Thanks to the city's newest Marriott outpost, the Madrid Edition, which debuted in April 2022, Madrid's luxury hotel development appears to be unstoppable.
The hotel will join the Four Seasons Madrid (which will open in late 2020), the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid (which will open in early 2021), and the Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid (which will open in late 2021), as well as the JW Marriott Madrid, which will open in 2022.
The Madrid Edition appears to be the missing piece of the luxury hotel puzzle in the Spanish capital: a trendier, more contemporary points choice in the historic city centre.
The Madrid Edition prioritises communal spaces and cuisine.
The hotel has a unique combination of high-end restaurants, each overseen by a well-known Latino chef.
The hotel's spotless, monochromatic lobby, as well as the appealing rooftop, which is bordered with lush Mediterranean herb bushes, make it feel like a true urban hideaway.
Indeed, the hotel "is a microcosm of the best of Madrid that wonderfully embodies the city's energy and character," according to Ian Schrager, the mastermind behind the Edition concept.
It's all about providing a unique and different kind of gathering spot for both locals and visitors."
That notion seemed to hold true during my recent stay.
In fact, I think the hotel will become my new favourite hangout location in my adopted hometown.
The location, the history, and the mood are all important factors to consider.
The Madrid Edition is located in Plaza de las Descalzas, a short walk from Madrid's bustling Puerta del Sol and close to attractions such as Gran Via, the royal palace, Plaza Mayor, and the opera theatre.
Unlike several of the city's other luxury hotels, this one isn't housed in a former palace or bank building that has been restored to its former glory.
Rather, the hotel takes a more modern approach, with Spanish nuances and touches that remind guests and tourists that modern conveniences can coexist peacefully with historical references.
Expect to encounter subtle works of art juxtaposed against the hotel's crisp, minimalist design ethos, such as an 18th-century baroque door designed by Don Pedro de Ribera set among the building's pure grid lines.
Similarly, the modern lobby furnishings are dominated by a faded but still vibrant tapestry from Madrid's Royal Tapestry Factory.
Hand-woven flamenco shawls are draped over distinctive Edition faux fur blankets in the lobby's Jean-Michel Frank sofas and armchairs.
The wow factor of the hotel begins the moment you walk in.
The property's white floating stairway, which is surrounded by warm wooden walls, is positively jaw-dropping, distinguishing it unique from any other hotel in Madrid.
After the sun sets, elegant residents and tourists can drink cocktails set to DJ sounds in the lobby, or play billiards on the pool table, which is sculpted from a massive piece of white Bianco Neve matte marble.
Signature cocktails, wine, and other drinks are served in the sophisticated, backlit bar.
You may expect a stylish crowd, as with most Edition hotels.
However, because few Madrid residents are aware of this new hotspot, it still feels hidden.
Only those in the know visit, making it a fashionable retreat from the returning tourist crowds and the scorching Spanish sun.
There's also the Punch Room, a speakeasy-style bar, and the Supper Club, which will open later this year in the hotel's basement, as well as a planned outside patio for the Jeronimo restaurant.
Visitor rooms and suites
The fact that the hotel has yet to post images of many of its guest rooms and suites on its own website adds to the excitement. As a result, potential visitors can only speculate what they could be reserving.
While I was there, I was hoping to view the suites and penthouses, but they were all booked (the main penthouse was occupied by Dua Lipa, but I didn't see her during my stay).
Fortunately, as a Madrid resident, I was allowed to return to the hotel later that week to see some of the most wanted suites and the magnificent Madrid penthouse (the Opera Penthouse is a bit smaller).
My accommodation was on the first level, with views of a nearby 16th-century abbey.
(Be aware that the church bells will sound every hour on the hour on Sunday morning, so bring earplugs.)
It's a beautiful sight to observe the bells ringing from the rooftop deck if you're an early riser).
The room, which was a step up from the lowest hotel type (excellent), had a king bed with a distinctive headboard.
The headboard's distinctive design is a tribute to the aforementioned 18th-century Baroque door, and these headboards can be found on the beds in each of the 200 guestrooms, which include 21 suites and two penthouses.
