WORDS RIC STOCKFIS
H OT E L
Revıew Q oe displayed in every room – uixt
while Dalí lithographs are on show at reception. The small- to mid-size rooms
aren’t exactly designed for working from (just a small-ish table near the window), but we spent hours in the quiet of the library, only retreating to take calls. And in the Deluxe Room (26 sqm) we were undisturbed by noise, despite the roadside location.
Casa de las Artes, Madrid
The Meliá Collection’s debut in mainland Spain has an artistic wow factor
What’s it like? It’s not often that a hotel builds its identity around fine arts, let alone all seven of them. But when you’ve taken up residence in Madrid’s literary heart – the Barrio de las Letras – it makes perfect sense. The latest addition to The Meliá Collection’s portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels opened in October and draws inspiration from the neighbourhood’s most famous resident: playwright, poet and author, Miguel de Cervantes (of D
on Q oe fame). uixt Mere minutes from Atocha station,
the Retiro and Plaza Mayor, the hotel is tucked between Calle Atocha and Calle Moratín. It gives little away from the outside, but on entering, it’s clear that architect Álvaro Sans, of Spanish studio ASAH, has created a series of inspiring and unusual spaces, across more than one interlinked building.
Rooms The 137 rooms range from Superior Singles (at 16 sqm, these are a
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025
G OO D -T O -
K N OW
If you sleep well on the
DreamMaker mattress, you can buy your
own from Meliá online, starting from €840.
little snug) to spectacular suites with private terraces and outdoor bathtubs, all inspired by the Spanish Golden Age. Design is elegant and warm –
lots of ochre, brown and gold tones – with interior designer Adriana Sans bringing her father’s graceful and contemporary vision to life. The hotel also showcases beautiful artworks, with Gustave Doré’s engravings for the 1869 edition of D
on
Facilities Even the gym here ties back to the arts, with ballet barre representing dance. There’s an in-house screening room, a stunning library and live music performances in various spaces, plus an extensive collection of bookable experiences, from tapas tours and cooking classes to dramatic poetry readings. Altogether, an impressive venue at which to host a party or even corporate event. And, while the thermal pool, sauna and steam room don’t necessarily speak to poets of the past, they’re still a delightful place to hang out.
V E R D I CT
Centrally located and genuinely memorable, this is an ideal base for mixing culture and customer relationships on your next visit to the Spanish capital.
B E S T F O R
Leaving Madrid rather more cultured than you arrived
D O N’ T MI S S The stained-glass windows and
sky-high ceilings at international and Madrilenian fusion
restaurant MACHÉ, housed in the former Spanish Railways Association building
PRICE
From €208 per night CONTACT
Calle de Atocha, 83
Madrid; +34 913 30 05 00;
melia.com
BUSINESS TRAVELLER 77
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