Hard Rock Hotel Madrid: A Music Lover’s Dream Stay in the Heart of Spain

Get ready for a rock-your-world stay that goes beyond just rock and roll. From Hollywood celebrities to mainstream (and some niche) bands or performers of all types, Hard Rock Hotel Madrid will surprise and delight with its interiors and emphasis on highlighting all kinds of music. This is the what, why, and where you need to know about this exciting and unique hotel in the Spanish capital.

Booking

While I made my reservation directly with the hotel, you can also book online. The new Unity loyalty program also lets guests earn points with each stay or interaction with the Hard Rock brand (you can earn points when dining at its restaurants, for example). A new co-branded Hard Rock credit card also gives travelers the chance to earn points on their everyday spending while taking advantage of bonuses from certain types of retailers like restaurants.

The hotel

This music-fueled hotel is within walking distance of some of the city’s top attractions. It is just around the corner from the city’s busy Atocha train station, which is a central hub for traveling around all of Spain. Also just around the corner, the Golden Triangle of Art is a major draw for tourists who want to explore the city’s famous art museums (including The Prado)

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

However, many guests will find this hotel to be a destination in its own right because of its numerous weekly concerts and its museum-like display of memorabilia from famous musicians or performers. Look up to discover the enormous, illuminated series of lights that forms a guitar suspended above the lounge.

Depending upon the time of year, this hotel transforms into its own cultural hub, one which I have seen on numerous occasions. During the colder winter months, most of the hotel’s musical events take place inside, where the lobby hosts weekly bands or performers.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

During the summer months, the rooftop offers a lovely panorama of the neighborhood and the city skyline. Occasional DJs or performers perform there or on the hotel’s grassy terrace, where guests can lounge in the warm sun during the Spanish summer.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

A small pool with lounge chairs and a food (and drink) truck take care of any needs while enjoying the sunshine. The fitness center is one floor below the lobby, with views of the pool and garden, although I did not have time to use it during my stay.

The room

I love the clean look of the guest rooms, starting with hardwood floors and white walls with clever framed art and music posters. Everything around the hotel, from the art to the memorabilia, is designed to make guests laugh or ogle in awe. Some of the framed art in my room represented famous Spanish painters (their original work on display just a short stroll away in the Golden Triangle of Art) with lyrics from well-known songs superimposed upon them.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

The vanity area is open-plan to the room, and a long counter provides plenty of space to unpack your belongings. A round table is tucked into the corner and serves as a desk and dining spot. The shower and toilet are behind frosted glass and open directly into the room. The brand’s Sweetgrass-scented toiletries, which I am very fond of, are in large pump bottles.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Music, Hollywood, and art all collide here, and it’s not just on the walls. The hotel seemingly wants you to contribute to the entertainment, too.

Like many other Hard Rock Hotels, there is an electric guitar loaner program that can deliver an instrument and amplifier to your room so you can practice your musical talent to your heart’s content. You can play classic records (choosing your favorites from the hotel’s own music library) on old-fashioned record players in the room. It’s also possible to curate your own music playlist through the hotel’s own selection of music by scanning a QR code and adding your favorite songs.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

The beds are super comfortable, and on either side, there are power outlets and two types of USB ports. A pillow menu adds to the thoughtful touches here. The lighting that is built into the mirror is almost theatrical in quality.

Views here are mostly of the surrounding neighborhood unless you are looking towards the interior lobby of the hotel from one of the Classic rooms. The higher the floor, the better the view if you are facing towards the city. On the top floor, several rooms have al fresco terraces facing the center of Madrid; these are the best views in the house.

The Silver Suite looks towards the atrium and adds a soaking tub, while the Gold Suite comes with its own city-view terrace.

Dining

Sessions is the main dining room and is open for three meals each day. It starts with a lovely breakfast buffet, and guests can choose a made-to-order egg dish from the kitchen. Fresh fruit and juices, herbal teas, Spanish meats and cheeses, an entire table of pastries, and other hot dishes are available.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Ana, one of the servers in the restaurant, deserves special attention for her cheery disposition and friendly service. She always remembered peoples’ special preferences and would often bring you something you wanted before realizing you wanted it. I remembered her from my last visit and am sure she is one of the reasons people return to stay here (nearby Atocha makes this a favorite of domestic travelers looking for something different).

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Lunch and dinner follow a blend of international and Spanish recipes, often adding a new twist to each dish. Burgers, thick cuts of steak, lettuce wraps, salads, and traditional tapas fill the menu. Weekend brunch has become a favorite of locals here. Many travelers may know the Hard Rock brand from its series of restaurants. However, Sessions is its own offering, with a menu designed for the hotel. Of course, you can always shop to your heart’s content in the gift shop near the entrance that sells the standard memorabilia that collectors clamor to acquire.

Photo: Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

There is a bar that serves the main lobby lounge; it has its own menu of light snacks and meals. Every time I passed through the lobby, it always had several people enjoying the menu.

Verdict

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid is an excellent choice for visitors to the Spanish capital, especially because of its proximity to the train station for day trips around the region and the Golden Triangle of Art’s three famous museums. There is a special vibe here from the moment you enter that has you dancing or humming on your way to the room. There’s nothing else like it in Madrid.

Best For

This hotel is best for younger travelers or those who are young at heart. You won’t find traditional or fancy furnishings here. Instead, it’s a playful party atmosphere with all the perks of a luxury hotel without any pretension.

hardrock.com/madrid/