Bringing a Parisian sense of style to the Spanish capital, Brach Madrid is one of the city’s most exciting luxury openings in the past 18-months. Located on Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía, this design-led hotel merges bold interiors, exceptional dining, and a glamorous retro atmosphere. Created by the renowned Evok Collection and designed by Philippe Starck, Brach Madrid offers a fresh perspective on luxury hospitality where art, culture, wellness, and gastronomy come together under one roof.
MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO SLEEP
Brach Madrid is more than just a place to sleep. Conceived as a lifestyle destination, the seven-storey hotel, topped by a belvedere, occupies a beautifully restored early 20th century building and houses 57 rooms and suites, an expansive wellness space, a bakery, restaurant, cocktail bar, and rooftop terrace. Throughout the property, Starck’s unmistakable signature design is evident, blending handcrafted details and vintage influences that combine to create a sense of modern nostalgia with a warm atmosphere.
ON MADRID’S MOST FAMOUS STREET
Situated on Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous shopping street, Brach Madrid enjoys a privileged position in the centre of the city. From here, many of city’s most celebrated attractions are within walking distance, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum. Madrid-Barajas Airport is approximately 25-minutes away by car, while several metro stations are located nearby.
The all-day dining experience is curated by Executive Head Chef Kamarl Rees John and begins with breakfast served from 6.30am Monday to Friday, catering to the early rhythm of the City. The menu flows through lunch and afternoon tea, available seven days a week, into dinner and late-night dining. From Thursday to Saturday, the restaurant remains open until 3am, offering a seamless setting for everything from morning meetings to after-hours celebrations.
The new menu features more than 35 dishes, from Lobster Benedict and Hot Cakes at breakfast to Galician T bone steak and Meyer lemon cheesecake on the à la carte. For the first time, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar will also introduce a tasting menu, available to à la carte diners as well as larger groups. The experience begins with a selection of snacks followed by five thoughtfully crafted courses that showcase the creativity and depth of the kitchen. Two additional set menus will be available, ideal for groups and celebrations.
A COSY ARRIVAL
The reception area is hidden away on the first floor in a cosy lounge full of polished wood, vintage-inspired furnishings, and shelves filled with books and objets d’art. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, while check-in was seamless, accompanied by a refreshing welcome drink and an introduction to the hotel’s concierge who was full of tips for exploring the local area and ready to make any bookings.
ACCOMODATION WHICH TELLS A STORY
The hotel houses 57 rooms, including four suites, which are all beautifully designed and luxurious with plenty of handcrafted furnishings, rich colours, and varied textures.
My room featured a comfortable king-size bed with a thick leather headboard, parquet flooring, and vintage artwork. Adding to the hotel’s immersive, maximalist feel, the built-in unit surrounding the television was stocked with cocktail-making equipment, musical instruments (including castanets, tambourine and a bandurria), a fan, art books, framed photos, boxing gloves, dumbbells, and board games – it was not a room you could get bored in!
Also worth mentioning was how remarkably quiet the room was thanks to thick quadruple-glazing, with two double-glazed doors to the French balconies. This was especially appreciated given Gran Via is a very lively street both during the daytime and at night.
The bathroom was dark and moody, combining sultry lighting with a breccia stone floor, elegant brass fixtures, freestanding bathtub, and a spacious walk-in shower. The oversized moss-green framed mirror above the sink was a piece of art in itself with abstract swirls and bronze highlights.
IN-DEMAND GASTRONOMY
The ground-floor Brach restaurant has quickly become one of Madrid’s most sought-after dining destinations. Led by Executive Chef Adam Bentalha and inspired by Mediterranean flavours with subtle Middle Eastern influences, the restaurant’s menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and sharing plates.
Breakfast is also served in the restaurant offering an extensive à la carte menu and buffet, with freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, homemade breads, and excellent coffee. I really liked the open-plan kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work and see your food being prepared.
The hotel’s bakery, Brach La Pâtisserie, has also become a destination in its own right, drawing locals and visitors alike with beautifully made pastries and sweet treats. In the evenings, the cocktail bar comes alive with expertly mixed drinks in a chic setting.
LA CAPSULE WELLNESS
A standout feature of Brach Madrid is its wellness offering. The hotel’s La Capsule wellness space provides a welcome escape from the city, combining fitness, recovery, and holistic treatments across 4,300 square feet of space. Guests can enjoy personalised treatments and advanced wellness therapies, alongside a fully equipped 24-hour gym and 20-metre-long swimming pool.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF MADRID
Madrid is a city best explored on foot, and Brach Madrid serves as an ideal base from which to discover its many attractions.
For shopping enthusiasts, Gran Vía offers everything from international luxury brands to independent Spanish designers, while the nearby Salamanca district provides some of Madrid’s most exclusive boutiques. Art lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with ‘The Golden Triangle of Art’ (Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums) all within easy reach.
For keen foodies, there are many wonderful restaurants all within easy walking distance. Nearby, Kuoco restaurant offers a fantastic and delightful fusion menu of Latin American and Asian dishes. While a little further north in the Chamberí neighbourhood, Allégorie restaurant delivers fine-dining with unique pairings and the richest flavours.
I wanted to say a special thank you to luxury travel experts Anchor & Atlas for helping to organise my stay Brach Madrid.
About the author
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield
