You know a city is hot when multiple major luxury hotels open up shop. That’s the case with Madrid, where the likes of the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Rosewood have arrived. The latter is especially notable, making a great destination even more compelling. But does the classic Villa Magna, now under the Rosewood portfolio, make the list of best hotels in Madrid? Here’s the review.

Overview

Villa Magna is an iconic palace from the 19th century whose walls have seen many a fancy gala. Located in the posh neighborhood of Salamanca, Villa Magna is certainly one of the top hotels in Madrid. Opened in the 1970s as a hotel, Villa Magna joined the Rosewood properties in 2020. After a renovation of a year and a half, it reopened at the end of 2021.

The Atmosphere

Each of the true five-star hotels in Madrid has a distinct personality. Villa Magna is the luxury hotel that feels like a personal home and is the most boutique of the top hotels in the old city. The Living Room is outfitted with cozy fireplaces and deep, comfortable couches that evoke the atmosphere of Rosewood’s London property. There are equal parts locals and out-of-town guests, adding to the elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

When you’re a guest here, you’ll see the place isn’t pretentious in the least. That’s even though you are in one of the best hotels in Madrid. Privacy is a constant as you wander through the outdoor gardens, living areas, restaurants, bars, and a stunning open-air courtyard. Villa Magna is the hotel for you if you want to feel like you’re not staying in a hotel. It’s chic and authentic. You may just feel like you’re one of the well-heeled Madrileños.

The Rooms

The elegantly paneled rooms at Villa Magna are classically furnished and accessorized thoughtfully. Baths are all modern and brand new, with en-suite dressing rooms and plentiful closet space for extended stays. The suites are worth the splurge if you’re going to spend a decent amount of time in your room. The sizable living rooms and generous soaking tubs make these accommodations feel more like apartments. The rooms may not be the most opulent for those who are accustomed to super-de-luxe hotels, but they’re as comfortable and pleasant as the day is long.

Dining

Villa Magna has four outstanding dining options. This alone makes the place one of the best hotels in Madrid. The top power breakfast and lunch in Madrid happens at the relatively casual Las Brasas de Castellana. In the open kitchen, chefs whip up lobster and chanterelle mushroom omelets in the morning. If you ask for yours with egg whites, it will come out almost like a soufflé.

Throughout the day, you can order traditional Spanish tapas that are leveled up with an elegant Madrileño presentation. Traditional dishes include razor clams in herbed butter and shrimp croquettes. Also on the menu are culinary mainstays like pan con tomate and patatas bravas. Every spring, the restaurant reopens its beloved outdoor terrace with a view of the lawn and gardens, where comfortable lounge chairs await unhurried guests.

From Grab and Go to Gourmet

Flor y Nata is the all-day patisserie on the hotel premises. While afternoon tea isn’t traditional in Spain, it is an affair at Villa Magna. If you’re looking to have an especially mouthwatering experience, Cenador de Amós, headed three-Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez, offers the best food in northern Spain. The tasting menu is excellent value at around 70-90 euro.

Another classy spot for dining and drinks at the hotel is Tarde.O, an indoor bar with a contemporary courtyard. The walls are wood paneled and evoke a private club. During the winter there are blazing fireplaces you can cozy up to with a drink.

The Spa

Don’t make the mistake of skipping Villa Magna’s Sense Spa. Located in the subterranean level, it’s an enclave of warm natural stone and wood that quickly puts you in a Zen frame of mind. If you’re jet-lagged, there’s no better way to acclimate to the new time zone than the hammam — followed by a blissful massage.

The Service

You don’t make the list of best hotels in Madrid unless you have your service down pat. Nowadays, even at the luxury level, there are hotels where it seems like the staff is just a lot of kids running around. That’s not the case at Rosewood; the grown-ups orchestrate the show here. Service is professional all around. It’s also warm and unpretentious. The team does everything to ensure you have a great experience at the hotel.

Overall

8.9/10. This is not only one of the best hotels in Madrid, it’s now the place to stay.

FAQs

Q: When are the check-in and check-out times at Villa Magna?

A: Check-in is at 3p.m., and check-out is at noon.

Q: Does the hotel have Wi-Fi?

A: Villa Magna provides guests with complimentary high-speed internet access.

Q: Is there a pool?

A: Villa Magna does not have pools.

Q: Where is the nearest metro station?

A: Villa Magna is a six minute walk from Rubén Darío metro station.

Rosewood Villa Magna Information

Address: Paseo de la Castellana 22, 28046 Madrid, Spain

Phone number: +34 915 87 12 34

Map: