My hOtel: a review Hotel Villa Magna, Madrid, Spain

Madrid Luxury Hotel: a review of Hotel Villa Magna in Madrid

If I had to choose very few words to describe the Hotel Villa Magna, in Madrid, they would be a classic reinvented, absolutely stunning and I do not know what else. A hotel I have known for many years (and stayed many times before), it is, without a doubt, a Madrid landmark. Renovated recently, which was needed (every grand dame needs a lift every now and then) – I must say it was an absolute pleasure to return. And how was my stay? Delightful, I would say. Vamos?

Pre-Arrival

–          Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?

My stay was organised via email and the whole process was seamless and efficient. I also booked 2 extra rooms for friends coming with me on this trip as it was a special one: Mr. O’s and my BFF’s husbands’ birthday weekend, when we always organise something special for our boys, and bring some special friends along.

–          Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?

I did try before and during, but sadly never got a response.

–          Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?

Not really, but I suspect some research went on…

Arrival

–          The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?

To be honest, I did not know what to expect as I knew it would look completely different since my last visit, a good 8 years ago. But from the moment the doors opened, all we could say was wow. Simple, beautiful colours and the Spanish warmth all around. It was also buzzing which is always a great sign.

–          How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?

Very good and very friendly. After we established we were to speak English (as Mr. O’s Spanish is a bit rusty), it was a breeze. The check-in team were great and we were escorted to our room. Baggage was to follow suit.

–          Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)

Absolutely, and all the time throughout my stay. I know (and appreciate) how difficult O’Reilly is to pronounce in Spanish (and in Portuguese) and I loved the effort.

–          Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?

No, I was confirmed in a deluxe king and it was what (we all) got.

–          Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?

I did indeed. And it continued throughout our whole stay. Everytime we arrived – late at night, in between shopping, etc, everyone was lovely (and always very happy to help us, especially with the shopping).

–          Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know

We did have a funny episode actually. Our bags were taken away from us when we arrived by taxi (we were with another couple, and at the same time, another unknown couple was also arriving). We were not really asked for our names or given a tag, which resulted in all our luggage being mixed up – we ended up having the third couple’s luggage brought to our room, but it was quickly sorted and my Tumis (I say plural as I came prepared for a weekend of shopping in Madrid) and I were soon reunited. We all took it with humour – it was a mix up but not a real issue, to be honest.

–          Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?

 Yes and it worked really well throughout our stay. It was free of charge and did not kick us out regularly, which is always a blessing.

Room Experience

–          First impressions – décor, size and wow factor

Our room at Hotel Villa Magna was simply stunning – spacious (I loved the double doors which meant that people could be singing in the corridor and we would never hear), and beautifully decorated. We overlooked the Paseo de la Castellana and the windows were quadruple glazed (or something) and it was so silent, I cannot tell you. The windows also opened (normally, which is not normal anymore) and it was great. There was a lot of wow wow wow as we inspected the room.

–          Welcome amenity

I loved the tea towels that the hotel left for us, and loved the sweet combinations that were changed daily throughout our stay. That blue macaroon was something else, I have to say.

–          The bed

Well, the bed was amazing. The mattress topper was one of the best ever I have encountered and even Mr. O commented on it. He also made one of his now famous comments, which went along the lines of ‘oh my, the sheets are so soft, are they frette?’. I love a man with good taste and an eye for detail. The sheets were incredibly soft and the pillows were amazing. Top 5 ever, I am sure.

–          Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.

Our wardrobe was located inside the bathroom (see the photo below) which was the best idea ever. It is where one gets dressed, right? And everything beautifully presented inside.

–          Iphone Charger/Dock

We had great plugs by the bed, so we did not use.

–          Bathrobes and slippers

They were there, of course, but we did not use.

–          Coffee and Tea

No and I never missed them. To be honest, I am pretty sure I could call anytime and ask for a tea or coffee. It is not very common in Southern Europe to see these amenities and I totally understand why.

–          Free bottled water

Yes and replenished daily. I love how the whole bottled water movement in Spain is miles away from any other country, with the glass bottled aisle at any supermarket is worthy of a gourmet store. We had very stylish Bezoya bottles, which went beautifully with the room decor (I am not joking).

–          Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!

Nothing to write home about to be honest. I would have loved a copy of Hola (the original Hello)!

–          Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.

Oh yes, absolutely, on each side of the bed and plenty by the desk. Very well thought (and as it should be).

Bathroom

–          First impressions – décor, size and wow factor

Our bathroom was spacious and split in two – one room with the vanity unit (and the closet) and another with the bath, loo and bidet. Perfect.

–          Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?

Everything was great and to the highest standard – I would have preferred a walk in shower, but we had a bath instead. The shower was good.

–          Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?

Some of the best towels I have seen in a hotel recently – the size was amazing, proper size (is it me or are hotel towels getting slightly smaller compared to the ones at home?). I actually did check and they were made in Portugal (oh the pride).

–          Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!

It was the second time I encountered Asprey products and I must say the love affair continues. I love this brand and the smell. Yum.

–          Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.

One of the best amenity kits I have seen (see photo above) – everything we needed and more and very cleverly hidden away, leaving the basin area uncluttered.

–          Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?

It was found inside the wardrobe and was very good.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served until 11am at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, and it is stunning. The cost (€30) is in line with most 5-star hotels and is included in most room rates as it is one of the hotel’s pride and joys (and rightly so).

I love a good Spanish breakfast and I did not need much, to be honest – I stopped right by the ‘queso de burgos’, and my meals consisted mostly of soft white cheese (my favourite), fresh fruit, fresh bread and a tad more cheese and iberico ham. Service was über friendly and it was a really nice experience.

Bar

We used the bar on both days and it was always lively and busy. We had to go and do some quality control on the gin & tonics (a hugely popular drink in Spain, and you can tell where I got this condition from). And indeed they were served in the proper glasses. And the cava selection was awesome.

General thoughts

–          How good and reliable was the wi-fi?

Very good. Nothing negative to report.

–          Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?

Sadly no, and it was a shame.

–          Location

For me? Hotel Villa Magna has the best location in Madrid, without a doubt. I used to live in the Salamanca district, and this is where my Madrid base usually is – where my shops and restaurants are and, the Hotel Villa Magna is one of the few hotels located here, away from the tourist areas. It is simply perfect and we walked almost everywhere.

–          Cost – rooms starting from…

Double rooms start at €380 per night including breakfast.

–          Would I recommend it to my best friend?

Well, she was there with me and loved it.

–          Would I stay again?

Oh yes, any time. It is my Madrid hotel without a doubt.

Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?

xo

Mrs. O

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Hotel Villa Magna during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property. For more information about the hotel, visit its official website.