Hard Rock and Sol Melia to Open the First Hard Rock Hotel in Europe

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

MADRID, December 19, 2005. The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will soon rock onto the European scene, bringing renewed vitality to the historic Gran Hotel Reina Victoria, deep in the heart of Spain's capital. The joint venture, managed by Spain's largest hotel group, Sol Melia and the U.S.-based Hard Rock, brings the Hard Rock Hotel brand to Europe for the first time ever, transforming the hotel interior into a sleek and contemporary space while maintaining the architectural integrity of the building's exterior. Scheduled to open in late Spring 2006, the 192-room Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will offer guests a total sensory experience combined with one-of-a-kind service, guaranteed to exceed expectations.

"We are thrilled to bring the Hard Rock hotels to Europe for the very first time," says Trevor Horwell, Vice President of Hard Rock Hotels. "The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will epitomize the ideal of urban luxury and is guaranteed to deliver to our guests the unique and dynamic experience for which Hard Rock has become famous."

Enlisting the talents of renowned British architect Keith Hobbs of United Designers and American nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber, the Hard Rock Hotel will create an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet sensual. Famous for his modern design and discerning taste, Hobbs' vision will guarantee a visually impressive space. Rande Gerber is the founder of Midnight Oil Company and has partnered with his brother, Scott Gerber, to create After Midnight Company. Meanwhile, the Gerber's will introduce one of their signature sexy, chic lounges and restaurants to the European nightlife scene.

"Sol Melia, known for its world-class properties, will bring to our loyal guests and locals the most exciting destination hotel concept that Madrid has ever seen," says Angel Palomino, Executive Vice President of Development in Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts. "A high-quality product designed to compete with Madrid's best hotels and touting our service excellence, the Hotel Rock Hotel in Madrid will be a valuable asset to the city while serving as a paradigm for future European Hard Rock hotels."

The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid uses a restricted palette and a family of colors to play upon the contrast of the old and new - a juxtaposition of historic existing architecture and contemporary design. The design team concentrated on the hotel as a whole linking all the spaces to embody the spirit of the Hard Rock brand.

Upon entering the lobby, guests will encounter a long dynamic space filled with natural light that offers intriguing glimpses of the drama unfolding beyond. The ambiance of the space will be skillfully orchestrated by the hotel's Vibe Manager. This 'cultural ambassador' ensures that guests experience a cool, calm and contemporary culture, an urban retreat, a place they can call home.

Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid's personalized concierge service practices the mantra -- Love All, Serve All - 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. Whatever the elaborate need, the Hard Rock in Madrid's concierge will go to the ends of the earth to ensure a seamless experience.

The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid is an option for both business and leisure travelers, packed with amenities designed to exceed every guest expectation. Beginning with contemporary designed rooms accented with timeless artwork featuring the work of a variety of musical artists including rhythm & blues, jazz, rock, etc. Poised to meet its guests' discerning taste, Deluxe & Supreme rooms feature plush feather top bedding with three hundred thread count cotton linen, dark hardwood floors, an oversized work station, iPod connection and a Cocktail Bar. All rooms are electronically equipped with a state-of-the-art home theatre entertainment center featuring a 32-inch plasma television and CD/DVD while WiFi Internet access and laptop safe ensure convenience and safety all at once.

In the select Dream Rooms, guests will have access to every possible service and amenity through the personalized concierge service, which includes complimentary pressing, iPod use and beverages from the Cocktail Bar. A special service will even be provided to guests who come with their own car which will be cleaned and washed and made ready for the next day. All Grand Suites offer a private terrace while The Tower offers breathtaking views of the Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza del Angel. Once the legendary room choice of Spain's leading bullfighters, The Tower offers guests a 360o view of the city and a complimentary bottle of champagne with which to enjoy it.

The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid's bar and dining venues will be just as impressive as the rest of the hotel. In typical Rande Gerber fashion, the new restaurant is sure to attract the city's fashionistas, hipsters and movers & shakers with a seductive combination of globe spanning cuisine and scintillating ambience. The centrally located bar with its luxurious finishes and modern, eclectic furniture will appeal to everyone, ensuring easy access for late night rendezvous'.

"The design of the restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar will incorporate the glamour and excitement of Madrid with the richness of cutting edge design," said Rande Gerber, Founder of Midnight Oil Company and After Midnight Company. "As with all of our properties, we will work to create a unique vibe in our lounge and roof deck and implement an international mix of music."

The Roof Top Bar of the Hard Rock Hotel will be Madrid's hallmark hotspot. Guests will come for the drinks... stay for the music... and love the scene. Whisked up from the ground floor in a private elevator, guests and the public alike can experience the Hard Rock Hotel's Terrace Bar where the people are as dynamic as the unobstructed, panoramic city views that overlook the famous Plaza Santa Ana. To accent the fabulous outdoor space, lounge chairs can be enjoyed to sun during the day or gaze at the stars at night. Indoors, guests can enjoy the comfortable lounge or take a seat at the exclusive VIP Bar, where Madrid's most glamorous guests will gather for unforgettable private parties.

Also ideal for business meetings and events, The Hard Rock offers 4,400 square feet (more than 400 square meters) of meeting, reception and conference space, which can be separated into seven individual spaces. Located on the Conference Level, the hotel features state-of-the-art equipment, adaptable to suit many needs. Guests can also make use of the 24-7 Business Center, which features high-speed internet, computers, fax and scanner.

Not to be missed is the Hard Rock's "Rock Shop," a new retail project developed especially for the Hard Rock hotels. Stephanie Nelson, expert buyer and product developer for Hard Rock Hotel boutiques, has used the inspiration of musicians to launch a new artist-inspired collection. The result is the Rock Shop, a fashion boutique which will compliment the style and glamour of Hard Rock Hotel guests. The unveiling of the updated Rock Shop promises to become the go-to fashion spot for all movers, shakers and music fanatics. The Rock Shop will feature exclusive collections of fashion designs from the world's best music artists, such as I.AM and Edun, as well as lifestyle items such as fine linens and bedding, unique picture frames and exquisite, hand-crafted candles, to name just a few. This is in addition to traditional Hard Rock branded items and memorabilia, as well as personal sundry items.

The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid is centrally located with easy access to all major attractions including the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums, Retiro Park, Parliament, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the business and shopping districts, with plenty of eating and drinking options. Barajas Airport is only 14 km from the hotel and Atocha Train Station is about 2 km away.