"Room Mate Mario does cheap chic with an innovative philosophy, and boasts well-designed rooms without unnecessary frills."
Room Mate Mario in Madrid is part of a new concept luxury 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 luxury 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 luxury hotel becomes the home of a “friend” and that it can become a trusty “friend” in itself, thus the barriers between client and staff melt away. In this case, Room Mate Mario is a “philosopher-cum-film director” intimate, erudite, needing his space. Alícia and Oscár, the other two luxury hotels, are more lively and gregarious, set in the more raucous neighbourhoods of Santa Anna and Chueca.
The facilities
Mario has an extensive music and DVD library for artsy guests while staff will fill you in on the latest cultural events. The luxury 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 café serve breakfast and one of Madrid’s most satisfying dining experiences, the restaurant La Viuda Blanca, is right next door.
Star rating:
Address: Calle Campomanes 4, Madrid, Spain
View rooms
Address: Calle Campomanes 4, Madrid, Spain
Rates from:
EUR 80
Check Availability
Come for
- Good value
- 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.
Eating in
There is no formal restaurant at Room Mate Mario, but the café does serve a buffet breakfast every morning.
