Hotel Urban Madrid
Hotel Urban Madrid is one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
It’s a great destination for a luxurious weekend getaway from other cities in Europe…
… and it’s a great destination to spend even longer periods of time visiting the museums and the delicious gourmet restaurants of this glittering international city.
As a fan of boutique luxury hotels – as well as gastronomy – I was very quick to book my stay at the Hotel Urban, a 5-star “Grand Luxe” Hotel in Madrid’s city center.
Though Hotel Urban is perfect for that romantic weekend, on this particular trip I was visiting as a solo female traveler.
I wanted a luxury hotel within walking distance of the Prado, as well a hotel with a restaurant known for its gastronomy.
The Hotel Urban has it all.
Madrid’s “Golden Triangle”
Just twenty minutes by taxi from the Madrid airport, the Hotel Urban is located in Madrid’s Golden Triangle.
This is where culture (the museums, the gastronomy) meets commerce.
Stepping out of the taxi, you feel relaxed as soon as you walk into this very elegant hotel.
First, the space is incredibly sophisticated, with interesting artwork everywhere.
Beyond the sheer luxury of the Hotel Urban Madrid itself, you are located in the cultural and commercial center of Madrid.
And within walking distance to nearly everything.
The Hotel Urban Madrid
The Hotel Urban Madrid has 96 designer rooms and suites.
It is a member of the Derby collection, which has hotels In Madrid, Barcelona, London and Paris.
Though it was the first time I heard of this hotel brand, I was very pleasantly surprised by the very professional, friendly staff and the hotel itself.
The décor is Art Deco.
I asked to see all the areas of the hotel on a tour, and discovered that the owner collects art from Papua New Guinea.
You will see this museum on the ground floor, and various works of art on the different floors as well.
You can see it right from your computer and device by clicking the virtual tour with this link.
Hotel Urban Rooftop Pool
The hotel has a lovely rooftop pool, as well as a rooftop bar and terrace which is popular in summer.
It is called El Cielo del Urban.
You will also find a small but well equipped gym.
Hotel Urban Restaurant CEBO
Ok.
I will admit it.
It was the glowing reviews of the Restaurant Cebo that led me to this luxurious hotel.
The Michelin-rated restaurant is run by head chef Aurelio Morale.
Then a found out about the hotel’s other restaurant, Glass Mar.
This is a creation of Angel Leon.
I decided to book Glass Mar because it seemed like a very fun, upbeat restaurant where I could try different wines by the glass and order a la carte.
Though if I was at Hotel Urban for a romantic weekend, of course I would choose CEBO!
Hotel Urban Suite
If you are a fan of my luxury report, you already know that the first thing I look for in a luxury suite is the “wow factor” of the bathroom.
I was really excited when I entered the Hotel Urban Suite and saw this bathroom, which is one of the most special baths I’ve ever seen.
Drama in the Bath
When I was shown to my room, the Hotel Urban front desk person made a point of walking in and opening the “drapes” to the bathroom.
It was as if I was watching the curtains open at a Broadway show.
There are two very attractive, modern looking sinks (with a romantic red rose between them) and an enormous bathtub with water jets, like a jacuzzi.
A separate glass enclosed rain shower is in this main room.
Open the mirrored doors and you will see a separate area with a commode and bidet.
Perfect!
The Hotel Urban Bed
The bed was large and very comfortable, with a duvet and plump enormous pillows.
I usually ask for lots of extra pillows when I visit a hotel.
Yet there was no need, for there were pillows to spare.
Hotel Urban Glass Mar Experience
I will visit CEBO restaurant next visit.
This visit, Glass Mar was perfect for my Solo Woman Traveler experience.
I was able to snag a great corner table where I could see everyone in the room …
…. What they were wearing (Madrid is very fashionable) and even more important, what exotic cuisine they were eating.
You see, at Glass Mar the presentation is everything.
The Glass Mar Waiters
This is a gastronomic, and somewhat eclectic menu.
So it needs a translation by an English speaking, food-centric waiter who can explain it.
The dishes are complex, delicious, and are marked by playful presentations.
For example, the first dish I ordered was urchin, and it arrived in an attractive vapor of smoke.
Beautiful, and delicious.
The next dish was lobster. It was scrumptious as well.
As a wine expert, I was pleased to see that the wines by the glass represented an enormous selection of the classic wines of Spain and elsewhere.
Though I usually prefer to order wine by the bottle, I indulged in the temptation to try the different wines by the glass, including a sherry.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is just a few hours away from most European cities, so if I lived in Europe I would fly in every few weeks just to bask in the luxury of this hotel and see all the cultural activities Madrid has to offer.
I met quite a few people on my short trip to Madrid, and can’t say enough about how nice everyone is.
I am excited to return!
