RESTAURANT
Spanish cuisine with a modern twist
16 November 2016
Update 2020: Due to the price/quality feedback of my readers I would advice you to go to Dear Hotel for the amazing rooftop and restaurant, not necessarily to book a room. I will do a double check when I visit Madrid again.
The metro stops at Plaza Espana and as I walk the subway stairs and arrive on the Gran Via, I stand right in front of Dear Hotel. ‘Easily accessible from the airport’ is already the first plus. On the sliding doors you already find a welcoming note, the lobby is small and simple. You see what time it is in other cities around the world and I directly fall for the business cards saying Dear Hotel, (like you can fill them out yourself with something lovely – or not). The branding is carried out throughout the hotel. From the keycard to the slippers in the room and from the menu to the entrance.
Rooftop
My room isn’t ready yet, but I’m thirsty, so I take the elevator to the 14th floor. An enthusiastic member of the staff takes me straight to the roof. The view is jaw-droppingly beautiful. One of the things I like about Madrid is that they have a happening rooftop culture. The Tartan Rooftop for example has a wonderful view of one of the landmark buildings of the city, the Metropolitan Building. The Hat has a cute little terrace on top of the hostel. And from the rooftop on Praktik Metropol you’ll see the city. But this rooftop terrace goes a bit further. What about a pool overlooking the city? It was too cold right now but imagine when you’re in Madrid in Summer it will be very refreshing to jump in there and enjoy the view. And on the other side of the roof is the bar and from that side you have a beautiful view of the huge (135.000 m2!) Royal Palace and a pink sunset which is unparalleled.
Room
When my room is ready, I go to the 11th floor. Room 1109 is a Deluxe room on a corner with a private balcony. A spacious room with a soft, natural color palette with some nice touches like up-to-date interior magazines, a beautiful vase and graphic prints of Madrid on the wall. Everyone who is susceptible to noise, will be pleased with this hotel, because you absolutely hear nothing. Internet is fast and the shower is fine. Exactly the type of room that you want if you are traveling: a quiet place to retreat to. Suitable for couples and business travelers.
Restaurant
The restaurant is called Nice to Meet You and is the place where guests gather for breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or drinks. It is beautifully decorated. The work of one of my favorite Spanish design studios called Tarruella Trenchs Studio also known for Luzi Bombon, Ana La Santa and Bosco de Lobos in Madrid. Again a peaceful base dominates here with some notable highlights: such as green vintage lamps above the Scandinavian-looking tables and chairs. Everything revolves in the restaurant around the view: of that immense palace, Casa Campo and the rest of the beautiful city. The service is superb: you eat well and the staff likes to add a little something extra. During my dinner (Solomillo grilled on vine leaves) I also get a small soup as an appetizer and during the best hotel breakfast ever (I took a vegetable omelet, bowl full of pineapple, freshly squeezed juice, tea and two pieces of chocolate brownie, but there was so much more to choose from!) they treated me to an extra donut when I left. You see, it was easy to get into the Spanish rhythm like this, because I didn’t got hungry until 2pm (lunchtime in Spain).
Location
Dear Hotel, is located across the street of Plaza Espana and right on the Gran Via, the street where you can find all the major chain stores. Not something we travel for, although it’s always handy to have Zara and Oysho around. In this neighborhood you will find Federal Cafe if you want to have breakfast, lunch or coffee there, but the Metro can also take you to Malasana in three stops so you will be at Do Design very soon. The red line goes towards Retiro.
Check out: www.dearhotel.com
