Rosewood Villa Magna

"Basing yourself at Rosewood’s first Spanish property in Madrid’s upscale Salamanca quarter is like staying just off Fifth Avenue in New York—you’ll think the city is all designer boutiques and people in gilets if you don’t wander quite a lot further afield. A 1972 modernist structure re-opened in 2021 following the attentions of architect Ramón de Aranaas, its exterior has had a chic aluminum and brass-clad upgrade. The vibe inside is very local and knowing—black-framed floor-to-ceiling glass doors, tongue-in-cheek artworks smuggled among more serious pieces, and smart lounges you no longer have to book a table at. Regular restaurant pop-ups are intricate and designed to entice Madrid’s curious foodies (an alpine ski lodge with plentiful sheepskin on our early spring visit), while the on-site patisserie Flor y Nata casts intoxicating smells, all-day dining destination Las Brasas de Castellana serves wonderful traditional dishes, and flagship Amós, run by three-Michelin-star winning Jesús Sánchez, does skillful creative turns on Northern Spanish cuisine. Underground, there’s a small, stylish spa with a uniquely shaped hot tub, plus a sauna and steam room; up top is the last piece of the puzzle—the show-stopping Houses opened in 2022. Ask for Royal Anglada House for a seemingly endless space stretching over a long dining room and circular office and both indoor and outdoor kitchens, the latter on a wowee-terrace large enough to house a full corporate company’s Christmas party, with views out to the mountains beyond the cityscape (so you actually just need to head up to the ninth floor to see past Prada). —Becky Lucas"

"Rosewood Villa Magna, awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, features Tarde.O bar and Flor y Nata for afternoon tea, offering drinks and sweet creations by Pastry Chef Emanuel Alvés." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Joining the fast-growing throng of exciting openings in Spain’s capital of late, Villa Magna emerged and re-branded as the nation’s first Rosewood in 2021. This followed a thorough, well-timed makeover in 2020 by countryman Ramón de Aranaas, the architect behind such polished addresses as West Hollywood’s Pendry and Portofino’s Belmond Splendido Mare. Thanks to its location on the renowned Paseo de la Castellana, a tree-lined avenue of upscale boutiques in a neighborhood heavy with embassies, high-end art galleries, and banks, the 1972 modernist building has always been prestigious—it even replaced a palace, Anglada, no less. But now the building has a glow-up, with stylish brass and aluminium touches and two pools out front. There’s the signature Rosewood aesthetic throughout, all deliciously bold oversized Art Deco pendant lights; moody black-framed floor-to-ceiling windows and doors; a Gaudí-esque multi-colored stained-glass wall; marble, monochrome, muted neutrals. There’s a cheekier side to its personality, too—glimpsed in its choice of statement artworks, from the giant and joy-inducing anthropomorphic black sculpture by Spanish artist Juan Díaz-Faes that greets you with a smile at reception to the mix of classic and doctored portraits: one marquess blowing bubble gum here, Queen Victoria using a selfie stick so subtly you have to look twice, there. The overall plan is for it to have the personality and carefully constructed casualness of some Madrid sophisticate’s home, with no booking required and 24-hour dining available in the lounge, and local and jolly rather than stiff staff  (‘Villa’ is another clue). Guests can take the fantasy to another level and stay in one of the hotel’s residential-in-style Houses—two of which are on the top floor and boast some of the largest terraces in Europe, complete with mesmerizing panoramic views. Book Anglada, the biggest, and you’ll have enough space to work, host, and relax: with your office, dining, living, and powder rooms, alongside the indoor and outdoor kitchens (with islands) and two bedrooms. It’s still worth dragging yourself away from your new home if you can, however, if only to experience both Sense, A Rosewood Spa, one of Madrid’s most sought-after, specializing in ancient Spanish treatments hailing as far back as the ninth century, and the hotel’s flagship Amós Restaurant. Led by star chef Jesús Sánchez, who already has three Michelin stars, the artful tasting menu brings the magic of his first tiny yet celebrated venue back in his quiet northern Spanish village right to your table in the country’s capital. —Becky Lucas" - Lauren Burvill

"The superb Sense spa and hammam make this a full-on wellness destination, with offerings ranging from eight-step facials to innovative sense journeys inspired by ancient Iberian practices." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? The formally dressed bellmen and luxury cars out front give off a little whiff of what’s to come. What's the backstory? Set on Madrid’s famous Paseo de la Castellana, this hotel has immediate cachet. Embassies, banks, and big-name retailers share the neighborhood with this member of The Leading Hotels of the World, whose guest list includes big celebrities and diplomats. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Thomas Urquijo designed every inch of the rooms. White walls with gold accents frame patterned carpets and king beds; silk lamp covers and fabric wall coverings add texture. Magna rooms are the entry-level category; Grand Deluxe and Grand Prestige rooms add more space and better views. Extra touches include a pillow menu, bedside reading lights, Nespresso machines, large walk-in closets, and complimentary shoeshine. Junior suites have ensuite living rooms; the two largest suites on the top floor have enormous panoramic terraces overlooking Paseo de la Castellana. You’ll never want for space here as the hotel has the one of the highest percentages of suites in town. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wifi is free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Tse Yang was the finest Chinese restaurant to open in Madrid, and its crispy Peking Duck has been delighting locals for years. An atrium-covered patio is the perfect spot for dining in warm weather; The Lounge, meanwhile, serves a mix of Spanish and international food. For a (pricey) cocktail, the chic Magnum Bar is where it's at. And the service? Luxury hotels demand rarified service, and that’s what you’ll find here. For example, while you’re away, housekeepers hang your clothes and arrange personal effects atop a white linen cloth in the bathroom. Additionally, the staff is multilingual. Dining in the lounge is available all day to cater to international hunger pangs that don’t follow the same schedule as those of Spaniards. What type of travelers will you find here? The lounge is a real scene, especially during afternoon tea, when a perfectly coiffed crowd has hushed discussions about worldly matters. You won’t find rowdy kids in any of the public areas—at least not for very long. What about the neighborhood? Paseo de la Castellana is a prestigious location. You'll be within strolling distance of major art museums, deluxe shopping, and within a block of a Metro station, too. Is there anything you'd change? The Royal Palace and Gran Vía are quite a hike, but taxis are plentiful and rarely expensive. Even better, ring for the hotel’s Bentley car service, which can easily do the trick. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hotel's spa has a strong loyal following and features a Turkish hammam. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If you are in search for an address to impress, this is it." - Ramsey Qubein