Of course, the Edition's signature faux fur throw was meticulously placed on the bed as well, serving as a reminder that the Edition's distinct design aesthetic is a reliable constant no matter where you are in the world.
When the sunlight flooded in, an L-shaped sofa, together with a table and chairs, sat in front of two enormous windows that gave the all-white space a brilliant feel.
The light complemented the dark wood-paneled walls of the entrance and bathroom, which had a single huge vanity with mirror and separate rooms for the toilet and rainfall shower.
The room had high ceilings, as did the shower, which had excellent pressure.
The bathroom lacked natural light, albeit the mirror had an unique ring light for those who wanted to apply makeup in the dark.
The hotel does not provide single-use bottles of the desired Le Labo products with the distinctive Edition black tea smell.
Instead, there were larger pump bottles of Le Labo products in the shower and on the counter.
Anyone taking these bottles home with them will be charged 70 euros ($73) per bottle, according to a small card placed on the sink bottle (and only in Spanish, so prospective monolingual guests take heed immediately).
At the property's gift shop, you may purchase Le Labo amenities and candles, as well as a variety of other boutique items.
After a long period of poor housekeeping, I observed that my room was cleaned twice a day: once for regular housekeeping and then for turndown service.
Every day, small, reusable water cartons were replenished.
The bathroom included a GHD hair dryer, and the room included a Nespresso machine with capsules, as well as a minibar stocked with juices, wine, soda, spirits, and snacks.
I was able to return to the hotel and look at a couple of the suites, including a Loft suite, a Courtyard suite with views of greenery from one of the hotel's small patios, and a Corner suite, which was the largest of the three types.
The suites were light and spacious, with unique layouts and features such as double basins, bathroom windows, huge bathtubs, and separate living areas.
The hotel includes two penthouses: the Opera Penthouse and the Madrid Penthouse, both of which are duplexes with kitchens, living areas, large outside spaces, and private pools.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of Madrid's rooftops, possibly even better than the main pool and communal hotel rooftop.
The suites are among the largest in Madrid, and they come at a considerable price:
The nightly rate starts at 20,000 euros ($20,860).
Cuisine
Two high-end restaurants run by well-known chefs are featured in the Madrid Edition.
Downstairs, chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City's Pujol (one of the world's top 50 restaurants) and celebrated U.S. restaurants like Cosme, Atla, and Damian oversees Jeronimo.
The menus at Oroya, which is located on the rooftop, were prepared by Peruvian-born chef Diego Muoz, and the restaurant's lush decor and gleaming Morocco lights create an exotic environment.
Jernonimo's cuisine is Mexican with a twist, ostensibly created to appeal to a European palate while retaining some of the spice and flavour of Mexico.
The restaurant serves guacamole and al pastor gringas with shrimp, as well as a beverage selection heavy on mezcal.
Diners can enjoy the food while sitting in bright yellow seats near to large Mexican flower pots filled with tropical flora.
A remarkable area is located to the left of the entrance and features two eye-catching alabaster and plaster hanging lamps that resemble moons or other celestial bodies.
These lamps, designed by Emmanuel Level Stenne, are the restaurant's "wow" items, similar to the hotel's famed stairway.
I had the tasty Veracruz squid in a tomato and olive sauce for dinner, as well as the savoury cochinita pibil and guacamole.
Guacamole is usually a safe bet.
I had the rich and creamy flan de calabaza for dessert, as well as the delicate yet sweet eggnog meringue, both of which were recommended to me by a polite waiter.
Every day from 7 to 11 a.m., breakfast is offered a la carte (not buffet) in Jeronimo.
Olvera's variation on huevos rancheros, which consists of poached eggs with black beans on a tortilla concealed beneath a creamy, rich ranchero sauce and topped with flaky cheese and hoja santa, a Mexican herb, is on the menu.
If you're looking for traditional Spanish fare, you'll have to venture outside the hotel, though the room service menu does include a few Spanish delicacies, such as Manchego cheese and ham croquettes, as well as more standard room service fare like burgers, Caesar salad, and a club sandwich.
