Formerly known as HH Campomanes, Mario is part of a new concept hotel chain dreamt up by the Sarasola brothers, one of whom famously dated Penelope Cruz. The innovative if somewhat risky idea is to allow each hotel to develop “his” or “her” own personality reflected in the atmosphere created by the staff, sound, lighting and décor.
The concept suggests that the hotel becomes the home of a “friend” and that it can become a trusty “friend” in itself - the barriers between client and staff melt away. In this case, Mario is a “philosopher-cum-film director” intimate, erudite, needing his space. Alícia and Oscár, the other two hotels scheduled to open later this year, are more lively and gregarious, set in the more raucous neighbourhoods of Santa Anna and Chueca.
Mario has an extensive music and DVD library for artsy guests while staff will fill you in on the latest cultural events. The hotel was decorated by Angel Verdú, one of the most innovative designers to hit Spain’s hotel scene in decades. Minimalist, grey, white and beige mini-suites, a small, cosy lobby and cafe serve breakfast and one of Madrid’s most satisfying dining experiences, La Viuda Blanca, is right next door.
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Room Mate Mario
"Room Mate Mario does cheap chic with an innovative philosophy, and boasts well-designed rooms without unnecessary frills."
Mario Room Mate by Rupert Eden
Address: Calle Campomanes 4, Madrid, Spain
Reservations: +44 (0)20 7580 2663
Rates from:
Come for
Good value
Good, artsy library of CDs and DVDs
Not suitable for
Fans of concierge desks and flurries of hotel flunkies
Children
Baby-sitting services can be arranged on request and extra beds are available.
Getting there
This hotel is wonderfully located infront of the Opera House and Royal Palace. A 30 minute ride from Baragas airport and a minute from the Opera station.
Press quotes
"One of the few hotels in the capital offering a modern and innovative hotel experience. The philosophy here is: great location (near the Opera and Palacio Real), chic design (much of the hotel is decorated with Philippe Starck furniture), but without room or concierge service. The rooms are comfortable but small and simple. The formula has been so successful since they opened a year ago that the owners already have plans for another hotel in the developing area of Chueca." The Guardian
One of the more recent additions to Madrid's hotel scene, this is another of the new breed of design hotels. Opened in 2001, it is ideally located for the Teatro Real, Metro Opera and all the restaurants and bars in this part of the city. However, it's tucked away on a smart, quiet street. There is a tiny but cosy lobby and a cafe where breakfast is served. The 30 bedrooms, two of them mini-suites, are tastefully decorated in beige and charcoal greys. White walls and minimalism are the name of the game. The Observer
"At HH Campomanes you will find 30 rooms and minimalist colors - white, black and gray, with the odd splash of scarlet - within a 19th-century apartment building, painted peach and adorned with wrought-iron balconies. Rooms are smallish but comfortable, furniture is by Philippe Starck." New York Times
"More than just a good deal, this new, modern, and stylish hotel is right in the city center, steps away from the major sites and nightlife. Although somewhat small and limited in services, its bold modern style -- white, gray, and black tones -- and friendly service are a breath of fresh air from the options of traditional and neoclassic hotels in Madrid. 30 rooms, 2 suites. Café, laundry facilities." Fodors
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