MEJÍA LEQUERICA 8 | 28004 MADRID | SPAIN
TEL +34 914 444 458 | E-MAIL | WEBSITE
When historic façades in the streets of our great metropolises disappear behind towering construction fences, it is usually a sign that history is about to take a turn — either by being continued through thoughtful modernisation, or brought to an abrupt end by the final swing of the wrecking ball.
All the more pleasing, then, when historic buildings that once adorned the urban fabric of our capitals are allowed to let their stories live on. When investment, creativity and respect for the past come together to herald a new future.
Such is the case in the heart of Madrid. Here, between the districts of Chueca and Chamberí, a building dating from 1913 has been given new life through considerable passion, commitment, investment and skill. The former Papelera Española, Spain’s venerable paper manufactory, has enjoyed a renaissance since September 2014 as Madrid’s first five-star boutique hotel: URSO Hotel & Spa.
The luxury hotel belongs to the Spanish MARUGAL hotel group. Founded by Pablo Carrington, this privately owned hospitality company operates some of the most exclusive hotel addresses in Southern Europe. URSO Hotel & Spa thus takes its place within a carefully curated collection that includes, among others, Torralbenc on Menorca, Cap Rocat on Mallorca and Hotel Square in Paris.
Join us as we look behind the scenes — and allow yourself to be inspired to plan a stay in the very heart of Madrid.
We wish you much pleasure.
Warmly yours,
Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor
The rooms and suites at URSO Hotel & Spa are arranged across a number of categories, yet all are united by the same assured sense of style. There is a quiet consistency to the design language: elegant, natural, understated — and entirely in keeping with the cultivated character of the house.
Inside, the atmosphere is one of refined urban retreat. Comfortable box-spring beds promise deep rest after long days in the Spanish capital, while contemporary comforts — LCD televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building and discreetly integrated technology — ensure that modern convenience is always close at hand. Elegant marble bathrooms and furniture crafted by Spanish manufacturers add a distinctly local note, grounding the experience in a sense of place.
Particularly striking are the generous ceiling heights of more than four metres. They lend the rooms an almost townhouse-like grandeur, creating a feeling of space, calm and quiet sophistication rarely found in the heart of a major city.
The suites form the true highlights of the accommodation offering. Some open onto expansive private rooftop terraces of up to 100 square metres — intimate outdoor salons above Madrid, where guests may take in splendid views across the rooftops of the surrounding neighbourhood. It is here, high above the city yet still very much within its rhythm, that URSO reveals one of its most seductive qualities: the ability to feel both cosmopolitan and deeply private at once.
Wellness devotees will find ample opportunity for relaxation in the hotel’s own spa. The elongated swimming pool, complete with integrated whirlpool areas and a mirrored ceiling, is an impressive rarity in Madrid. Along its sides, a select number of relaxation loungers invite guests to pause and unwind.
An adjoining steam bath provides a suitably warming experience for anyone who may not have fully exerted themselves in the fitness area opposite, where state-of-the-art equipment by Technogym takes centre stage.
Massages and treatments are also available, though ideally they should be reserved in advance of one’s stay. Access to the spa is complimentary for all hotel guests.
Casa Felisa has established itself as the place in which to enjoy some of life’s finest pleasures: good food and good company. Here, Madrid’s refined cuisine is served with a touch of eccentricity, appealing to those who enjoy both new interpretations and time-honoured expressions of Spanish culinary tradition.
It is a restaurant for discerning palates and adventurous gourmands alike — for those who cherish the flavours of their childhood, yet remain curious about the capital’s most promising new gastronomic propositions.
The wine cellar, personal in spirit and filled with characterful references, carefully safeguards some of the country’s finest wines. A thoughtfully indulged Champagne list completes an intimate, convivial and sybaritic dining experience — one open to every kind of palate.
In the morning, guests are invited to enjoy a carefully edited yet beautifully presented breakfast buffet of excellent quality in El Invernadero, the hotel’s winter garden. Crowned by a glass roof, the breakfast room derives much of its charm from its open architectural language. From the hotel bar area, the gaze travels upwards towards the Madrid sky, while panels of preserved moss along the edges provide a striking green accent.
A Lasting Impression
URSO Hotel & Spa is a small jewel in the heart of Madrid — a house that feels less like a conventional city hotel than an elegant private residence. It is precisely here that its particular appeal lies: in an atmosphere of intimacy, warmth and understated refinement.
The architecture welcomes guests with restrained grandeur, while carefully selected materials, artful details and an assuredly composed interior lend the hotel a deeply cultivated sense of ease. Small, exquisite and exceptionally tasteful — this is perhaps the most fitting way to describe URSO.
Its privileged location, the elegant ambience of its rooms, suites and public spaces, its culinary accents and its charming spa come together to create a stay that allows Madrid to be experienced with exceptional style. Those who appreciate discreet luxury, timeless aesthetics and the personal atmosphere of a boutique hotel will feel entirely at home here.
Photography: Urso Hotel & Spa