NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding
BACKGROUND Spain’s NH Hotel Group operates almost 400 hotels in Europe, Africa and the US. NH Collection is its “premium” brand, with its Madrid Eurobuilding being a flagship property. Housed in a 1970s tower, the 412-room hotel reopened in October last year following a major refurbishment. The brand’s first executive club concept, VIP Level, was launched here in May. WHAT’S IT LIKE? NH is focused on business travel and meetings. The spectacular 300 sqm vaulted LED screen on the ceiling of the Eurobuilding lobby is an eyecatching way to brand corporate events, and the décor is bright, modern and suitably stylish. WHERE IS IT? In Barrio Chamartin, a financial district mixed with pleasant residential areas. It’s about 4km from the city centre and 14km from MadridBarajas airport, a 20-minute drive or Metro ride on Line 8. ROOM FACILITIES Rooms start at 34 sqm and have Nespresso machines, rainshowers, free wifi and flatscreen TVs. Premium rooms and suites are classified as VIP Level and offer benefits including 12pm check-in and 2pm check-out subject to availability, private check-in, pressing of two items of ironing, free parking, and a 15th-floor club lounge serving complimentary drinks and snacks.
My 40 sqm Premium corner room on the tenth floor was spacious and bright, with three terraces offering extensive city views, including the Santiago Bernabeu stadium (Real Madrid’s home turf). The airy open-plan feel was accentuated with white walls and furniture, glass and mirrors, a light wooden floor, and upholstery in taupe and pale grey leather. A mauve rug and orchid added a splash of colour.
The toilet and powerful walk-in shower were separated from the basin and dressing area by frosted glass, which was in turn screened from the bedroom by electric blinds covering a glass wall. For such a large room, the wardrobe was not particularly generous. The super-king bed was comfortable. RESTAURANTS AND BARS Dining is a big focus for the hotel, which boasts Madrid’s only threeMichelin-star restaurant, Diverxo. Headed up by chef David Munoz, it has a year-long waiting list. The main restaurant is Domo – run by chef Luis Bartholome, with twoMichelin-star chef Paco Roncero as consultant, and mixologist Diego Cabrera. I enjoyed dishes such as lobster carpaccio with frozen Campo Real cheese sorbet, and roasted micro-vegetables in celeriac mojo sauce. The breakfast buffet was also delicious, and there is a sleek sushi restaurant.
VIP Level guests have their own breakfast room offering à la carte dishes. Domo’s bar terrace is a great spot for supping cocktails on a warm evening. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES NH regards technology as one of its USPs for event planners. A flagship product is its 3D hologram offering: earlier this year, Sony Pictures hosted a launch of its film Chappie with star Hugh Jackman appearing “virtually” on stage in Madrid – he was actually at the NH Nhow in Berlin.
The first-floor convention centre has 27 meeting spaces, the largest of which holds 1,000 delegates. The “Smart”rooms offer telepresence facilities, electronic whiteboards that can be simultaneously written on in multiple locations, and Microsoft Lync Online technology for sharing notes across all participants’ mobile devices. LEISURE FACILITIES The huge 4,000 sqm health club and spa complex has Technogym equipment and free weights and offers personal training, yoga and spin cycle sessions. Entry to the gym is free but the spa – with a lap pool, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms – is e22 per day (free for VIP Level guests). The roof above the pool opens up in summer, and there is an urban “beach” with a bar. VERDICT This business property offers an enjoyable, glamorous environment with super dining, innovative technology and the largest gym I’ve seen in a hotel.