Long before super structures like the Burj Khalifa, CTF Finance Centre or Shanghai Tower were even a glint in a starchitect’s eye, Torre de Madrid enjoyed the title of the world’s tallest concrete building; as recently as 1982, the Madrileño icon remained the tallest construction in Spain.
Quite the icon, and now enjoying its new purpose as the city’s latest ‘it hotel’, the Barceló Torre de Madrid offers guests and locals a state-of-the-art and singular experience in the capital. Spanish design superstar, Jaime Hayon, has weaved his idiosyncratic whimsy throughout the hotel, his vision evident in all from the furniture through personality and interior design. 256 rooms offer a spacious respite from the glamorous city; light flooding in from Calle Princesa and Gran Vía. Hayon’s eclectic mix of art and decoration complements the brand’s B-Room concept (Barceló’s maximum quality standard), lending an extra little slice of avant-garde luxury to the hotel’s guests.
Bar Garra is an opulent affair, featuring what has been described as ‘possibly the tallest drinks cabinet in the city’; restaurant Somos bills itself as a ‘dual’ restaurant, meaning day and night will be an entirely different experience. Throughout, Hayon’s ability to fuse a deep-rooted respect for Spanish heritage and playful wit delivers an irresistible combo. ‘I was fully dedicated to the creation of a very special and unique space that would represent a new vision of Spain,’ the designer begins, ‘a vision far from the traditional aesthetic, aside from being my hometown, for me Madrid represents Spain’s diversity and richness.’
