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This article is part of the FT Globetrotter's guide to Madrid
UMusic Hotel, Universal Music Group's first hotel, was opened with the ambition to be an 'entertainment hub'. It was built around the Albiniz Theatre, which dates back to the 1940s and was recently renovated (after a long community-led campaign to prevent its demolition), with the aim of attracting a roster of national and international artists for concerts and shows.
Which is why, a few hours after checking in, I found myself in the theater stalls, surrounded by enthusiastic fans of Spanish singer David Bustamante who had come to see him star in Ghost: The Musical, based on the 1990 Demi Moore-inspired Patrick Swayze film.
It was a fun show with some magic show special effects, and coming out at around 8:30pm, Madrid was basking in the warmth of a late spring evening. The hotel – and theater – are located in a quiet backstreet behind the central square, Puerta del Sol, with an eclectic group of neighbours: a few tailoring shops, specialist guitar maker José Ramírez and, next door, a quaint workshop selling religious crafts. .
I wonder what the 19th and early 20th century Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, after whom the theater is named, would have made of the 21st century music played in the hotel – during my stay it was mostly contemporary pop in the hallways and ballads In the restaurant at dinner, while a large screen stretched across one of the lobby walls showed Universal Music videos on repeat. Guest rooms have speakers that you can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and live photos of popular artists and musical acts adorn the hotel's interior.
UMusic has two connected buildings – the one I stayed in (which has a private balcony for guests only) was slightly separate from the main hotel, making it more private, and the slight downside is that you then have to use two elevators to get to and from most of the amenities. My deluxe room was bright and comfortable, with glass doors opening onto a spacious balcony overlooking the street.
The staff were friendly and attentive at the on-site restaurant, El Albéniz, which had a lively buzz at breakfast and served a good buffet as well as a short menu of a la carte dishes such as French toast and eggs Benedict. At lunch and dinner it was quieter. After a busy day of meetings or sightseeing, my advice is to take advantage of the sun loungers by the 12-metre outdoor pool for a nap, or enjoy the sunset with a beer on the rooftop.
In a glance:
Rooms: 112 rooms, 18 suites
Good for: Musical theater fans – the hotel doubles as an entertainment venue. And a pool terrace for sunbathing
Not very suitable for: If a gym and spa are your priorities when travelling, as the fitness room is small, although you can request in-room spa treatments
FYI: Choose a premium or higher guest room to have your own private balcony
Prices: double starting from 250 euros
Address: Calle de la Paz 11, 28012 Madrid
website; directione
Amy Bell stayed as a guest at the UMusic Hotel Madrid
What is your favorite stay in Madrid? Tell us in the comments below. And follow the FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter
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