Along Paseo de la Castellana, the business-focused Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid has a lot going for it. Not only does it have an iconic position on one of the city’s most famous thoroughfares connecting its business, art-centric and touristic hearts, but it also is part of the World of Hyatt program. Members can earn and redeem points to maximize their experience and take advantage of special benefits for elite status cardholders.
The friendly general manager here is hands-on, and he is often seen walking around chatting with guests and double checking that everything is perfect. No matter your reason for visiting Madrid, these are the top five reasons to stay at Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid.
The rooms
Constant updates at the hotel have kept things fresh and smart. Perhaps the most notable first impression is the art that fills the lobby, often taking famous Spanish masterpieces and modernizing them in new ways. A small sitting area across from reception offers chilled water or occasionally sparkling wine to welcome guests.
Similar touches are in the rooms, which have hardwood floors with area rugs, impressive bedding with plush duvets, ample power outlets and spacious desks with places to connect all your devices. The flat-screen TVs are larger than what you might have at home, and they are much easier to use than other hotels in town. Complimentary bottles of water are a nice touch.
Bathrooms have impressive lighting with wide vanities and mirrors, Pharmacopia toiletries in wall-mounted pump bottles, scales, robes, slippers and rain-drenching showers. The oversized towels do the job of robes, which are also available nearby in the bathroom.
Kudos to the hotel for double soundproofing the windows, which also open for fresh air. This helps to cater for every temperature preference. Suites have separate living areas with some of the best options those facing the main street in front of the hotel. The higher the floor, the better the view of Madrid’s rooftops.
The panoramic gym
If you take the elevator to the top floor, prepare for a surprise. This is the location of the fitness center, which the hotel dubs a “sky gym.” This is not entirely clear until you get to the top and realize you are actually on the roof of the building. You step briefly into the open air before opening another door to find a glass-enclosed space with modern workout equipment and free weights.
The views from here are incredible, providing inspiration to those that want to pump weight or burn off those paella calories. You can also step out onto the patio for some panoramic views of the city. While there is no pool or spa, the guest experience team near the front entrance can recommend plenty of local options.
The dining
In the main restaurant, an extensive breakfast buffet becomes an all-day menu of light bites and drinks served in the lounge. This space can also function as a group or meeting area as needed. During the week, it is often bustling with corporate guests or diplomats holding important meetings away from the many nearby embassies and consulates.
But, the real star of the show here is The Smoked Room, with two Michelin stars and a long waiting list for a reservation. Leña Restaurant also consumes locals with envy for its smoked meats and delicious menu for both lunch and dinner. Both have given this business-focused hotel a panache that many of the city’s other tourist hotels would love to have.
The Regency Club
Curtained off from the lobby is the elusive and elite Regency Club, which is reserved for guests that book a club-level room or have World of Hyatt Globalist status. Here, guests can catch up on emails or watch a game on the big screen while enjoying all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Each morning, a hot breakfast is available, and throughout the day, light snacks (think salads, crudite, and warm pasta or rice dishes) provide something to enjoy in between meals. The Spanish dining timeline is different from many other cultures, and some restaurants don’t open until early afternoon for lunch or later in the evening for dinner. Booking a Regency Club room becomes extra important for guests that may get a little hungry before the typical Spanish dining time.
In the evening, a more substantial buffet of hot and cold items is available with red or white Spanish wine. Over the years, the hotel has improved the offering with staff now replenishing the food, drinks and wine as needed.
The residences
Across the street and on the other side of the main intersection, the hotel has a separate tower dedicated to private residences. These can be booked for extended stays and are popular with families or diplomatic guests. Some have second bedrooms, and they all have full living areas and kitchens.
It is also popular to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points to stay there, which can bring exceptional value if traveling with children or more guests than a standard hotel room will allow.
