It was a summer Saturday, 24 hours after I’d walked the final miles of my Camino de Santiago (The short route––Sarria to Santiago de Compostela) over six days and nights, and spent the last night in an actual monastery. (Nuns silently tended the garden as my taxi drove up, and an unmarried couple was turned away at the door. It was a monastery.)
I boarded the Alta Velocidad train at Santiago, after replacing my lost earbuds in a lobby gift shop, and two hours later I was in the heart of Madrid, staring up at the UMusic Hotel like it was an oasis in a desert. For two days and nights I had nowhere to go that I didn’t want to, and all of Madrid, my second-favorite city in the world, was laid out before me.
Footsteps away from the Plaza Mayor and the bustling Puerta del Sol, which despite their beauty and history, are magnets for tourists and those unctuous costumed characters, the UMusic Hotel is by design, a bit like a Hard Rock Hotel for grownups.
Housed within the historic Teatro Albéniz, the UMusic Hotel pays homage to its musical roots. The Teatro Albéniz, which opened in 1945, has been meticulously restored, preserving its architectural grandeur while integrating modern amenities. Guests are greeted in a lobby adorned with music iconography, hence the Hard Rock comparison.
The corridors feature curated displays of musical memorabilia, and the elevators are embellished with vinyl records, creating their own cheesy chic ambiance.
And there is the hotel’s rooftop terrace, Nota Alta, offering panoramic views of Madrid’s skyline, including the legendary Tío Pepe sign and the renowned clock of Puerta del Sol, where the city gathers on New Year’s Eve.
The rooftop seamlessly blends classic and contemporary design elements, serving as a cultural and gastronomic hub, with live musical performances on summer nights, which is frankly, pretty freaking magical.
The UMusic Hotel boasts a variety of rooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while reflecting the property’s musical theme. The interiors are contemporary, featuring marble fixtures and floors, with subtle musical motifs adorning the walls. Some rooms offer unique layouts due to the building’s historic nature, such as sunken living areas or views of the bronze statues that grace the hotel’s façade. (There was one directly outside my third floor room.) The intentional design emphasizes simplicity, aiming to create a serene environment for guests, we’re told.
Amenities include plush king-sized beds, state-of-the-art sound systems, and well-appointed bathrooms. Select rooms feature private terraces, providing an intimate space to enjoy the city’s vistas. The meticulous housekeeping ensures that each room remains immaculate, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Though I chose other favorite local eateries, dining is a cornerstone of the UMusic Hotel experience.
The El Albéniz Restaurant invites guests to embark on a gastronomic journey through Madrid’s rich culinary landscape. Adjacent to the historic theater, the restaurant serves classic Spanish delicacies, complemented by a curated selection of local wines and a full-service bar.
The rooftop restaurant, Casa Chicote, offers innovative dishes like “Sushi Castizo,” a fusion of traditional Japanese sushi with authentic Spanish flavors, along with signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
The ubiquitous DJ performances make it a crowded hot spot for both locals and visitors.
Needless to say, breakfast was a splendid offering, with a full breakfast buffet, from Spanish everything to American dishes.
Beyond its rooms and dining venues, the UMusic Hotel offers a range of amenities designed to enrich the guest experience. The restored Teatro Albéniz serves as the hotel’s cultural heart, hosting a variety of performances, from musicals to concerts, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Madrid’s dynamic arts scene, just a floor or two from their rooms.
The seasonal outdoor swimming pool was, of course, a refreshing escape, especially during Madrid’s hot summer. The area is complemented by comfortable loungers and attentive service, ensuring a tranquil retreat amidst the urban landscape, and on that Friday afternoon, I was the only one there.
Need to work out, or just work? Fair enough. There’s a well-equipped gym, while business travelers can make use of the hotel’s meeting facilities.
The UMusic Hotel Madrid is a harmonious fusion of music, culture, and luxury hospitality. Whether your buff is music, culinary pleasure, or history, the UMusic Hotel is an easy choice.
