The Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid is an exclusive five-star hotel located in one of the most chic areas of the capital. Opened in 1952 and decorated under the French influence of the nineteenth century, this elegant buildingis protected within the architectural heritage of Madrid and is located on the famous Velázquez street, in the Salamanca district.
The Wellington Hotel and its history
The same year in which Spain became a member of UNESCO and Queen Elizabeth II of England began her reign, the Wellington Hotel was inaugurated. Thus, on April 19, 1952, the businessman Don Baltasar Ibán Valdés fulfilled his dream of opening a luxury hotel in Madrid. And it was a good thing he did because people wanted to go, and a lot.
So much so that it expanded in 1976, becoming what we know today as Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid. An expansion that also has history, since it is located in the same place where, until July 1936, the famous Torreón had been erected, where the writer Ramón Gómez de la Serna spent his last days in Spain before going into exile in Argentina.
What can you do at the Wellington Hotel?
There are several plans awaiting you at this five-star venue: from relaxing in a luxurious spa session or refreshing yourself in its outdoor pool, to enjoying a live candlelight concert with Candlelight.
In addition, the hotel also has five restaurants, a bar and its famous “Brunch at the Wellington”, so you can delight yourself with the finest cuisine under the direction of renowned chefs such as Javier Librero and Ricardo Sanz.
Curiosities about the Wellington Hotel
1. It is home to the largest urban vegetable garden in the world.
Just as you read it. In the heart of downtown and at a height of over 30 meters, is the largest urban garden in the world. 14 plots of organic crops are located on the rooftop of this magnificent hotel, where vineyards, fruit trees and numerous vegetables enjoy exceptional conditions thanks to the proximity of the Retiro Park.
2. Hosted guests at the royal wedding of the King and Queen of Spain.
The Royal House decided that the guests at the royal wedding of the now King and Queen of Spain, held on that rainy May 22, 2005, would stay at the Wellington Hotel. A luxurious location of reference in the capital that not only provided its glamorous rooms, but also professionals who developed the wedding banquet in the Royal Palace of Madrid.
3. Celebrities such as Matt Damon or Mel Gibson have passed through here.
Throughout its 70 years of history, it has hosted numerous international personalities and celebrities. Among the long list we can find, among others, the names of the actors Matt Damon, Adrien Brody, John Malkovich, Mel Gibson and Gene Kelly; the writers Ernest Hemingway and Paul Aster or the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
How to get to the Wellington Hotel
The Hotel Wellington is located at number 6 Velázquez Street, in the Salamanca neighborhood. A prestigious location very close to the Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcalá, which you can easily reach if you get off at the metro stops Príncipe de Vergara (lines 2 and 9), Retiro (line 2) or Velázquez (line 4).
How much does the ‘Brunch at the Wellington’ cost?
The “Brunch at the Wellington” can be enjoyed on Sundays from 12:30h to 16:00h, and costs 80€ for adults, and 40€ for children up to 12 years old. It is an exclusive Sunday lunch where you can taste a selection of cold meats, rice, fish, salads, meats, vegetables and homemade desserts, as well as a wide variety of drinks.
When is the spa at the Wellington Hotel in Madrid open?
The Wellness & Spa services of the Wellington Hotel are included in the Le Max Wellness Club Wellington & Spa and its opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, and from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
The Hotel Wellington is one of the most historic luxury hotels in Madrid. Located on Calle Velázquez in the exclusive Salamanca neighborhood, it can be easily reached by metro, getting off at the Príncipe de Vergara, Retiro or Velázquez stops.
Just a subway, bus, commuter train or simply walking away, the capital allows us to enjoy dream places, whether they are an open secret or hidden treasures. And many of them are also stages for Candlelight concerts, which for one night are illuminated with thousands of candles and the live sound of tributes to all kinds of musical genres. Whoever said that Madrid had a lot to offer was right, and its buildings even more so.