A new hotel in the heart of Madrid brings a glam revamp to a historic site

What do you get when you combine eight years of no-expenses-spared restoration, seven historic buildings and an entire block right in the centre of Spain’s capital city? The new Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, the swish brand’s long-awaited debut in the country.

For the ultraelegant space, the hoteliers have restored a series of offices that date back to 1887. A sense of grandeur is on display from the moment you step into the lobby — which once served as the headquarters for a national bank — where you’ll find original stained-glass windows and guests sipping tea and champagne.

You’ll notice nods to Spanish history and culture throughout the building, including more than 3,700 artifacts (think palatial brass door handles and intricate stone flooring). Staff don uniforms designed by Madrileño couturier Lorenzo Caprile and inspired by Spanish custom — doormen, for example, wear traditional capes. The interiors are also adorned with 2,500 works by emerging local artists.

Each of the hotel’s 200 spacious rooms (from $530) are outfitted with plush reading chaises and sleek marble-clad bathrooms. Select rooms even feature private terraces overlooking the city.

While guests may be staying in the heart of Madrid, just a quick stroll from Kilómetro Cero, they won’t have to wander far for a particularly coveted table. The star attraction is Dani, located on the relaxed all-season rooftop and helmed by Spanish celebrity chef Dani García. The menu features Andalusian staples, like king crab pappardelle, and his famed Michelin-starred specialties, like carrot tartare.

There’s also the soon-to-open casual gastrobar Isa, where guests can tuck into Asian-inspired tapas, and the lobby bar/bakery El Patio, which serves up yuzu lemon meringue pie alongside inventive cocktails.

No trip here would be complete without a stop at the on-site spa, a destination in itself. Spanning four floors — making it the city’s largest wellness retreat — it offers a range of restorative and balancing treatments, as well as products from high-end English brand 111Skin, available in Spain for the first time.

To start your stay off right, head to the spa for the Restless Traveller massage. The 90-minute treatment purports to combat jet lag by focusing on the body’s circadian rhythm and travel-induced tension. Then you’ll be ready to take on all Madrid has to offer.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.