THE SMART GUIDE Bedding
THE SMART GUIDE Bedding Down in Madrid There have never been more luxe beds in the Spanish capital, thanks to a handful of standout hotels. // By Jeremy Wayne SPANISH DREAM A refined suite at the Four Seasons Madrid. © FOUR SEASONS In Madrid—newly vitalized after a prolonged pandemic lockdown—five new and nearly-new hotels are clamoring for attention. All are situated in superb locations and boast at least one restaurant, a fabulous bar and statement swimming pool—which is frankly a must after sightseeing or shopping if you visit the Spanish capital in the warmer months. MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID The covers are finally off at the Ritz—the smartest hotel address in the city—after its years-long renovation. Now renamed as a Mandarin Oriental, the hotel’s Palm Court, with its jaw-dropping glass ceiling, is looking resplendent and the guest rooms have been redone in their original Belle Époque style. There’s no spot in the city more magical than the Ritz garden: its an absolute oasis. mandarinoriental.com FOUR SEASONS MADRID Constructed from seven historic buildings just steps away from Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid, the new Four Seasons Madrid is, perhaps surprisingly, a first property for the luxury brand in Spain. With an impressive atrium—stained-glass skylight ceiling, marble, and gilt 30 NetJets
MADRID’S TOP FIVE G&Ts Our quintet of hotels all serve a particular take on the classic gin and tonic: columns—it’s a jazzy number, although the generously sized, beautifully appointed rooms are relatively restrained. Service is legendary Four Seasons: diligent, informed, and friendly. fourseasons.com PALACIO DE LOS DUQUES Just off the Gran Vía and a stone’s throw from the Teatro Real and the Royal Palace, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Granada de Ega and Villahermosa is now the flagship hotel for Gran Meliá in Madrid. Giant replicas of Velázquez’s works animate the oversized rooms; the Coroa bar (which leads to a large formal garden) is busy all day; and the Dos Cielos restaurant is a real humdinger. melia.com PESTANA PLAZA MAYOR With a superb location on Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most beautiful square, the Pestana has it all, from a wonderfully grand staircase and gorgeous azulejo tiling to original antique floors and exquisite stained glass. The entire property (part of which was formerly a fire station) is swathed in rich fabrics inspired by CULTURAL ESCAPE A replica of “Rokeby Venus” by Velázquez hangs in the lobby of Gran Meliá, above; the terrace at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, below. © GRAN MELIA the colors of Velázquez and Goya, but Pestana is no old master—it’s bang up to date with a basement pool, the latest in-room technology and a sexy rooftop bar where el todo Madrid meets. pestanacollection.com COOLROOMS ATOCHA From its top hat and tailcoated doormen and women, to its sumptuous guest rooms, vibrant murals, antique statuary, and gorgeous pool in an exotic plant-filled garden, CoolRooms is well…very cool. Located in a sensitively converted, mid-19thcentury palace, this Madrid newbie exudes charm by the bucketload, and the young staff seems to know what you want before you do. coolrooms.com MANOLO YLLERA Pictura Bar at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid Hendrick’s gin and Fever-Tree tonic, with your choice of a lemon or lime twist. Served with a bowl of bergamotscented almonds, tasting weirdly of aftershave. Four Seasons Madrid A vast slug of Beefeater mixed with Fever-Tree tonic, served in a large wine goblet with big ice cubes the size of shoeboxes. Palacio de los Duques Sipsmith is the default gin at the hotel’s Coroa bar, poured with either Fever-Tree or Royal Bliss tonic and served in a chilled glass with a slice of lime. Pestana Plaza Mayor The bartender at the rooftop bar mixes Seagram’s Gin with London Essence tonic, as he pushes some salty snacks, such as house-made potato chips and corn chips, in your direction. CoolRooms Atocha In the cool bar, house brand Gin Mare (distilled in Barcelona) is mixed with Schweppes tonic water and served with a salted snack and tapas, according to the time of day. MADRID-BARAJAS AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER: 11 miles NetJets 31
