The sun is almost unbearingly warm as I wrestle my suitcase from my Uber and hitch my handbag further up my arm. It’s currently the middle of summer and I’m in Madrid to discover the delights this city has to offer. The base for my stay is the stunning BLESS Hotel. An iconic establishment, BLESS is nestled in the sophisticated ‘golden mile’ – a coveted street that’s home to the most exclusive shops in the luxurious Salamanca neighbourhood. It’s a twenty minute drive from the airport and perfectly situated for exploring all that Madrid has to offer, while also providing a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle.
I enter straight into the Pinzelada Lounge where the front doors are flung right open enabling an effortless transition from the sticky heat out the outside to the air-conned and beautifully designed lobby bar. Right from the off, you can tell you’re somewhere special. The decor is stunning, with traditional Spanish features intermingled with contemporary nuances. Shades of gold and amber are accompanied by vibrant greens of the plants dotted strategically around the space and you instantly feel at peace. The check in process is efficient and in no time at all I’m whisked up to my room.
The Rooms at BLESS Hotel Madrid
I’m staying in one of the Divine Terrace Suites and it truly doesn’t disappoint. Vastly spacious, it features a large living and sleeping space with sofas in luxurious jewel tones and a stunning panelled TV above a fireplace that sets to divide the spaces. It doesn’t feel like a cold and impersonal hotel room as so often is the case for the carefully designed space is welcoming and homey while still being undeniably luxurious. Fat pillows sit atop an enormous bed just begging for languid lay-ins with a fresh cup of coffee as you watch the sun rise from the terrace just beyond.
There are magazines and books to read and art adorns the walls. I throw open the balcony doors – there are two sets – and watch as the sunlight peeps over the buildings opposite. Warm puddles of light entwine with the curtains over the doors, sending a warm glow to envelope the room. The air smells of summer – heated tarmac, suncream and blooming fauna intermingling. Traffic rumbles below but from here it feels like my own slice of tranquillity.
I pop a pod in the Nespresso machine so the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air and continue to explore the other sets of doors in the room. One reveals a beautiful bathroom complete with a roll top bath, rain shower and double sink. As well as a hairdryer, there are even GHD’s in here to style your hair with.
The second door reveals a walk-in wardrobe that Carrie Bradshaw would approve of. Whether staying for a couple of nights, a week or longer, this is a room that has everything you could possibly need, always two steps ahead of knowing just what their guests will want from a break away. The air conditioning is powerful yet almost silent and when the doors are closed you’re enveloped in a total aura of peace, made even more so by the calming decor. Neutral tones with strategic splashes of colour make for the perfect spot to decompress, unwind and just make the most of your break away.
The Pool At BLESS Hotel Madrid
With many city hotels, the issue is that you can’t escape the feeling of being in a city. Just because you want to immerse yourself and see the sights, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to relax too. This is something BLESS Hotel Madrid understands and if you head into the lift to the top floor, you will be greeted with a beautiful oasis complete with a pool and rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Madrid just below.
Upon arrival, you’ll be led to one of their beautiful Balinese beds where a waiter will take your drinks order. We recommend sipping on an ice cold cocktail while you soak up the atmosphere – it’s chic, stylish and is the ideal place to escape the heat and cool down. It can get busy so we recommend booking your Balinese bed ahead of time to avoid disappointment. They provide you with towels, anti-bac wipes and even miniature Rituals sun cream for your face so you can stay protected in the heat. It’s these little touches that really set BLESS Hotel apart.
To Eat At BLESS Hotel Madrid
Dining wise, we recommend heading to the Picos Pardos sky lounge – the other side of the rooftop from the pool. Offering an Amazon-style setting with an Asian twist, this exotic refuge is best enjoyed at sunset where you can watch the shades of the city change beneath you as you tuck into truly delicious food and drink.
Sip their range of signature cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine and tuck into dishes such as Sea bass “tiradito”, warm squid tartar, Iberian pork fillet or Beef “txuleta” burger. There are an array of sides on offer as well as fresh salads that are imbued with flavour. Food here is divine, perfectly cooked and offering the ideal setting to while away your evening.
BLESS Hotel Madrid Other dining options at BLESS Hotel Madrid includes SLVJ – a Japanese- Mediterranean infusion restaurant and Pinzelada their sophisticated yet relaxed lobby bar service cocktails, taps and light meals.
To Conclude
When it comes to choosing a hotel for your time in Madrid, BLESS Hotel Madrid is an effortless choice. It has all you could possibly wish for from a break away and so much more. The service is exemplary, the vibe unrivallable and every little detail so well thought of. Whether heading as a solo trip, a romantic break with you other half, or a weekend with friends, you are guaranteed to be treated with exemplary service from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. The one problem? No matter how long you stay at BLESS Hotel Madrid it won’t ever be quite long enough. To find out more about the hotel and to book, please see the details below.
C. de Velázquez, 62, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Booking.com
