I can’t remember the last time I sat on the beach for two weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in for the sun, sea and sangria – but all of those can be ticked off the list via a short-haul flight and with fewer days lost from your holiday allowance.
Last year I squeezed in six weekends away and during one of those I was lucky enough to stay at the newly opened JW Marriott Hotel in Madrid.
Located slap-bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Madrid’s central district it’s just a short walk from sights like Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor – not to mention a glut of trendy restaurants, cool bars and designer stores.
Escaping the street, and as the glass door closed behind me, I was immediately struck by the quiet and calm of the hotel lobby. This is what I want on a city break; a refuge from the people and the noise.
Minimalist luxury with a nod to the building’s past as a place of residence and market follows me from the front desk, to my room. Perhaps I could be convinced to stay longer than a weekend?
Who is JW Marriott Madrid for?
There was a healthy mix of tourists and those in town for business during my stay, and while I didn’t spot any dogs, animal lovers will be thrilled to hear that the hotel is pet-friendly.
I tacked a weekend of sightseeing with my partner onto a work trip, but the JW Marriott Madrid prides itself on welcoming families as well as couples offering packages for parents and children and promotions for romantic breaks too.
The spa and gym facilities as well as the bar and QU restaurant makes the hotel a place to spend time rather than just a place to rest your head.
What are the bedrooms like?
The idea behind the rooms and suites at the JW Marriott Madrid is to “offer each guest a revitalising oasis that soothes the senses”. Interiors are designed with natural materials and neutral and calming colours so guests “can focus on enjoying moments of calm reflection even while at the heart of Madrid's bustling capital”.
I stayed in one of the JW Marriott Madrid’s Premium Deluxe rooms with a balcony overlooking the city. Call me boring (pedantic even) but I’ll admit I’m one of those people who enjoys a well-stocked hotel room.
If I can avoid calling down to the front desk for anything I am happy! So I was obviously delighted to tick the following off the list: Iron and ironing board? Check. A proper hairdryer? Check. Seemingly endless tea and coffee? Check. Refilled snacks? Check. Yoga mat? Check. Spa-quality shower products? Check. Dressing gown and slippers? Of course, check.
The room left me wanting for nothing and on top of all of the above, the bathroom came complete with one of the best waterfall showers I’ve ever used (this is no joke, I took multiple showers a day it was that good).
While all of the JW Marriott’s 139 rooms are super spacious an upgrade to one of the suites would be well worth it, if it’s within your budget, as each suite comes with its own private terrace.
What about food and drink?
If you’re looking for a typical Madrid supper then you need to check out La Casa Del Abuelo. Following a late-afternoon flight I arrived in the city more than happy to indulge at this local favourite. It serves the most epic tapas well into the wee hours seven days a week.
I also took advantage of the hotel restaurant, QU, for both breakfast and dinner during my stay. Partnering with Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, the JW Marriott Madrid has crafted a dining and cocktail concept that uses ingredients grown in the hotel’s very own garden.
For a “contemporary twist on traditional Spanish cuisine” do as I did and opt for the al la carte with a wine pairing.
The bar has more than 200 wines on offer… so you might need some help choosing. As well as wine, visitors can sip their way through an inventive cocktail menu that highlights local ingredients.
How much does it cost?
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio so room rates start at €550 a night.
A stay here would be the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. On filling a colleague in on all the details of the trip she quite rightly said it sounded like the perfect place for mini mooning.
Like I said, I’m not one for a two-week beach break so a European city break in place of the Maldives sounds like a honeymoon dream to me. A controversial statement? Maybe. But book a stay here and then let me know, okay!
