After visiting Urso Hotel & Spa just after its opening in 2014, StyleNest headed back to Madrid’s first 5* boutique hotel to try new restaurant Media Racion and finally indulge ourselves in the hotel’s the luxurious spa.
Located in the centre of the city, but away from the well-trodden tourists paths, Urso offers its guests the chance to spend some time in a more local, madrileño part of the city, and yet with all of the city’s key sights still within easy reach.
The impressive early 20th Century building takes up a whole block on the street, giving it a grand appearance, but yet with just 78 rooms and suites, it is still small enough to still offer a private and intimate stay. Guests can choose from a classic double room through to a deluxe or a suite, and with all rooms exterior facing everyone can enjoy plenty of light from the Spanish sun. For those looking for something extra special opt a Terrace Junior Suite or Urso Terrace Suite for your own private outdoor area and fantastic views across Madrid.
Designed by Antonio Obrador, the architect behind sister hotel Cap Rocat, Urso’s interiors throughout the bedrooms and public spaces are elegant but luxurious. Behind the neo-classical façade Obrador has blended old and new, with a modern and sophisticated colour palette of creams, beiges and soft greens almost cooling in the Madrid heat, and well-balanced with the the hotel’s oak paneling and marble floors. The large library area invites you to relax on leather armchairs with a book, and gives the feeling of being in a private house.
However, the hotel’s glorious early 20th century elevator is the jewel in the crown, with local craftsmen called upon to restore it to its former glory. But be sure to also take the stairs, hidden behind the lift and its traditionally forged iron work are stained glass windows that are not to be missed. The marble featured throughout the hotel is also traditionally used in Madrid, and in another nod to the past, the wallpaper has been re-created based on wallpaper found in the palace opposite the hotel. The breakfast, which is a small feast of traditional Spanish plates such as tortilla de patatas, queso manchego, and Iberico ham in addition to international favourites such as pancakes and eggs, is also sourced locally to support Urso’s neighbours, with produce brought straight from the market opposite the hotel and local pastry shop, La Duquesita, which dates back to 1914.
Urso can also boast being the first branded luxury hotel spa in Madrid, offering treatments by the prestigious Spanish skincare brand, Natura Bissé. After admiring the spa the first time we visited it was finally time to indulge. The spa’s menu includes signature facials and massages as well as exclusive treatments developed especially for Urso and a seasonal menu to look after skin’s needs at various times of the year. For summer the spa has based its treatments around Natura Bissé’s C+C Vitamin Complex, which contains high concentrations of different sources of Vitamin C to brighten and protect skin in the summer sun. Our treatment was chosen by our therapist Alba, a 60-minute body scrub and massage to not only brighten and hydrate the skin ready for summer, but also to protect it before we headed out into the Madrid heat. Alba started by misting the brand’s C+C Vitamin Splash onto skin and in the air; not only is Vitamin C a skincare classic for fresh, revitalised skin but few scents invoke the feeling of summer like the zingy smell of citrus. Moving on to the body, Alba started with a scrub from the same range, soft enough to be massaged all over but still effective at sloughing off our winter skin. To massage deeper and hydrate after exfoliating she then used a rich moisturising balm, which felt particularly good on our tensed up back and shoulders, helping us to unwind at the start of our holiday. To finish we were spritzed with the C+C dry oil, a unique antioxidant product which contains SPF30, and our favourite from the range. Although Alba recommended higher protection for the beach and sun-bathing, the dry oil is perfect for the city, leaving skin with a beautiful sheen rather than a greasy or white residue which also hydrates whilst it protects.https://www.stylenest.co.uk/travel/hotel-reviews/media-racion-at-urso-hotel-spa-madrid/
For guests who don’t book a treatment, a trip to the spa is still a must. Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool with various pumps to massage and pummel the skin, or warm up in the Oriental steam room. There is also 24-hour gym, small but well-equipped with enough cardio machines and weights to keep up with your workout regime whilst away from home and great for those who feel a little more energetic, or perhaps plan to enjoy an evening of tapas and wine at Media Racion, the hotel’s delicious restaurant. But whichever part of the hotel you enjoy during your time there, Urso will surely draw you back for a second trip, just like us.
Urso Hotel & Spa, Mejia Lequerica, 8, Madrid, 28004.