The first stop on our trip to Oman was in Spain, where we spent two nights at the 200-room Four Seasons Madrid, which opened in September 2020. This is a really special property, and instantly became one of my five favorite city hotels I’ve ever stayed at.
Continue reading: Review: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, Spain (Phenomenal City Hotel)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Great review. Curious though what made you choose this over Villa Magna or the MO? I'm guessing Ford wanted to see it since it's brand new, but any other reason in particular?
It was funny to read all the comments related to the test covid in Madrid, honestly a MAD airport experience with its lovely salmón & beef cheeks in the Lounge , a proper security experience compared with the TSA thugs that get their fingers on ir axx, peanuts packs at Lounges and fat dxxkheads fighting in all boarding queues I choose MAD to any one of the 12 US airports i know
Looks like one of the better four seasons properties for sure.
We're heading to Madrid later this year but chose to try Rosewood's Villa Magna instead.
Ben, there is no such thing as a “Michelin-starred chef.” (Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants, not chefs.) I’ve seen this phrase pop up in a few articles recently — and while I think using the Michelin guide as an analog for restaurant quality is silly, it’s a distinction to be aware of if you’re going to do so.
Cheers.
Given the seasonal Newark non-stop flights from United, a Kimpton and Hilton opening up this year, and the second Four Season of Spain in 2023, are you planning on visiting Mallorca then? Seems like they are trying to move away from being Germany's unofficial 17th state, and try to cater towards Americans more.
HAh! the swiming pool looks like the one at the hotel La Florida in Barcelona!
Thanks for the review.
Looks solid and great review. Will absolutely give this a try at some point when they do some offers down the road.
My only issue with duplex suites tends to be in the winter, all the heat typically rises to the bedroom and the lower floor is cooler. Otherwise they can be fun.
Am I right in that there are no furnishings in the enclosed terrace? What's the point?
It looks beautiful and like a great hotel. I visit Madrid often and the location is good - I remember seeing it under construction for several years, as you've noted here.
That said, I'd have a hard time paying that much for a city stay. Madrid has tons of hotels, most of them are very good, and cost a fraction of what's here.
When I'm in Madrid I'm mostly out walking around, going to the museums, and hanging out at tapas bars, etc. I'd have trouble justifying this much. But that's me.
I would maybe pop into one of the bars for a drink to check things out.
I do appreciate the review, though - good to see it. Thank you.
It looks absolutely stunning! I'm always in awe at how Four Seasons nails down design in their new properties, and how literally every single little thing seems thought out. It will be tough for me to pay that kind of rates especially on a city stay, but I would love to visit that one for sure.
Also I'm 100% with you on the chat feature! It is hands down my favorite feature, the relief of not having to talk to someone on the phone is real - and they execute it flawlessly. FYI, you don't need to have a booked stay to chat. I recently chatted with a property I just wanted to visit to have cocktails at the bar, and I was able to do that through the FS app. Amazingly they also responded immediately 🙂 .
Stunning hotel, nothing to say, really. Only thing is that with the Ritz that recently re-opened... there is real competition. Having stayed at the Ritz I think the Four Season has now to offer something 'new' to stay ahead of the game, or at par..
What a beautiful building.
No crazy on the layout of that one bedroom apartment - it looks like a cramped Manhattan apartment.
It looks very very nice overall, but yeesh..theh shiny brass and glass in the room looks like something I'd expect to see in Trump Tower ca 1986.
There used to be a truly grand staircase in the main space. Pity they chose not to preserve it.
Would be interesting to get an analysis of whether it makes sense to be “loyal” to Four Seasons (unpublished loyalty benefits, local property benefits for being repeat customer, deals or promotions offered to frequent travelers) compared to the larger brands. With Preferred Partner, FHR, etc, people can also get elite-like benefits fairly easily. Clearly their portfolio of luxury hotels is growing quickly.
I came here to say "Sheboygan Ramada ca. 1984," but you've otherwise captured my sentiments exactly.
How can they call it a "one bedroom suite" if the bedroom is still open to the living area???
Am I the only one got turned off by KAWS? Seems more suitable for a W, less for an Andaz, let alone a Four Seasons.
Very impressive property. Love the room layout, Isa bar and the pool. Great job, Lucky.
They seem to charge a significant premium for a city view rather than a courtyard view. From the pictures here, it doesn't seem worth it to pay for a view. Am I missing something?
Not to sound critical, but I'm disappointed to see another one of these "thousand dollar a night" aspirational hotels that you stay at on Ford's travel agency privileges, something that few of us have access to or means to enjoy frequently.
Madrid has a lot of great hotel options when it comes to redeeming points and staying within branded loyalty programs, and I was really hoping you would choose to review something accessible to the vast majority of your readers than another ultra-luxury, ultra-exclusive hotel most of us will have little more than a drink at. The iconic Westin Palace, a brand new Luxury Collection hotel, two Autograph Collection properties, a Hyatt Centric, a new Tapestry property, a new Canopy Hotel, amongst others....
Don't get me wrong, I'd be choosing the same hotels if money were no means or if I had similar access to travel agency rates, but I think that this is an alarming new trend since it seems to be all you are covering anymore, especially on international travels.
I think he meant a rain shower head, I've never seen the "forest" part added. It's the ones that are mounted on the ceiling and drop vertically down instead of at an angle.
Anthony, I have had an FS Elite card for some years now. It used to be more just recognition and upgrades but they have added on a few benefits that make it very nice. Breakfast (including room service for two) and $100 credit ($200 for suites) per stay. While essentially the same perks as you get booking through people like Ford via Preferred Partner, I have been personally told by two GM's that Elite members are highly prioritized for upgrades, especially to Suites, over those booking via agents. Also, I have noticed a few bonus things thrown my way over the years including Complimentary Valet parking, bottles of Champagne, and once even letting me leave my car for free at the Dallas property for a week when I had to last minute fly to Germany.
But, tbh, the most valued program I have is Globalist with Hyatt. And when given a choice will always choose a high end Hyatt (PH etc) over Four Seasons in the same market.
Glad you mentioned that!
Ben, I know I've commented this before--you really should try a proper 2-3 Michelin star restaurant with a tasting menu and pairings. I think you'd absolutely love it.
Miami is getting a Michelin guide this year (as are Orlando and Tampa), and I'm very curious to see what gets starred. I'd be surprised if Elcielo and The Surf Club don't get stars.
Agreed. I don't really understand why they would set up a room like this. Between the stairs and the open area above the first floor, you just lose so much floor space that you have little room to move.
I hope the Gazpacho Police didn't show up and bother you during your Valentine's Day dinner.
As a former FS employee, one of the rules is “elite guests do not get discounts.” The program is entirely about recognition and other than getting the comp breakfast and stay credit, it’s actually almost harder to get discounts (unless a service glitch or something) because the assumption is that money means nothing to an elite.
Not have a rain shower head is a huge plus for me. I hate being water boarded while showering!
@Lucky, just a curious question, truly mean no rude intent. I wonder how or if your reviews (not this one necessarily) are unconsciously biased by the fact you have seemingly been using Ford's TA rate. TBH, I don't know how much that means it is actually discounted. My thought is, if you had to pay full rate, would it alter things? Even slightly? Depending on the discount, it might easily amount to one of those dinners or lunch being essentially "free." I get that most people staying at this hotel probably aren't too worried about $200-$300 here and there, so it might not matter. Again, enjoy your work, just something I've pondered.
This is a very nice hotel. It’s this and then the Ritz Madrid and then Westin Palace. The only negative is the marble in your suite bath was the wrong color scheme for a elegant hotel like this. It doesn’t work. The bathroom in the other room you showed us looks good. The wallpaper in the half bath in your room was too dark. Little things. Otherwise, something to look forward to.
Agreed. I have seen it called that multiple times but it's incorrect as far as what it means insomuch as how the water falls. I think rainfall shower head is the more appropriate name. But, colloquially, we know what it means.
I'm not sure why my genuinely honest question was removed? I've enjoyed the fact that your team doesn't seem to filter comments on this site, but seems that might no longer be the case?
That’s not an uncommon thing to see. You’re correct that the restaurant wins and not the staff, but it’s good marketing.
I asked re: the MO and he said:
“ We had heard amazing things about the Four Seasons and it's also a new property with a lot of history. I'm sure the Mandarin Oriental is great as well, so maybe I can check that out next time.”
I didn’t think anything could match the depressed and depressing yellow teddy bear at Hamad International, but alas, I think this has done the trick!
Ben,
Great review (as always). If you don't mind answering,what kind of rate does the hotel give to travel agents?
@Sam As a Four Seasons Elite I think that might be slightly skewed to your particular property. While I do get priority for upgrades over Preferred bookings, more importantly, and on point to your statement, I have often been given comped Valet Parking, drinks at the bar, and special unique courtesies towards particular situations. For example, parking a car for free for a week at the Dallas FS when I had to last minute fly to Europe. There is no doubt that I have been treated very well with special courtesies that often make FS a decent value for me at many properties (and no, I don't spend $1K a night to stay at FS London or Paris). Yes, Elite has hidden perks, no...it's not breathtaking and I will often choose Hyatt as a Globalist for PH and similar so as to have the added points accrual.
