URSO Hotel and Spa – Madrid’s Boutique Palace Hotel

Palatial grandeur combines with an elegant, contemporary aesthetic at the URSO Hotel & Spa, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World Property in Madrid, writes Andrew Forbes.

Opened in the summer of 2014 as the first boutique 5-star luxury hotel in the Spanish capital, the property has 78 light-filled rooms, some with original features. Dining has just seen a new innovation, with the opening of the ‘Media Ración’ restaurant by Fernando Cuenllas. There is also an urban spa by Natura Bissé.

Location

This early twentieth century, neoclassical building dating back to 1915 (by José María Mendoza Ussía) is found west of the swish Salamanca district and a little north of Justicia, making it well positioned for enjoying the on-trend and emerging cultural and culinary attractions the Chamberí, Tribunal and Chueca neighbourhoods.

Ambiance

The URSO has a sophisticated, tranquil feel, by architect and designer Antonio Obrador, who is said to wanted to create an elegant, luxury home-from-home for guests. He is also the artistic mastermind behind the Cap Rocat hotel in Mallorca, also managed by Marugal. The property occupies a complete city block, so it means that each of the 78 guestrooms face outwards, so even though some may not have views each room is afforded plenty of natural light. The contemporary interior design elements of honey-coloured woods, light marble floors, and furnishings of muted tones create a harmonious, welcoming, and relaxed style.

Vintage oriental fabric wallpaper and monochrome photographic prints on the walls enhance the building’s period credentials, reinforced by nostalgic features that remind us of the glamour of a by-gone age. The building has stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and a classic period lift that is still in use for guests to enjoy.

Rooms

Large windows mean each room, however compact, feels more spacious thanks to plenty of light. Due to its urban setting, many rooms will not be afforded a view, but opt for one of the Junior Suites, and you’ll enjoy a splendid terrace.

The standard doubles are small, but share the same uncluttered feel and elegant furnishings as the larger rooms.

Expect warm wooden floors, a king bed, seating, a designer leather desk; and a well-designed entrance vestibule where there are wardrobes, mini bar and Nespresso machine.

The bathroom is relatively small, with only one wash hand basin, but there is a separate shower and bath. Toiletries are Red Pomegranate by Madrid’s The Lab Room, but strangely do not include hair conditioner.

There is a turndown service, although this only includes mineral water; there is no gift or pillow chocolate.

Dining

Breakfast, served in the beautiful space on the first floor, flooded with light from the glass roof, is a combination of a small, gourmet buffet of selected items including pastries, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheese and fruit; together with hot dishes from the a la carte breakfast menu.

Media Ración is the new restaurant at the URSO

This month has seen the opening of URSO’s new eatery, ‘Media Ración’ by the renowned Madrid delicatessen and bistro restaurant ‘Cuenllas’. Fernando Cuenllas has created a menu of sophisticated creative and artisan tapas and sharing plates to enjoy in a relaxed environment

There is also a lobby bar.

Spa

The URSO’s urban spa, by Natura Bissé, is a well-appointed sanctuary from the city. The menu of treatments includes ‘The Cure’ (thermo-active enzymatic detox) and the compelling sounding ‘Diamond Life Infusion’ (90 mins, 155-euro facial rejuvenation using diamond dust). There is also a small fitness room.

Overall, the URSO hotel & spa offers good value urban luxury. Its discreet, elegant character gives it a sophisticated city feel, whilst still offering an intimate home-from-home feel.