Known for some of the best hospitality in the world as well as excellent attention to detail, a stay with Four Seasons assures a pleasant experience. Among the newest in the Four Seasons portfolio is Four Seasons Madrid, which is in the historic center and close to almost all of the major tourist attractions. Once the headquarters of Spanish bank Banesto, this historic property transformed into one of the city’s leading luxury hotels. These are the top 5 reasons to visit Four Seasons Madrid.
The design
Listed as a cultural heritage monument, the building’s design attracts a lot of attention. In fact, the hotel is the result of fusing several adjacent bank, insurance and newspaper buildings together. Inside, the restoration work preserved many of the original features like the stained glass ceiling in the lobby. Other parts of the building were updated to bring it in line with Four Seasons’ exacting standards. The property even has Gold certification from LEED, assuring the latest sustainability practices.
The lobby spans two floors decorated in marble columns and plush conversation seating. This is the setting for the main lounge and bar, including a highly sought after afternoon tea. Later in the evening, stop in for a cocktail (on the menu is a bespoke vermouth for Four Seasons). Don’t miss the hotel’s fashion-forward, seasonal dessert menu in a partnership with Jimmy Choo. These may be just some of the most decadent desserts you’ll eat, each shaped like a designer handbag or pair of high-heeled shoes.
A hotel florist refreshes the numerous bouquets and arrangements around the hotel on a daily and weekly basis. Fresh flowers also make their way into the rooms each time a new guest arrives. No detail is spared here.
The two enormous KAWS sculptures in the lobby are on loan from the hotel owner’s personal collection. Elsewhere around the hotel are nearly 2,000 of pieces of original art curated from a contest for young, budding Spanish artists. Their work is now on display in guest rooms, each of which has a different piece, and public areas. Some pieces are for sale, and the hotel is working on a digital guide to match the in-room book explaining the art.
The food
Counting numerous restaurants in the hotel, this property does not disappoint hungry travelers. It starts with breakfast in the rooftop restaurant where Madrid views pair well with a lovely buffet of Spanish and international treats. The presentation is as elegant as it gets. There’s also an a la carte menu, and the staff is exceptional in remembering names and personal preferences. Exploring the outdoor patio is a must to get a rooftop view of the city behind the tall sculptures of the building.
The same rooftop restaurant, Dani, opens for dinner serving contemporary, southern Spanish fare, again with that famous view. From fried calamari to tomato nitro and green gazpacho, the menu is designed to impress, surprise and reinvent. Many of the dishes are perfect for sharing. Of course, Spaniards dine late in the evening, but the atmosphere is always lively. Under the aegis of chef Dani Garcia, the restaurant has quickly become one of the city’s must-dine venues.
One floor above the lobby is Isa, an Asian-inspired tapas bar. On the menu is a selection of sushi and other Asian dishes. The newest iteration of the garlic edamame was an immediate hit. The cocktail selection is unique in that each is a molecular concoction produced by talented baristas. There’s even a tasting session that guests and visitors can experience if they want to watch the barmen in action as they prepare a series of cocktails. The eclectic design of this restaurant, starting with the colorful peacock statue at the reception desk adds to the experience.
The leisure facilities
With the largest spa and leisure facility of any hotel in Madrid, this property places a focus on pampering guests. It’s a multi-floor haven of relaxation starting with a sunlit indoor pool, whirlpool and cushioned lounge chairs. Attendants lay towels and bring scented water as guests stare off into the city views through large windows or on the al fresco terrace. There are also sauna and steam room facilities plus an ice bath.
A separate floor houses the modern fitness center with the latest workout equipment and space for yoga and exercise classes. The spa uses a range of beauty products for its menu of massages and relaxation treatments. It has quickly become a favorite of locals, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
The rooms
Like the rest of the hotel, designers spared no expense here. The traditional Four Seasons bed awaits with gigantic, fluffy pillows, a dreamy mattress and starched linen comforter. The finest towels fill the bathrooms, which have power showers and high-end toiletries from pump-bottle dispensers.
The various room categories range from interior-facing rooms, each of which have natural light, to stunning streetview rooms with excellent soundproofing. Some have small balconies from which you can see area sights. Numerous suites are in the mix, some split-level, with separate living and sleeping areas. The largest suites are actually on the lower floors as these were once the main offices of bank executives. They are located in the curved section of the building with high ceilings, grand design and bathrooms larger than many peoples’ apartments.
Marble nightstands feature in-room tablets that control the drapery and provide information about the hotel. Guests can also message the staff for anything they need, and they answer almost immediately. Don’t be surprised to return to your room to find thoughtful gifts. Housekeeping may tie your loose charging cables with a leather Four Seasons band or provide cleaning cloths for glasses or electronics. Turndown service arrives nightly.
If you fall in love with the place, there are nearly two dozen serviced residences that you can buy as a new home in the Spanish capital.
The location
Between Puerta del Sol and Gran Via, this historic building is architecturally stunning from both outside and inside. You can walk to the Golden Triangle of Art here (Museo Del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza). Also within a short stroll are the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and a bit farther is the famous Paseo de la Castellana and Serrano neighborhood for top shopping. Part of the same block is a new high-end food hall and luxury shopping mall. The concierge team will spare no expense to make this a great visit. Among the options are private visits to local Spanish fan designer shops or guitar and flamenco lessons. You won’t find a better location in Madrid than this hotel.
