Urban
Carrera San Jeronimo 34, Madrid, Spain, 28014
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#13 of 40
expert-rated hotels in Madrid- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, Foodies, Seasoned travellers, Singles, Art, Celebrity spotting, Nightlife, People watching, Trendiness
Expert review of Urban
Are you on trend? You’d better be, if you want to cut a dash at the Urban.
The Urban is one of Madrid's most fashionable hotels. If you don’t spot a famous face in the bar or by the pool, well frankly, you’re just not looking. While undoubedly designer with a capital D, there are many artworks, both ancient and modern, to distinguish it from every other minimalist luxury establishment.
Location:
Between the Puerta del Sol and the Paseo del Prado, and around the corner from the Plaza Santa Ana, it is ideally situated for pretty much everything you are likely to want to do, whether shopping, sightseeing, eating out or nightlife.
Bedrooms:
The 102 rooms and suites are clad in leather and dark wenge wood, with an ample sprinkling of original paintings and sculptures. Standard rooms are spacious (at least 23m2) and most have baths as well as showers. Fast internet connection is free using a cable (provided), but there is a charge for WiFi (hiss!). The hotel uses the Kubi network, so you won't have to pay for WiFi if you already have a subscription with them. Kubi is used in several hotel chains and some airports, so it's not a bad idea to take out a month's subscription if you're travelling around and staying in lots of hotels. If you use it for more than three days, a month works out cheaper than paying daily rates.
Derby hotels often have duplex rooms, and there are some pretty smart ones here.
I stayed in 436, a standard room, which was comfortable, functional but not wildly exciting. The toilet and bidet were partioned off in the rather small bathroom, as is normal in Spanish five-star hotels. Products were own brand and nothing special for a five-star Grande Luxe category hotel. There was no noise from the corridor or next room, and only the slightest hum from the street at morning rush hour - and my room gave onto the Carrera de San Jeronimo, which is really busy. There was nothing to dislike, but I was surprised that there wasn't much hanging space in the wardrobe, with 10 plastic, detachable hangers. I'm a bit obsessed with hangers, I know, but I expected better quality in a hotel that is rated in the most luxurioius category possible.
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Public areas:
Bold steel and alabaster sculptures contrast with ancient Egyptian, African and Oriental artefacts throughout the hotel. This is definitely a place where you'll want to hang out outside your room.
Eating and drinking:
Even if you don’t stay here, definitely have a glass of Champagne and a dozen oysters - or brunch - in the decadent Glass Bar (which is encased in, um, glass). I often meet friends there for a cocktail before dinner, if we’re feeling flash – and flush, come to that.
La Terraza up on the roof by the pool is a fabulous spot for late-night drinks, and is open year round. The El Cielo del Urban restaurant is open in the summer.
The Europa Decó restaurant, specialising in creative Spanish cuisine, is one of the best in Madrid - with prices to match.
Leisure facilities:
The rooftop pool is a fabulous place to while away the afternoon and evening on a hot summer day. There is also a tiny gym, with a stepper and bike, and a steam room - not that you're likely to go anywhere near it, frankly, what with everything else that's going on at the Urban.
Service:
Good-looking staff are coolly efficient.
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Who stays there:
Anyone who is anyone. Models, celebs, politicians...
Price advice:
Rates vary a lot at the Urban, so if you're not fixed to particular dates, you could snaffle a bargain - well, what passes for a bargain at a five-star hotel. Weekend deals including museum entrance or other extras are often available. Those rather covetable duplex rooms are often available for little more than a standard, and totally worth it for the feel-like-a-film-star-factor. Breakfast is 22.80 euros and WiFi costs 16.30 euros for 24 hours.
Pros:
Ultra trendy
Dead handy location
Rooftop pool
Cons:
Busy lobby vibe not for everyone
Minimalist decor not everyone's taste
More information on Urban:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Carrera San Jeronimo 34, Madrid, Spain, 28014
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- Las Cortes
