Glass visits the unique Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid

THE five-star boutique hotel, Urso Hotel & Spa, is the only one of its kind in the cultural centre of Madrid. Every morning you will be treated to a full view of this buzzing city, best enjoyed from a private terrace under the hot Spanish sun accompanied by a fresh breakfast. Alternatively, this can be served in a calming garden surrounded by bamboo trees and other greenery – a perfect start to a day full of possibilities that the city offers.

Entrane with limousine_Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid-1Entrance with limousine of Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid

The brand new Urso Hotel & Spa opened in September 2014. It is set in a 20th century neoclassical building at the crossroads of the bourgeois Chamberi neighbourhood, the hip up-and-coming Tribunal area, and the chic Chueca district right in the centre of Madrid. Urso truly pays homage to its city, and its funky yet classical interiors created by architect Antonio Obrador combine the old and the new sides of Madrid and design. 

URSO references the name “Ursalia” given to the city by the Roman Empire, and is a symbol of the hotel’s dedication to Madrid’s history. Obrador restored the building and designed the interiors to preserve its historical charm; he preserved the original antique elevator and four of the early 20th century stained glass windows, and he incorporated some of the original blue and white tiles, also known as “azulejos”, in the hotel’s facade. These details are accompanied by vintage photographs of Madrid from the 1920s and 30s, hung on the walls of Urso’s 78 guest rooms and suites and the lobby.

 

Arriving at Urso Hotel & Spa, MadridArriving at Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid

Madrid is known to be one of the main artistic hubs of the world. Its vast collection of art is housed in three major galleries and museums known as the Golden Triangle of Art, formed by Prado, The Reina Sofía and The Thyssen Bornemisza museums – all just a few minutes walk away from the hotel. And for shopaholics the main shopping area of Madrid, Serrano, is only five minutes away.

hotel_urso_spa_1423669532 Natura Bissé spa

Urso also houses the first branded luxury hotel spa in Madrid, where guests can unwind after a day of exploring what the city has to offer. Led by an award winning Spanish skincare specialist, Natura Bissé, the spa offers everything from magnetic massages, balancing body treatments and facials using diamond dust to Turkish steam baths and an indoor hydrotherapy pool.

Breakfast room_Urso Hotel & Spa, MadridA restaurant at the Urso

When your body and mind have fully relaxed, it’s time to satisfy your taste buds. The Table by URSO pop-up restaurant uses fresh ingredients found that same day at the Barcelo food market, which opened at the end of 2014 and is located right next to the hotel.

Urso_SuiteA Urso suite

The restaurant is built on an innovative concept where six of Spain’s leading up-and-coming chefs take over its kitchen and the restaurant floor for a month each. As a cherry on top, the day can be ended by indulging in Madrid’s rich night life before falling back into the fluffy pillows.

by Sara Hesikova

 

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