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VP Plaza España Design

From $240/night • Score: 4.8★ (4890 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Madrid’s architectural identity is famously rooted in the grand, nineteenth-century belle époque facades of the Gran Vía and the stately neoclassical dignity of the Royal Palace. Yet, arriving at the VP Plaza España Design feels like stepping into a confident, ultra-modern future. Dominating the newly landscaped, pedestrian-friendly Plaza de España, this five-star masterpiece establishes an immediate visual dialogue with its historic surroundings. The exterior is a sleek composition of glass and geometric stone, anchoring the western gateway of the city's most vibrant thoroughfare with understated architectural authority.

Crossing the threshold, the traditional hushed solemnity of European luxury gives way to a dynamic, sensory-rich gallery space. The hotel doubles as a curated contemporary art institution, showcasing an impressive collection of original works by Spanish and international artists. However, the undisputed architectural and emotional anchor of the property is unveiled the moment you step into the central atrium: Pere Gifre’s monumental twenty-five-meter metallic waterfall sculpture. This breathtaking installation plunges vertically through the core of the building, its liquid ribbons catching the shifting daylight and refracting it across polished stone surfaces. It is an engineering marvel and a poetic touch that introduces the sound of cascading water into the heart of an urban high-rise.

The lobby experience is defined by soaring ceilings, voluminous open-plan lounging areas furnished in muted earth tones, and a seamless fusion of industrial metalwork with organic textures. Staff members glide through the space with an effortless, approachable warmth that strips away the chill often associated with avant-garde design hotels. Check-in is handled with discreet digital efficiency paired with personalized Spanish hospitality, instantly setting a tone of relaxed sophistication. Here, location is everything; stepping out of the revolving doors places you mere steps from the lush greenery of the newly revitalized plaza, the monumental Templo de Debod, and the regal majesty of the Palacio Real. The VP Plaza España Design does not merely occupy a space in Madrid—it actively redefines the architectural rhythm of the neighborhood, offering a striking counterpoint to the city's historic grandeur.

The Room Experience

Ascending to the guest floors reveals a continuation of the hotel’s design-forward ethos, executed with a deep understanding of traveler comfort. My room, a spacious corner sanctuary overlooking the sprawling canopy of the Sabatini Gardens and the distant silhouette of the Royal Palace, was a masterclass in contemporary interior architecture. Floor-to-ceiling soundproofed windows frame these historic vistas like living Renaissance canvases, completely insulating guests from the bustling energy of the plaza below while flooding the space with brilliant Iberian sunlight.

The interior palette is sophisticated and restrained—think smoked oak paneling, brushed bronze accents, custom minimalist lighting, and plush wool carpeting that encourages barefoot wandering. The king-sized bed, dressed in crisp, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, is anchored by an integrated headboard featuring bedside control panels for lighting, privacy curtains, and climate control. Technology is seamlessly integrated rather than intrusive: a large smart TV with screen-casting capabilities, silent and efficient climate zoning, and strategically placed USB and international charging ports ensure that modern nomads remain effortlessly connected.

The bathroom is a statement in open-plan luxury, separated from the sleeping quarters by sleek fluted glass walls that enhance the sense of volume. It features a deep freestanding soaking tub positioned to capture exterior views, alongside a separate rain-shower cabin outfitted with high-pressure fixtures and organic, citrus-infused Spanish bath amenities by perfumer-approved brands. Thoughtful details abound: automated night-lighting along the baseboards, a fully stocked designer minibar featuring local artisan snacks, an Nespresso machine with bespoke capsules, and a plush bathrobe and slipper set that feels like a warm embrace after a long day of gallery-hopping. Every square foot of the room is optimized for both relaxation and productivity, featuring an ergonomic leather-and-walnut desk that makes answering emails with a view of the palace an absolute pleasure.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

Beyond the guest rooms, the VP Plaza España Design functions as a self-contained urban resort tailored to the discerning traveler. At the subterranean heart of this wellness ecosystem lies the Biloba Eco Spa, a subterranean sanctuary designed to wash away the sensory overload of the Spanish capital. The spa experience centers around a hydrotherapy circuit complete with vitality pools, pressurized neck jets, Finnish saunas, and aromatic steam rooms that utilize botanical essences. Treatment suites offer an array of bespoke massages and facials utilizing high-end organic products, delivered by therapists who possess an intuitive touch.

Adjacent to the spa is a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with cutting-edge Technogym cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, free weights, and dedicated space for stretching and yoga. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors and moody, energizing lighting make morning workouts feel less like a chore and more like a ritual of renewal.

However, the crown jewel of the hotel’s amenity lineup—and one of the most talked-about architectural features in Madrid—is the rooftop pool and terrace area. Suspended high above the plaza, the outdoor swimming pool features a dramatic glass bottom that offers dizzying, transparent views straight down to the street level for the daring souls who peer through it. Flanked by plush daybeds, architectural planters, and an ambient soundtrack, this elevated oasis transforms throughout the day. By afternoon, it is a sun-drenched sunbathing retreat for hotel guests sipping artisanal iced lemonades; by evening, it transitions into the glamorous antechamber of the city's premier nightlife destination. The overall atmosphere of the hotel strikes a rare balance: it is undeniably high-design and visually arresting, yet it maintains an inviting, unpretentious warmth that makes you feel entirely at home.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary programming at the VP Plaza España Design extends far beyond standard hotel dining, anchored by the phenomenon that is the Ginkgo Restaurant & Sky Bar on the twelfth floor. Ginkgo is not merely a hotel restaurant; it is one of the most sought-after lifestyle destinations in Madrid, drawing a glamorous crowd of local tastemakers and international jet-setters alike.

The culinary concept at Ginkgo is a sophisticated fusion of traditional Asian flavors with classic Spanish tapas and Mediterranean product integrity. Dinner begins with inventive small plates: melt-in-the-mouth Iberian ham croquettes paired with a spicy kimchi emulsion, delicate Wagyu beef gyoza, and impeccably fresh red tuna tartare served with crispy nori crackers. For mains, the robata grill takes center stage, producing smoky, perfectly charred octopus and succulent black cod glazed in sweet miso. The presentation is theatrical, mirroring the panoramic views of the illuminated Plaza de España and the Royal Palace visible through the wraparound glass walls.

As dinner service winds down, Ginkgo shifts gears into a vibrant nightlife venue. The cocktail menu is a work of mixological art, featuring signature creations infused with exotic botanicals, Japanese teas, and premium Spanish gins, served with dramatic garnishes. Live jazz performances set a sophisticated mood during early evening cocktails, later giving way to deep house and lounge beats spun by resident DJs as the crowd spills out onto the wraparound open-air terrace. For a more casual setting, the ground-floor Ginkgo Garden offers a leafy, sheltered courtyard space ideal for daytime coffees, business lunches, or relaxed afternoon G&Ts surrounded by living vertical gardens.

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