Stay Your Way in Mainland Spain

For some time, Spain has flown under the radar of the conventional American traveler whose minds may first flit to London, Paris, and Rome before they think of the Iberian Peninsula. And vacationers in the know were more than happy with this, sharing the joys of Barcelona and Madrid with fellow Europhiles and native Europeans, reveling in authentic experiences and well-preserved history.

But now, especially with the fast-growing popularity of its neighbor Portugal and the exciting development of American resort brands in Spanish islands such as Mallorca, Ibiza, and Tenerife, Spain has been a country on the tips of many a traveler’s tongue. What should follow close behind are some of Hyatt Hotels’ newest properties to make a stay on the mainland an unforgettable one.

In Madrid, guests are spoiled for choice. There are three Hyatt hotels to discover in the nation’s capital, and all of them offer upscale stays in distinctly different vibes.

For those who want to be at the center of it all, there’s the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, literally just steps from top restaurants and bars, shopping, museums, and monuments. It’s set on a lively location on the retail strip that’s been compared by some as “Spanish Broadway.” This also means fantastic restaurants are just outside, too, and the professionals at this locals-staffed hotel are more than happy to share their favorites. An on-site fitness center with Kinesis, Bonpilates Reformer, and other top-notch workout equipment help to zero out those great meals so that your new purchases remain the perfect fit.

For something closer to the business and cultural center, the Hyatt Recency Hesperia Madrid on Paseo de la Castellana is the right choice. Contemporary, sleek hotel rooms and suites are ideal for workation zen.  Plus, corporate card-worthy meals and business dinners you’ll want to linger over are just seconds from this sophisticated hotel’s lobby, and that’s no exaggeration. The Smoked Room Restaurant, a reference of Spanish haute cuisine and recipient of two Michelin stars, is among the dining venues right within the building. Only 14 guests are permitted to dine each evening, feasting on 15 seasonally inspired dishes by Chef Dani Garcia that vary daily. For something more traditional, the other restaurant, Lena, is his, too.

The Thompson Madrid is also a superb example of taste-making, in figurative as well as the literal sense. Of course it has notable dining, from rooftop TAMA serving “ancestral fare” to a hidden piano bar, all helmed by fourth-generation chef Nino Redruello of century-old La Ancha and Fismuler, but the character and vibrancy of this hotel is designed for modern immersion. It’s set in a ten-story landmark hotel building on Calle de la Montera, a historical avenue, and rooms boast sumptuous details like marble and leather, sculptural silhouettes, luxury linens, D.S. & Durga bath amenities, and more. Plus, as the jump-off point for the Golden Mile and a stroll from the city’s major landmarks, including Puerto del Sol and Plaza Mayor (see what you can identify through the floor-to-ceiling windows or private terrace!), it’s ideal for upscale leisure trips.

Finally, in the heart of Catalan, there’s no better way to explore than from a recognizable landmark. The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower is emblematic for the 360-degree-view glass dome that caps the building designed by British architect Richard Rogers. This emphasis on views galore extend into a massive, show-stopping dynamic video screen in the atrium area and even a full auditorium with stadium seating.

However, this hotel isn’t all about the business. A quick car ride gets you to the La Rambla and other Gothic Quarter attractions in around 15 minutes, and public transit is easily accessible. Meanwhile, a futuristic silhouette and privileged location on Gran Via, just ten minutes from the airport, make it easy to navigate your way home to the hotel, your point of origin … or those Balearic or Canary Islands everyone’s so eager to hop to.

FROM OUR SPONSOR:

Did you know that ALG Vacations® Travel Protection Plus coverage covers price protection for stays in Europe, including Spain? And that for a limited time, you can pair a mainland Spain stay with an island stop for less? Visit www.ALGVacations.com/PlanWithAPro to learn about other ways ALG Vacations® works to support and strengthen the travel advisor community.