The Plaza Santa Ana in the old city of Madrid is one of those wonderful European city squares that are iconic, a place to enjoy the culture and vitality of the capital, sip a cocktail or enjoy a meal at one of the numerous restaurants and bars that surround the plaza, ideally taking one of the many outside tables that spill across the square. The architecture is grand, the atmosphere is relaxing and friendly, and certainly less touristy than other parts of the city. It is in this delightful location that Melia Hotels chose to completely refurbish the former venerable Gran Hotel Reina Victoria and create the outstanding ME Madrid Reina Victoria.
Fortunately, the renovation project retained the magnificent white front facade of the building that dominates the entire west side of the Plaza. Inside, guests step into a chic contemporary style that is the ME trademark. The gleaming white lobby boasts comfortably modern sofa lounge areas highlighted with colorful armchairs and modern art. The rooms are bright, sleek and airy with custom-made furniture in a minimalist style with wood floors and full amenities including iPod dock, WiFi and DVD, plus 32-inch plasma TVs. The traditional minibar is replaced here by what ME calls the Maxibar, essentially a mid room cube that contains a larger than average selection of wines, liquors, snacks and other useful items. The hotel offers 180 rooms and 12 suites, some of which include an extravagant balcony area overlooking the plaza. Located just off the lobby, the restaurant Ana La Santa serves traditional Spanish tapas and also new-style tapas inspired by flavors from around the world. The atmosphere is modern yet comfortable with a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Guests should not miss a visit to The Roof, a magnificently restored terraced bar area that has quickly developed a reputation as one of the most spectacular and trendiest bars in the city, offering a South Beach-type feel with multiple lounging areas and panoramic views of the city—open until 3 a.m.
One of ME Madrid’s biggest assets is undoubtedly its location, most of Madrid’s major museums and attractions are within easy walking distance. The world famous Prado Museum, with its wonderful collection of Goya and Velaquez pieces, is just a 15 minute walk away; and a few hundred yards farther is the Reina Sofia Museum, offering one of the world’s finest collections of contempory art. Madrid’s old city centerpiece, the magnificent Plaza Mayor, is 10 minutes away. The surrounding quaint narrow streets also offer a huge variety of tapas bars, restaurants and interesting shopping.
If your clients are interested in checking out ME Madrid Reina Victoria for themselves, the property is currently offering two packages. The first package, ME + Dog, which is ideal for pet-owners, includes nightly accommodations, toys for pets, a dog bed, and a special pets’ menu, starting at $253 per night. The second package, Do Not Disturb, offers nightly accommodations, assistance of the Aura Experience manager—a type of personal concierge that ensures guests’ needs and expectations are met—ingredients to make your own in-room cocktails, late checkout until 2 p.m., a SkinC Spa treatment, a special welcome romantic amenity, an in-room sensual kit, and a sexy playlist on an iPod or CD. Rates start at $458 per night. For more information, visit melia.com/en/hotels/spain/madrid/me-madrid-reina-victoria.