Had a similar issue at Dani, except when we half-jokingly said the drinks should be comped the waiter replied, "you wish." That definitely left a bad taste.
Service at bfast was very slow as well though well-intentioned.
As a former Travel Agent , I can tell you it is unethical to reveal the Travel Agent rate. We were always taught to be discreet.
@Stuart interesting I did not know that. It was my gm in fact who said elites should never get discount so seems to be a culture that varies property to property.
Did they film some of 'Money Heist' in that lobby before it became a Four Seasons?
Unethical to reveal you got the rate, as in here in Ben’s post? Or unethical to reveal what the rate is?
No so much out of place as depressingly predictable. I can’t stand the appeal of KAWS, jeff Koons, Takeshita Murakami, Damien Hirst and other who just churn out the same boring crap. It’s not art it’s branding.
A hotel like this with such a great building and sense of place should be giving over the space to a Mardileno contemporary artist. Hell with whatever they paid for that boring hunk of KAWS they could probably commission a series of up and coming artists to do something unique one after another for years to come.
@ pstm91 -- The Four Seasons is a new property and there aren't many reviews out there about it yet. Furthermore, for Ford's business, he most enjoys working with Four Seasons and booking clients there. They consistently treat his guests well, and the Preferred Partner program offers compelling value. So when we do review non-points hotels, we try to do Four Seasons properties.
While this is technically correct, chefs whose restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars are commonly referred to as "Michelin-starred chefs." This is something that even Michelin itself does (just check their website, they have an article titled "Ten Michelin-Starred Chefs You Should Follow on Instagram"). While more than just the chef are responsible for the Michelin star rating, which takes into account service and other factors in addition to the food, I think most would argue the chef is the main contributing factor, so they often get the bulk of the credit.
@ Motion to Dismiss -- I'm definitely getting more into it, after our amazing dining in Paris in late 2021:
https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/four-seasons-paris-george-v/
I'm very curious to see how the list looks for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa...
@ HChris -- LOL about Mallorca being Germany's unofficial 17th state. I haven't been since I was a kid, but I think I should put a visit back on my list. Thanks for the idea.
@ Stuart -- Indeed, there were no furnishings on the terrace. Since this is a historic building and not a new build, the terrace (both the outdoor and enclosed one) aren't really ideal for spending much time. I suppose in winter the enclosed terrace is too cold, while in summer it might be too warm. Fortunately the door leading to the terrace provides great soundproofing.
@ Clem -- Didn't realize the chat works even if you don't have a stay booked, that's awesome! Yeah, it really is a ridiculously awesome feature that no other hotel group seems to execute well.
@ John T -- For what it's worth, there are several different one bedroom suite layouts. Personally I loved this one, though also know it's not necessarily practical for everyone. The Four Seasons also has more traditional, single level suites, with properly separated rooms.
@ Anthony -- I think it's a great question, and the insights from Stuart and Sam are useful. Personally I think Preferred Partner offers you most of the basic valuable elite benefits you'd get with other hotel groups.
Four Seasons does have an unpublished loyalty program, but you need to stay with the brand a lot to earn it. So I don't think it's worth being "loyal" to Four Seasons in terms of the rewards, but rather it's worth staying at Four Seasons properties (if it's within your budget) because the brand consistently does an exceptional job with treating guests well.
@ anon -- It's definitely not a conventional one bedroom suite, you're right. Personally I think a duplex suite, or something, might be a better description.
@ Richard_ -- Personally I generally don't think views are worth paying a significant premium for, especially at a city hotel, and especially if there's not some specific landmark you want a view of (like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, for example). I'd rather spend that money enjoying the hotel's amenities, so I agree with you. But of course everyone has a different budget and preferences.
@ Echo -- I hear you, and I appreciate your feedback. A couple of things to note. First of all, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, this is the only non-points hotel I'm planning on reviewing this trip. So I hope you can at least appreciate that I'm trying to balance things here, and the primary focus on this trip will be points hotels.
Furthermore, this isn't at all about trying to get a discount at a luxury hotel thanks to Ford being a travel agent. Rather Ford books a lot of people at Four Seasons properties (he books more people at Four Seasons than any other brand), and seeing these hotels firsthand is valuable for when he books people at them.
I totally understand these reviews won't appeal to everyone, that's totally fair. I just want you know that I hear your feedback, and I promise there are lots of points hotel reviews coming as well (that's the primary focus this trip).
