself on music trivia, this is the hotel for you. Everywhere you go, framed instruments, outfits and other commemorative items tell the story of music’s top hits. When the lobby bar opens, guests relax with a drink, work on their laptops or peruse the framed guitars and historic souvenirs from famous musicians.
The amenities
A small fitness room has natural light and looks toward the verdant garden that comes as a surprise in this city-enscaped location. During the warmer months, the pool terrace fills up with travelers looking for sun although the position of the building can shade the area quickly depending on the time of day.
The Roxy Garden has plenty of space to chill out in the sun on warm days with its own food truck and bar ready for guests. It’s a great place for yoga classes although in-room yoga sessions are also an option thanks to free digital guides and yoga mats. Up on the rooftop, the bar has great views of the city and a lively atmosphere with cocktails and music.
The location
Close to Atocha train station, this hotel is an easy walk for those that want to travel beyond Madrid on day trips to places like Toledo or Segovia and return to their hotel on foot. It is also just across the street from the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia art museum and a short walk to the city’s other famous art museums: the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
While the hotel does not boast any stellar views, it does deserve praise for soundproofed windows. Those looking toward the garden and pool are especially popular, and there are also some rooms that look toward the interior atrium and lobby where the illuminated guitar hangs from the ceiling.