Oroya, which is set up on the rooftop, is the place to be in the summer, at least until Jeronimo's outside seating area opens (hopefully later this year).
This quiet oasis, open to both guests and the general public, is perched above Madrid's bustling streets.
There are floral overhangs and huge plants around the space, as well as soft lighting, rattan and wicker couches, and even a fire pit.
The towering ceilings, wall of windows, vivid decor, and overhead lamps give the space a North African air, although the food is entirely Peruvian.
One of the greatest ways to enjoy both the space and the gastronomic delicacies on offer at Oroya is to have an alfresco meal.
Fans of Latin American cuisine will not be disappointed with its pisco-focused cocktail list, fresh seafood, and Andean touches.
I had the melted-in-my-mouth ceviche, as well as potatoes in a special aji sauce with spicy huancaina, slow-roasted pork tongue skewers, and the smoky and spicy aged, grilled beef.
After years of admiring Peruvian cuisine, the chef came out to describe each dish in greater detail, and I finally understand the differences between distinct aji peppers.
Susana, the head waiter, responded to our every need, including making outstanding wine selections from sommelier Julio Barluenga's wine list.
To go with the steak, I chose a light, fruity Riesling and then a full-bodied Spanish Ribera del Duero.
I hope to return for rooftop drinks even if I'm not a hotel guest because the environment was both soothing and magnificent.
Relaxation
The rooftop pool of the Edition Madrid is the most appealing feature.
The hotel claims to be the largest in Madrid's city centre, and while I can't guarantee that, it feels realistic having visiting several hotels in the Spanish metropolis.
In any case, the pool is a welcoming and refreshing way to enjoy Madrid's hot, sunny days — and there are over 300 of them each year, making this rooftop a true oasis in the heart of the city.
The pool area, which includes 60 sun beds (including a couple that sit right in the pool) and 10 cabanas, is reserved for guests only, providing a private and intimate setting to soak up the Iberian sun and view vivid sunsets away from the rooftop bar and restaurant.
Throughout the day and evening, the pool crew was attentive, giving customers complimentary water and dispensing water and fruit juices.
Someone was usually ready to assist people who wished to get snacks or drinks for the pool, and service was prompt.
A tiny grassy space on the rooftop provides a beautiful but laid-back feeling, almost like someone's backyard.
Fitness enthusiasts can visit the hotel's tiny subterranean gym, which is equipped with training machines and weight equipment, as well as the hotel's extremely private spa.
The spa features a few treatment rooms that are candlelit and serene, including a couples' room with its own private mud room for body treatments.
I tried therapist Ana's signature Madrid Edition massage for 170 euros ($177) for 60 minutes, which was fantastic and had just the right amount of pressure.
Guests can choose a specific scented aromatherapy oil to use during the massage with this treatment.
Guests can utilise the spa's steam room and sauna even if they haven't scheduled a treatment.
What to do to make the most of your visit
With so many luxury hotels in Madrid, choose where to stay might be challenging.
If the rooftop pool and surrounding scene are vital to you, staying at the Madrid Edition is a no-brainer.
However, you might prefer to stay at the Edition during the winter months since, well, it's just a cool hotel.
The hotel is currently the most modern luxury hotel in Madrid, and its central position is perfect for travellers who wish to be as close to the city's tourist attractions and landmarks as possible.
The Madrid Edition lacks the Four Seasons' history or the Mandarin Oriental Ritz's extravagant splendour, but the hotel's overall ambiance — a sought-after, smart destination to dine, drink, and sleep — is one that most guests will love.
Of course, chic doesn’t always come cheap.
On the lowest category accommodation, expect to pay at least 500 euros ($521) per night, however rates are generally closer to 700 euros ($730).
Award nights start at 70,000 points per night if you have a hoard of Marriott points.
There are numerous nights this summer when that rate is available, though award rates can reach 90,000 to 100,000 points on occasion.
Even if you can't stay here, you should consider dining at Oroya or playing pool in the lobby while sipping a cocktail and seeing where the night leads you.
FACEBOOK