THOMPSON MADRID
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 9/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $360
Thompson Hotels has rapidly expanded as one of Hyatt's premier boutique brands since its acquisition in 2018. The Thompson Madrid, the hotel chain’s first Thompson property in Europe, or anywhere outside of North America for that matter, opened in the fall of 2022 and we hope it is just the beginning of the brand’s international expansion. From chic guest rooms to a captivating lobby, there's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this newest addition to the Thompson Hotels portfolio.
LOCATION
9/10
Nestled within Madrid's upscale Salamanca district, the Thompson is situated in the heart of the city's new Golden Mile area, overlooking the Plaza del Carmen. Conveniently located just a 7-minute walk to Plaza Mayor, a 15-20 minute walk to the Prado Museum, and a 20-minute walk to El Retiro Park, the hotel offers a central base for exploring the city's cultural and historical treasures. It is located in a very highly trafficked, touristy area so that does weigh a bit on the negative side but with the great walkability to the great neighborhood of Chueca, lots of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, really makes a vacation here so easy. The Madrid airport is about 30 minutes away by car.
AMENITIES
8.5/10
GYM 8.5/10
The gym, located on the second floor, offers a decent array of workout machines with its wall-to-ceiling glass walls providing ample natural light and city views. While it may not be the biggest facility, it featured new LifeFitness cardio and strength equipment. From state-of-the-art treadmills to spinning bikes and ellipticals, the cardio machines were in great condition and were honestly all that is needed. The strength training section included brand-new machines as well, but was limited to an all-in-one and a pulley cable machine, along with free weights, a punching bag, and some medicine balls. While we enjoyed our workouts and were satisfied with the equipment, serious weightlifters or yoga enthusiasts may prefer to explore options off premises.
SPA
There is no spa at this property.
POOL 9/10
During our stay, we found one of the hotel's standout features to be its rooftop pool. Enjoying our visit during the summer months, we took the opportunity to bask in the sun and relax beside the luxurious marble infinity-edge pool. The rooftop area was well-equipped with comfortable lounge chairs, high-top tables, and provided an impressive 360-degree view of the city skyline in addition to a bar from which you could order drinks.
OTHER
The hotel also features the Omar Restaurant, a bistro-style restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide and a hidden piano bar Hijos de Tomas. The property also provides concierge service and currency exchange for guests. There is 24-hour room service, excellent internet, and paid parking facilities. All Thompson hotels are pet-friendly, however, there is a 22-pound weight limit and a nightly fee.
ROOM
9/10
The Thompson Madrid has 175 guest rooms spread across seven floors. We booked a standard room but were upgraded to a King Bed with Balcony room at check in because of our Hyatt status. The room was about 350 square feet in size and wasn’t big or too small. It had a blend of classic mid-century and modern decor accented with contemporary touches. Spanish marble adorned the walls, creating a striking visual when illuminated in the evening and the balcony provided nice, but not amazing, city views. We thoroughly enjoyed the very comfortable bed with great linens and awesome oversized pillows. The bathroom mirrored the room's stylish and luxurious aesthetic, featuring an oversized sink and glass panels dividing the rainfall shower and toilet area as well as products from D.S. & Durga's Bowmakers line. The room was meticulously appointed, with tastefully designed door handles and light fittings and additional amenities, such as a center console table with a Nespresso machine and a built-in minibar, added to the comfort of our stay. Notably, there was no formal desk nor lounge chair in the room.
BREAKFAST
9.5/10
Breakfast at the Omar Restaurant, served from 8 am to 11:30 am, was an absolutely delightful experience. Thanks to our Hyatt status, we were provided with a daily complimentary multi-course breakfast, a perk we truly appreciated. Every morning started out with fresh orange juice, coffee drinks, fresh fruit, homemade pastries and a mix of meats and cheeses which included Iberian ham. If that wasn’t enough, you are then able to order of of the a la carte menu which includes a wide variety of elevated breakfast dishes, many with a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean influence. We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast; the quality of the food was exceptional, and the service was impeccable.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Sala de Despiece 2 (5 minute walk) - Tapas at a trendy and very fun restaurant.
Chocolateria San Gines (7 minute walk) - Landmark cafe serving hot chocolate and churros.
Cebo Madrid (9 minute walk) - A great high-end tasting menu.
Bodega de la Ardosa (9 minute walk) - Tapas in a spot formerly frequented by matadors.
Dos Cielos (10 minute walk) - Another great high-end tasting menu.
Roostiq (13 minute walk) - A high quality, modern farm-to-table steakhouse.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Ramon Freixa (10 minute drive) - An absolutely exquisite restaurant from an amazing chef.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from Madrid, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Madrid offers a wealth of attractions and activities that cater to a variety of interests. Some of the best things to do in Madrid include:
Experience Plaza Mayor (8 minute walk) - Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid's most iconic squares. Take in the stunning architecture, dine at a sidewalk café, or browse the souvenir shops.
Marvel at the architecture of Gran Vía (9 minute walk) -Take a stroll along Gran Vía, Madrid's bustling main street, lined with beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, theaters, and shops.
Sample Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel (10 minute walk) - Indulge in a culinary adventure at Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market offering a wide selection of tapas, seafood, pastries, and other Spanish delicacies.
Explore the Royal Palace (15 minute walk) -Discover the grandeur of the Spanish monarchy at the Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning architectural masterpiece with opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visit the Prado Museum (20 minute walk) - Home to an extensive collection of European art, including works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, the Prado Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
Visit the Reina Sofía Museum (12 minute drive) - Discover modern and contemporary art at the Reina Sofía Museum, home to works by Picasso, Dalí, and other influential artists.
VERDICT
The Thompson Madrid is a truly fantastic hotel that really does take care of its guests. This hotel delivers modern, new-world luxury in its urban setting and with the renovation of Plaza del Carmen, we think it is going to get even better. We love this hotel and hope that Hyatt decides to continue expanding the Thompson brand internationally.