Family-owned boutique hotel in downtown Madrid with an arty vibe
7 Islas Hotel / Madrid / Spain
It is not often these days that you’ll find family-owned hotels, especially when you visit big cities, most hotels belong to some kind of chain. That is why I was so happy when I came across this urban boutique hotel, the 7 Islas in Madrid.
This hotel opened in 2002 by businessman Juan Rosa. He is originally from Lanzarote, which is one of the seven Canary Islands. His ambition was to create a home away from home for all visiting islanders and also to honor is origin, hence the name, 7 Islas. Today the hotel is run by Juan’s grand daughter, Monica Salces Rosa, so it still very much a family affair.
The design has been made by Kikekeller Studio and the result is a look that is minimalist but still warm, with vintage elements, polished concrete floors and colorful Faisal rugs. Another thing that stand out is the lobby which is used to display art from different local artists.
This 79-key hotel is located in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Madrid, sandwiched between the grand Gran Via and Chueca and Malasaña. Which means that immediately when you step foot outside the hotel you are in one of the most interesting parts of town where there are endless choices when it comes to bars, restaurants, cafés and fantastic shopping. So bring a lot of energy and a fat wallet.
Welcome to 7 Islas Hotel in downtown Madrid.
The airy lobby with polished concrete floors. I love when the reception is just a desk. Makes it feel less like going to a bank, back in the day.
The lobby is used as an art gallery where different artists get to display their work.
Our room. Great to place to a rug in the room, to liven up to otherwise minimalist space.
Downstairs, on the lower ground floor, there is a gym.
M heading out to explore the city.
Madrid has so many great coffee places. This is one of my favorites, which was located a short walk from the hotel, called Bianchi.
This is another of our favorite coffee places, Siniestro Café, located In the Universidad district.
And this is Etual Café near Prado Museum. Yet another of our favorites.
If breakfast isn’t included, we almost always go out to eat. This is Billy Brunch, down the road from the hotel which didn’t only have a stunning coffee machine…
…but also serve a great breakfast/brunch.
Most of the design features at Billy Brunch are yellow. My favorite color!
A lunch place we kept coming back to was Honest Greens. Great food, both for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…if you are looking for a boutique hotel located in the centre of Madrid with a warm, arty vibe. If this is your thing, you will be happy at 7 Islas Hotel.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is that the reception is used as an art gallery where different artist get to display their work. A great way to create a vibrant energy and look in that large space.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to explore the area around Chueca, Malasaña and Universidad, full of restaurants, bars, cafés and unique shops.
If you like this hotel you might also like:
Hotel Pilar / Antwerp, Belgium
Le Pigalle Hotel / Paris, France
De Plesman / The Hague, Netherlands
