Meliá Assortment debuts on the Iberian Peninsula with Casa de las Artes (that means ‘home of the humanities’ in Spanish): a Madrid lodge that doesn’t take its environment or historical past with no consideration. Drawing on the boutique sensibility that defines this Meliá division, but executed with the boldness of a venerable hospitality group, the property positions tradition at its core. The standout? An bold programme of stay music, cinema, dance, literary occasions and culinary experiences that celebrates the seven positive arts – and makes visitors, fairly merely, really feel en casa.
Wallpaper* checks in at Casa de Las Artes, Madrid
What’s in your doorstep?
Casa de las Artes enjoys twin entry, with a fundamental entrance on Atocha Road and a secondary entrance on the parallel Moratín Road, which additionally affords a shortcut to the Museo del Prado. It’s a privileged location, located throughout the Spanish capital’s so-called ‘Artwork Triangle’. As such, each the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum are inside strolling distance.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
The lodge additionally sits throughout the Barrio de las Letras, subsequent to the Cervantes Society constructing, the place the primary version of Don Quixote de la Mancha and different masterpieces of Spain’s Golden Age had been printed. Few locations on the planet can declare such a literary heritage. A private favorite is neighbouring Santa Isabel Road, dwelling to the art-deco Cine Doré and a energetic glut of tabernas, bakeries, cafés and bookshops.
Who’s behind the design?
ASAH Studio, led by father-and-daughter duo Álvaro and Adriana Sans, spearheaded the transformation of the property. Casa de las Artes spans 4 heritage-protected buildings, anchored by a palatial fundamental block designed by Ricardo García Guereta and José María Otamendi and inbuilt 1913. The constructing initially housed the headquarters of the Basic Affiliation of Workers and Employees of the Railways of Spain, a significant establishment in Madrid’s social and industrial historical past.
‘The design course of started with in depth analysis into the world’s structure, museum collections, and the artists who’ve formed the neighbourhood’s id, making certain that each materials alternative was rooted in context fairly than purely ornamental,’ explains Adriana Sans. The palatial public interiors lean into terracotta tones that set off the unique mouldings and coffered ceilings. A museum-adjacent heat runs by the lodge, punctuated by inexperienced and purple velvet upholstery within the widespread areas.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
Furnishings from manufacturers reminiscent of Andreu World, Sancal, Pedrali, Kettal and Santa & Cole (amongst others) had been chosen for his or her timelessness and their affinity with the constructing’s architectural language. ASAH Studio additionally customised many items – and designed others particularly for the lodge – utilizing walnut, Marquina marble, brass and dramatic velvet throughout public areas and rooms.
To strengthen the lodge’s connection to the place, the workforce paid specific consideration to the artwork programme. Within the reception space, unique Don Quixote lithographs by Salvador Dalí (from the 1957 Joseph Foret version) are displayed. Sculpture is built-in all through, too. ‘One of the emblematic examples is the gathering of miniature meninas [infant girls] by Spanish sculptor Miguel Guía, displayed at reception,’ notes Sans.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
The room to e book
Visitor rooms are extra pared again than the general public areas: compact however luminous, with views of Atocha (metropolis view), Calle de Moratín (avenue view) or the inner courtyard. There are 137 keys in complete; whereas the entry classes are environment friendly in measurement, the suites make longer stays genuinely comfy. Ebook the Artist Junior Suite with Terrace for heat evenings open air and the sharpest detailing.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
Throughout the rooms, walnut and black-and-white Marquina marble kind the core palette: warming and enveloping. Loos are visually built-in into the sleeping house however might be screened off with velvet curtains. As a tribute to Miguel de Cervantes and the Cervantine custom of the neighbourhood, every room features a Don Quixote engraving by Gustave Doré from the 1869 version. Rooms include Carner Barcelona toiletries, plus tea and low facilities.
Artist Junior Suite’s terrace
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
Staying for drinks and dinner?
One among Casa de las Artes’ standout areas is the previous theatre, now reimagined as a restaurant, bar and multi-purpose venue on the primary ground. ‘Its transformation completely encapsulates the mission’s philosophy: respecting the reminiscence of the place whereas giving it up to date life,’ says Sans. The all-day hub is named Maché (a nod to papier-mâché), and the ambiance leans theatrical, like a contemporary swing salon. Among the many most distinctive options are the stained-glass home windows by the Maumejean Brothers workshop.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
Plush velvet banquettes, marble flooring and gilded accents play in opposition to cascading ceiling lamps. A protracted, wood-clad bar serves cocktails impressed by the seven arts – from a smoky Music riff to a extra bitter, elegant Dance variation. Above the outdated stage equipment, an adjoining patio sits beneath a glass roof like a greenhouse, internet hosting stay music and occasional periods. The meals is Mediterranean-leaning Spanish classics with a sharper edge: suppose cod brandade fritters with romesco, or glazed beef-cheek meatballs with Robuchon-style mash.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
The place to modify off
Wellness buffs will head straight to the indoor pool, sauna and steam room, or the gymnasium (with dance studio). Elsewhere, a good-looking library and cultural centre deepen the lodge’s inventive temporary: architect and painter Ángel Vázquez was commissioned to supply 16 portraits of Spanish-language writers related to Madrid, many tied to Barrio de las Letras. Visitors can borrow from an in depth assortment of volumes, and there’s additionally a small cinema (named after Pilar Miró) with each day screenings obtainable on request.
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
The decision
As Adriana Sans places it, ‘Casa de las Artes will not be a lodge that merely shows artwork, however an area the place artwork is practised, shared, and celebrated’ by stay music, cinema, dance, literary occasions and food-led programming. It’s a well-balanced property the place the widespread areas genuinely come alive within the evenings. Service feels human and attentive. It’s not ultra-luxe within the white-glove sense, however it’s luxurious in how thoughtfully it builds a cultural world across the visitor expertise.
Maché restaurant non-public room
(Picture credit score: Courtesy of Meliá)
Casa de Las Artes, a member of Meliá Assortment, is positioned at C. de Atocha, 83, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Supply: Wallpaper
