The recently opened Urso Hotel & Spa is Madrid’s first and only 5* boutique hotel. Since it’s arrival last August, it has established itself as one of the city‘s most luxurious and prestigious hotels, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing Valentine’s getaway.
Located centrally, but away from the tourist traps of Sol and Plaza Mayor, Urso can be found in a more stylish, upmarket area of the city. It’s building is beautifully traditional, early 20th century, neo-classical style architecture with a lovingly restored interior. As we passed through the entrance, we were greeted warmly by the door staff who pointed us in the direction of reception, housed in a large, comfortable lounge room. Staff at check in were friendly and helpful, and we felt at home straight away. Our bags were kindly taken to our room ahead of us by the porter, before we were personally escorted to our room and given a quick introduction to the hotel´s facilities. As we walked through the hotel we couldn’t help but admire the stylish décor. Mixing the old and the new, the hotel interiors are simple and modern, whilst respecting the traditional past. Features of the original building an integral part of the design, and beautiful black and white photos of 1920s Madrid are a reminder of days gone by. Even the lift, an original from the building, was reminiscent of a glamourous old movie, and the four stunning original stained glass windows that decorated the staircase only added to the effect.
We were equally pleased with our room. Decorated in simple neutrals, it was modern, but still in keeping with the hotel´s neo-classical style. The floor to ceiling windows brought plenty of light into the room, and the table and chairs to one side made a small sitting area, giving the room a cosy, homely feeling. The large double bed looked luxurious and inviting with it´s super soft sheets and huge feather pillows. This was definitely a room we wanted to take a Spanish siesta in. But, being so close to Madrid´s most famous shopping street, Gran Via, and with the glamorous shopping district of Serrano just 10 minutes away, we decided to head out before we got too settled.
Knowing we were going to enjoy the hotel’s restaurant later that evening, we decided it would be a good time to head down to the hotel’s gym for a pre-dinner workout. It was small, but as the main reason for the weekend was to relax rather than workout, with it´s small selection of cardio machines and weights it was just enough to ward off the dinner and drink calories we were sure to take in later. After our hard work in the gym we deserved a little spa time, so we changed in our rooms, wrapped ourselves up in one of the fluffy dressing gowns provided, and headed back downstairs. Located in the lower ground floor next to the gym room, the spa area is also small, but private. Perfectly hidden away and stylishly designed, it’s low lights and wooden décor create warmth, and the mirrored ceiling above the hydrotherapy pool cleverly creates the impression of water floating above you. We lazed around in the hydrotherapy pool for a while, using it’s different jets to massage our muscles after our gym workout, and then detoxed in the steam room before heading up to our rooms, completely blissed out, and ready for dinner.
We had decided to eat at the hotel’s restaurant, The Table By, but as it is set between the cool neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, and the upmarket Alonso Martinez, the hotel is in the perfect location to explore the nightlife Madrid is famous for, and we were just a short walk away from some of the city’s most fashionable bars, Soon though, the thought of those huge pillows and fluffy duvets was calling, and we headed back, and for such a central location, enjoyed a surprisingly peaceful night’s sleep.
The next morning, hungry for breakfast, we headed downstairs to the beautiful Conservatory room. Although a rainy day (we had been unlucky with the weather), the large glass ceiling still gave the room plenty of light, and the impressive ‘living wall’ added to the fresh, outdoorsy feeling. It was a perfect setting for breakfast, and an uplifting way to start a grey day. The buffet available was a delicious breakfast feast, with pastries and bread from one of the oldest bakeries in the city, local handmade cakes and tarts, as well as a great choice of traditional Spanish food, all sourced from the market just opposite the hotel. We also ordered from the hot menu, not been able to resist the crepes, however they arrived, disappointingly, with a watery, chocolate flavour sauce rather than real thing, but we were more successful with the eggs, which came finished with pleasingly large flakes of sea salt and a decadent truffle oil. We filled up as much as we could, there was so much to try, but in the end we had to admit defeat, deciding that anything we hadn´t tried would have to wait until our next trip, as we will definitely be back.
Need to Know:
Rooms and suites: There are 78 rooms and suites to choose from, including an Urso Double, Double Deluxe, Junior Suite, or Urso Suite. All rooms are exterior facing, but for those looking for something extra special, choose a Terrace Junior Suite or Urso Terrace Suite for your own (huge) private terrace, fantastic views across Madrid, and a luxurious way of enjoying the Spanish sunshine.
Rates: Double rooms start at 168€ per room per night. Breakfast is available at an additional cost.
Check-In Time: 2pm
Check-Out Time: 12pm
Facilities: Head downstairs to the Urso Spa By Natura Bissé to relax and unwind with one of the luxury treatments from prestigious Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé. Hotel guests are also welcome to take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, or warm up in the Oriental steam room. If you feel a little more energetic, the 24 hour gym is small, but private, and equipped with enough cardio machines and weights to keep up with your workout regime whilst away from home. The hotel also offers many conference rooms of various sizes for impressive business meetings.
How to get there: Hotel Urso is conveniently located in the heart of Madrid, just a 5 minute walk from either Tribunal or Alonso Martinez metro stations, or is easily reached from the airport by taxi. The average airport taxi transfer takes 20-30 minutes, and taxi fare is set at 30€ to the city centre. If you are driving, parking is available at the hotel at 30€ per day.
Urso Hotel & Spa, Mejia Lequerica, 8, Madrid, 28004.