Pablo Picasso famously said, “Music and art are the guiding lights of the world.” In Madrid, Spain, visitors can immerse themselves in both at the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, a vibrant destination located just a stone’s throw from the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s powerful anti-war masterpiece, Guernica. Having opened its doors in July on the site of a former car park, directly opposite one of Madrid’s famed Golden Triangle of Art museums, the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid offers an ideal base for exploring the city’s thriving cultural scene. My recent long weekend stay provided the perfect opportunity to experience this unique hotel firsthand and delve into Madrid’s artistic heart.
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid lobby guitar sculpture
The Hard Rock Hotel Madrid lobby immediately sets a high-energy tone. A life-size Las Meninas sculpture, playfully decorated with song lyrics, greets guests upon arrival. The expansive lobby is dominated by a striking, suspended guitar sculpture beneath a glass ceiling, creating an impressive focal point. The GMT+1 lobby bar further amplifies the artistic vibe with a specially commissioned mural inspired by La Movida, Madrid’s influential post-Franco countercultural movement, offering a taste of local street art within the hotel itself.
Of course, true to the Hard Rock brand, the hotel is a treasure trove of music memorabilia. Iconic pieces are showcased throughout, including a denim jeans outfit worn by Elvis Presley and, a personal highlight, David Bowie’s platform boots. Contemporary music is also celebrated with items like a jacket from Nicki Minaj and a dress worn by Rihanna, amongst other rock and pop artifacts displayed across all seven floors.
The musical theme seamlessly extends into the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid’s 161 rooms, where guests can unleash their inner rock star with the brand’s signature Sound of Your Stay program. Like all Hard Rock Hotels, the Madrid location provides complimentary in-room loans of Fender electric guitars and amps, along with vinyl records and players. For a personalized touch, guests can even request bespoke Spotify playlists tailored to their preferred music genres by emailing ahead.
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid’s Rock Star Suite
In-room entertainment also includes Rock Om, unique yoga sessions set to DJ-curated soundtracks, readily accessible via the Hard Rock TV system. Rooms are well-appointed with flatscreen TVs, Lavazza coffee machines for that essential caffeine kick, and a pillow menu to ensure ultimate comfort.
For further relaxation, the hotel’s Roxy Garden provides a tranquil escape. This urban oasis features sun loungers around a pool and a small outdoor fitness area. While the fitness options are appreciated, indulging in local culture is key when in Spain. And what do Spaniards do exceptionally well? Tapas.
Culinary Performances at Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
The Hard Rock Hotel Madrid’s dining experiences are expertly curated by Juan Perez, a chef with Spanish and Venezuelan heritage who brings his innovative flair to the hotel’s diverse menus.
Sessions restaurant is the hotel’s main dining venue, serving meals throughout the day. The restaurant’s design is inspired by the inside of a Spanish guitar, featuring stylish, wood-clad interiors. However, we opted to enjoy our tapas lunch on the balcony overlooking the pool, embracing the Madrid sunshine.
As many travelers know, food often tastes even better outdoors. Yet, the Sessions menu is exceptional in its own right. Highlights included artichokes roasted in olive oil with salt flakes, and a Wagyu beef tartare that proved irresistible, even for a non-red meat eater. The truly indulgent Sessions Guitar for Two brunch is a must-try – a vast array of breads, pastries, cheeses, charcuterie, and more, all presented in a guitar case – a playful Hard Rock touch.
The Green Room
However, the culinary pinnacle of the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid is hidden away in the Green Room, discreetly located behind a mirrored door within Sessions. This intimate space accommodates just six guests at a time, offering an exclusive nine-course tasting menu crafted by Chef Perez. The chef himself presents and explains each dish, creating a personalized dining experience.
The Green Room’s ambiance is unique, with mirrored walls and a green velvet curtain reminiscent of Twin Peaks. While some might find the theatrical elements – flashing lights, nature sounds, atmospheric music, and pre-recorded voiceovers – a touch melodramatic, the food is undeniably the star. Standout dishes include a savory corn crème brulée, sea bream with bread crust and roast butter sauce, and a surprising yet delightful flaked bread infused with orange curry for dessert. Each course is perfectly paired with fine wines, craft beers, and inventive cocktails.
After dinner, guests can unwind in the GMT+1 lobby bar or head up to the RT60 roof bar. RT60 is open daily from 7pm to 1am, featuring live DJ sets that attract a stylish local crowd. Interacting with Madrileños at RT60 provides a fantastic opportunity to gain insider tips on exploring the city.
RT60 rooftop bar
Madrid’s Main Attractions are Center Stage
The Hard Rock Hotel Madrid’s location is incredibly convenient. It’s a mere five-minute walk from Madrid’s main train station and within a 20-minute radius of the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, completing the Golden Triangle of Art.
The hotel is also ideally situated for exploring Madrid’s diverse neighborhoods. The Barrio de Las Letras (Literary Quarter), once home to literary giants like Miguel de Cervantes, lies to one side. To the other is Lavapiés, a vibrant, multicultural area with cafes and bars, now a popular hipster destination.
Following a tip from the hotel’s marketing manager, Albert, we visited Casa Dani, located in an indoor food market in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. This Madrid institution is renowned for its tortillas with perfectly gooey centers, a far cry from supermarket versions.
After indulging in tortillas, a walk through the Parque del Retiro, a sprawling 125-hectare park, is highly recommended. Like most attractions in Madrid’s compact city center, it’s easily walkable from the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid.
Of course, for a significant dose of culture, the Reina Sofia Museum is right across the street. Picasso’s Guernica is the centerpiece of its impressive collection of 20th-century art. Beyond the Reina Sofia, exploring Madrid’s street art scene is highly rewarding. A street art tour with Gerardo from Cool Tour Spain offered fascinating insights into the graffiti art culture of Lavapiés, centered around a former tobacco factory turned community hub. The tour even included a chance to try spray painting (legally, on canvas bags) – my skills, like my guitar playing, are admittedly limited, but the experience was great fun.
The Hard Rock Hotel Madrid provides unparalleled access to Madrid’s creative energy, offering guests the best of music, art, culture, and Spanish hospitality.
Rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Madrid range from €145 to €200 per person per night; The Green Room gastronomic experience is €150 per person; hardrockhotels.com
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