Madrid is seeing a new batch of luxury hotels opening across the city, but some of its original grand dames are still holding their own like Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá. This property has been one of the top hotels in town for more than two decades and sits right on bustling Plaza de Colón, home to trendy restaurants and the launching point for some of the city’s finest luxury shopping. Continued renovations have continued to elevate its position in town. Here are five reasons why.
The interiors
Proudly traditional and elegant in every facet, this hotel takes a strong stance when it comes to the new face of luxury (where form often reigns over function). Here, timeless design makes a beautiful first impression from the moment you enter.
A grand staircase, complete with hand-sewn carpeting that runs down each step, marks the entry foyer with door staff eager to assist (and often remembering guests names). Reception is to the left where refreshing towels, locally made candies and other thoughtful welcome amenities await on a tray. The staff is attentive and charming at the same time, offering guests a cold bottle of water on the commonly warm summer day, for example.
Two sets of gold-plated elevators are on either side of the main lounge, both leading to guest floors. But, it’s hard to miss the grandiose stained glass ceiling that sits above the circular lobby sitting area. Each piece of glass is handmade from the same purveyors that have designed other palatial venues across Europe.
The lounges
If you can make a stop in Balmoral after checking in, it is the perfect place to unwind with a craft cocktail (or mocktail). Sitting beneath the colorful glass ceiling atop carefully tufted chairs and sofas (if you watch closely, you will often see staff fluffing the pillows and arranging everything to perfection between each patron’s visit).
Along the walls are various large-scale pieces of photography and artwork that represent different scenes of Madrid. You’ll find the hotel’s (namesake) statue of Fénix in one and notable architecture of the city on others. A curtain pulls back to reveal Balmoral Bar where guests often tipple in the late afternoon and early evening.
On Friday nights, the outdoor patio at Balmoral turns into a happening spot for the after work crowd. DJs enliven the space, and drinks and food flow until the late evening. During winter, this often takes place in the main dining area.
The dining
Speaking of dining, Balmoral is the setting for the elegant breakfast buffet. The setting is picture perfect with art, flowers and servers in tailored jackets delivering silver pots of coffee and tea. Guests can choose from a hot and cold buffet with special sections for vegan and vegetarian options, a variety of Spanish cheese, an array of chilled still and sparkling waters (Vichy Catalan sparkling is a personal favorite), cava and more fruit, dried meats and olives than anyone could ever eat.
Later in the day, the menu rotates to an international selection of dishes with a particular focus on Spanish and local fare from Madrid. A tapas menu is the definite way to go if you are unsure of what to try.
Zuma is the property’s popular-with-locals Japanese venue that serves sushi, sashimi and other Asian dishes. On the hotel’s rooftop is Aduana where Mediterranean flavors dominate the menu. It adjoins the Red Level club lounge, but is a separate restaurant open to everyone. Its main highlight: the al fresco patio overlooking Plaza de Colón. There are plans to refresh the menu here doubling down on the Mediterranean, especially Spanish, flavors in the coming months.
The rooms
Whenever I stay here, I feel a sense of nostalgia walking down the beautifully carpeted hallways. This is the quintessential luxury hotel. Behind each door (representing more than a dozen room types) is a variety of elegantly designed spaces. The hotel is a historical landmark and protected by the government. This means that reformations require numerous approvals and something the hotel is constantly working through.
Notable are the plush and large beds complete with thick duvets and enormous pillows (a menu is available for those that want to customize their rest). The desk and armoire are antique reproductions featuring a beautiful china set made in the south of Spain. Complimentary bottles of water are replenished each morning and during turndown service.
The most popular views from rooms and suites are those of Plaza de Colón. It bustles with activity from morning to night and is part of the Paseo de la Castellana. This street takes you from one end of the city to the other. It is a short walk from here to the city’s famed “art triangle,” home to some of the world’s most famous art museums like the Prado.
Closets include all the thoughtful touches of a luxury hotel from shoeshine sets to clothes steamers. Bathrooms feature Carner Barcelona products in large pump bottles plus small extras like lip balm, face wash and travel-sized hand lotions. Rooms vary between glass shower stalls and shower-tub combinations. Speakers in the bathrooms allow guests to customize the volume from the TV or radio to listen from inside.
Suites are twice and triple the size with some of the most premium units having whirlpool tubs on the terrace. If you are curious about local Madrid landmarks, turndown service leaves beautifully designed cards each evening with short stories about many of them.
Red Level rooms (and all suites) enjoy access to the seventh floor club lounge where a la carte breakfast and an afternoon-evening food and beverage presentation are served. The menu alternates every few hours between sweet and savory selections with tasty cakes, fresh fruit, Thai chicken and rice, and crudites all on offer during my stay.
The bar is open from 1pm until closing time including everything from Moet & Chandon to Spanish cava varietals. A full liquor, beer and wine selection is also available. This upgrade is popular with business travelers wanting to work outside of their room, couples looking for extra services and even families that like that they can find refreshments, candy and drinks at all hours.
The service
This hotel belongs the Gran Meliá brand within the larger Meliá portfolio. This means it meets the finest standards required and also belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World (a partnership it has had for nearly two decades). Anyone that joins the group’s Leaders Club loyalty program is eligible for some extra-special perks. These include complimentary breakfast for two each morning of your stay, early check-on and late checkout considerations, and potential room upgrades.
Another Gran Meliá standard, and one that is particularly notable, is the way that staff members greet guests with their hand over their heart. It adds a sincere and genuine touch to a more standard hello (or hola in this case), and becomes something that makes you smile. You can expect it from everyone: the top manager team, restaurant servers and housekeepers.
If that doesn’t help you relax, there is also a Thai-inspired spa with massage and beauty treatments in solo and couples treatment rooms. The staff were all trained in Thailand. A fitness center, featuring the latest Technogym equipment, is available at all hours and comes with extras like chilled towels in a fridge, water, fresh fruit and granola bars. It is next in line on the renovation program here and is just one of the many things that makes this luxury hotel a favorite for business travelers, shoppers and those that want a room along the famed Paseo de la Castellana.