@ hotintx -- I hear you, and it's a fair question. Realistically speaking, I'm never going to approach a review about a hotel like this from a value perspective, because it goes without saying that there are cheaper places to stay, and many people just view a hotel as a place to sleep while exploring a city.
Rather my intent is to review how good of an experience is delivered, largely forgetting cost.
The pandemic has been really weird when it comes to hotel rates. In some places we've seen hotel rates basically double (just look at many outdoor-oriented destinations, including in Hawaii, the Caribbean, etc.). Are people suddenly getting twice as good of an experience? No way! But that's just how supply and demand is shaking out right now.
So I try to be objective in terms of the quality being delivered. Is the Four Seasons Paris charging 30 EUR per cocktail? Yes. Are people paying 30 EUR per cocktail? Yes. Does the hotel at least deliver an amazing experience serving you that 30 EUR cocktail? To me that's the big question with these kinds of reviews.
Though speaking of cost, I will say that the Four Seasons Madrid had much more reasonable on-property pricing than some other Four Seasons properties I've stayed at.
@ Michael -- If I understood it correctly, it's basically tomato paste made to look like a tomato, or something. So it's a decomposed, recomposed tomato.
@ Richard -- There's not generally one consistent travel agent rate. It all depends on what kind of volume of business a travel advisor does with that hotel or hotel group. As Tina noted, unfortunately it's generally frowned down upon to reveal that (and I'm sorry, I know that's complicated, and you're asking a fair question).
It is fun to stay at places such as this every so often and appreciate it. The reviews really show the YIN YANG from a typical corporate chain experience . Surely enough, I am more than fine "slumming" with a Hampton Inn. Like living on a beach, the luster would disappear if the 4S was all I stayed at/experienced.
Thanks. Sorry about that. It was missing for a few hours as I kept checking back to see if you responded.
@ hotintx -- Sorry, sometimes some posts get stuck in the moderation queue for whatever reason, though I always try to approve them as soon as possible.
I for one appreciate these reviews even if they're not points related.
The hotel looks amazing and you captured some great photos. Looks like your breakfast was nearly all avocado and no toast though!
Echo - the same goes for reviewing points hotels when many readers, particularly those outside the USA, don't have easy access to schemes to earn the number of points needed to stay at such hotels. Instead, I much prefer the review of hotels that are not just stayed at because you can redeem points there.
Thank you for the amazing write up, Ben. This looks fabulous. My wife and I are in Madrid in July and I'll drop Ford a note to inquire about availability and rates.
Am I the only one who thinks it's crazy that hotels charging $900+ a night then charge you for the minibar? Like really, my $900 isn't enough to give me a complimentary vodka shooter and some pretzels? 🙂
Rosewood is way more better than FS when it comes to interior design! FS is going down and this property is a really bad design, just look at that marble in the bathroom, it's 2022! The room is too shabby, as I have to admit the same brands in Europe and North America are way worse than them in Asia. Not to mention FS is going down. Take a look at Rosewood Hongkong, Guangzhou, Bangkok; Park Hyatt Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Kyoto, Suzhou; The Ritz Carlton Nanjing, Xi'an, Kyoto, Nikko; Waldorf Beijing, Xiamen, Bangkok and many many more, honestly speaking, even many Hilton and Marriott are better than so-called luxury brand in Europe and North America. For Four Seasons, I think Kuwait, Bangkok and new fs in Tokyo would be better when it comes to design.
I'm lucky enough to live a couple of hours from Madrid and each time I go I try to either stay at or at least eat in one of the better hotels in the city (budget permitting!). Service is hit and miss in most of them, including the FS. I ate in the Patio, club sandwich and dessert. Or at least I tried to... There was a cheese I'd never heard of in the Club Sandwich. I asked the waiter what type of cheese it was... His response: ' Well, it's just a type of cheese'. Thanks. I had an even worse experience in the MO: I was travelling with someone allergic to milk. She asked the waiter if the burger bun had milk in, and the waiter said no, she could order it. When it arrived, the burger had a slice of cheese. When my friend complained, the waiter said, in all seriousness, 'But that's cheese, not milk'. Oh, and the chips were inedible. Stayed one night in the LC Santo Mauro. That was the worst of the lot, shower flooded, no apologies, no help, and no response from the manager at any time, even after a personal email sent. Oh, and we got laughed at by a waiter at breakfast for arriving half an hour before breakfast closed. For the moment, much better service at the Rosewood, the main restaurant Brasas de Castellana is wonderful. Another good hotel in Madrid is the Villa Real, service is on a par with the Rosewood. Anyway, that's my opinion, for what it's worth!