This World of Hyatt luxury brand is now in Madrid, and it represents the first Thompson property in Europe. Those familiar with Thompson Hotels will recognize its penchant for local design, high-end style and an infusion of art. Pair that with an exceptional location in the capital and top-notch dining, and this hotel is a winner. You’ll never have to open the door here as the friendly door staff are always at the ready, and inside, the two stand-up reception pods are the first introduction into the friendly service on offer. These are five excellent reasons to visit Thompson Madrid.
The design
This building is stuffed with contemporary Spanish design. In a city where many lobbies can be stuffy, Old World and traditional, the experience here is the office. It starts with mannequins tucked into corners or framed glass holding fashion designs from a local couturier. A neighborhood artist designed and curated much of the artwork throughout the public areas.
Tall windows permit ample natural light into the lobby (although a temporary construction project blocks much of the view for now) where guests can sip cocktails from the lounge with olives and chips. Low-slung seating areas give off a sort of Mad Men vibe as guests sit amid colorful works of art and coffee tables with design and style books. Many guests take advantage of convenient power ports to use this as a co-working space.
Take the elevator up to the guest floors, and you’re immediately met with a sense of surprise. These two historic buildings feature small interior courtyards sporting vertical gardens with greenery hanging from the ceiling. It’s a clever way to turn oft-unused spaces in architecture into a piece of art and design.
Large windows are everywhere here from the dining rooms to the first-floor gym, which has panoramic views of the street. There are even large windows permitting natural light in the guest room hallways as well as the meeting spaces.
The dining
The Omar is the lobby-level restaurant serving an a la carte breakfast that starts with a welcome tray. On it are fresh fruit, bread with tomato and olive oil, local ham and cheese, and pastries. Guests can order from a menu with everything from fresh egg dishes to sweet options, avocado toast or bowls of cleverly dressed bowls of oatmeal. Trays and trays of fresh baked bread and pastries are enough to draw you in from the lobby, and many may want to purchase some for a snack later in the day.
For lunch and dinner, the menu straddles the line of international fare with Spanish cuisine. Among the options are a tasty smoked rice with Lumagorri chicken and Iberian ham with Espelette butter. Service, like the wine list and goodies from the restaurant’s own bakery, is impeccable.
If you’re looking for a cocktail hour with some verve, the new Hijos de Tomas is the hotel’s speakeasy and bar. Here, you can try everything from Spanish vermouth to colorful cocktails and mocktails. Don’t forget that on many food and beverage purchases, diners can earn World of Hyatt points. This offer is also available for non-guests, but remember to save your receipt.
The rooftop
When the warmer summer months arrive, this hotel boasts something most hotels in the neighborhood do not have: a marble-edged, outdoor pool. And since this property is a bit taller than some competing brands in the area, its rooftop has better views that rise above most of the city’s other buildings. It will be a huge benefit to be able to soak in the pool and sun after a day of touring here. Guests can order drinks and snacks from a menu here to enjoy in the sun or after the sun sets. There’s also a DJ booth to perk up the mood.
The rooms
Hallways feature carpeting that looks like many Spanish pedestrian walkways. Playful paintings on the wall show creative depictions of flamenco dancers and other Spanish artists. These guest rooms exhibit the classic Thompson touches infusing art and local design into a somewhat masculine and clubby look.
Inside the rooms, hardwood dominates along the floors and walls with clever armchairs and conversation seating areas tucked into the corner. Central to the room is an oversized bed with sumptuous pillows and plenty of easy-access power outlets. Mid-century furnishings appear in both the rooms and the lobby.
Bathrooms are coated in marble and feature drenching showerheads with easy controls, D.S. & Durga toiletries, oversized towels, robes, slippers and Japanese toilets. In suites, separate soaking tubs and glass shower stalls add to the luxury.
Many of the rooms and suites on the top floor benefit from balconies that offer some of the most amazing views of the city’s rooftops. From here, you can point out nearly every landmark in sight. The sounds of nearby bell towers and the lights of the city are not something you will find in many hotels of the city. On the balcony are lounge chairs, sofas and coffee tables for those that want to work and relax al fresco. There are almost two dozen suites including a premium option with two floors.
The location
Close to Puerta del Sol in one direction and Gran Via in the other, this Plaza del Carmen hotel is hard to beat. Traffic noise is less of an issue as this hotel is tucked away into a small plaza between two major tourist areas. From here, you can reach everything from Madrid’s famous art museums to the Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace. Across from Gran Via are the entertaining neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca and all the charming side streets that lead from them. This is an excellent location for both business travelers and tourists. Those lucky enough to get a top-floor room with a balcony will find the Thompson Madrid to be one of the most panoramic hotels in town.
