Review: Thompson Madrid

When my husband and I began planning a few days in Madrid this past May, I wanted a hotel that would put us right in the thick of things, close enough to wander out for tapas after dinner and stroll home before the evening was over. The Thompson Madrid, the brand’s first property in Europe, kept rising to the top of my list.

It has built a reputation as one of the more design-forward, culturally plugged-in hotels in the city centre, and its location on Plaza del Carmen is about as central as Madrid gets. Here’s how our stay went.

What we loved: The unbeatable central location, with Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace all within easy walking distance. We also loved the cozy, greenery-filled rooftop, which carries the hotel’s resort-meets-artsy-modern aesthetic and shifts from a peaceful daytime retreat to a lively evening gathering place. 

What we didn’t love: Service was polished and professional throughout, though there is an opportunity to develop the warmer, more anticipatory touch found at some established luxury properties. As a relatively new hotel, this is something we expect will naturally evolve with time.

How to book: At the time of writing, this hotel participates in the World of Hyatt program and is a Category 6 property, requiring between 20,000–40,000 points per night. During low season, cash rates often start from €300 per night plus taxes and fees. 

Thompson Madrid – About the Property

Thompson Madrid welcomed its first guests in 2022 as the brand’s European debut, a distinction it carries with confidence. Despite housing 174 rooms, including 23 suites, the property retains an intimate, boutique feel. Every detail feels thoughtfully curated, with local culture woven into the art, gastronomy, and design.

That culture-forward concept is woven throughout the hotel. Works by local artists line the hallways and public spaces, with daily guided tours at 5pm offering guests a closer look at the pieces on display. A vertical garden also spills greenery through the building, further reinforcing its design-forward character.

The overall atmosphere feels youthful, contemporary, and distinctly relaxed. The hotel is also pet-friendly for an additional fee.

Booking

I booked our stay with 25,000 World of Hyatt points for a base King Bed room. As a Globalist, I was upgraded to a Corner Suite with Terrace, which was a wonderful way to start our stay.

For our dates, the King Bed room was priced at €450 per night (approximately $723 CAD), plus taxes and fees. This worked out to a value of roughly 2.9 cents per point, comfortably exceeding our typical valuation of World of Hyatt points and making it an excellent redemption. The value proposition will vary depending on the reward tier pricing. 

A great card to use for your stay would be the Platinum Card from American Express or the American Express Gold Rewards Card , as both earn 2 points per dollar on travel. Now that Aeroplan and World of Hyatt have launched a transfer partnership, those Membership Rewards points can make their way to Hyatt by way of Aeroplan. 

Location

The hotel sits on Plaza del Carmen, right in the heart of Madrid’s Centro district and its shopping streets. Puerta del Sol is about a 7-minute walk, and Plaza Mayor and the Mercado de San Miguel are only 10-12 minutes on foot. The Royal Palace and the surrounding churches are a pleasant 17-minute stroll away, which meant we never needed anything more than our own two feet to get around.

Getting in from the airport is easy. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is roughly 20 minutes by car, and taxis from the airport into the centre run a fixed fare of €33. Uber is also an option in Madrid. For a more affordable option, public transit takes approximately 30–45 minutes and costs less than €10, though the journey requires at least one transfer.

Thompson Madrid – Check-In Experience

We arrived in the late morning. We were staying at another hotel nearby and walked over. The entrance is just tucked away from the main street, facing the Plaza del Carmen. 

The lobby immediately establishes the hotel’s artsy, mid-century modern aesthetic, with rich walnut, veined marble, brass, and copper mingling with playful, travel-inspired details. Reception desks modelled after stacked steamer trunks evoke the golden age of railway travel, while works by local contemporary artists adorn the walls.

As a Globalist member, we received a warm recognition of my status and were presented with the following elite perks:

• Upgrade: Corner Suite with Terrace
• Welcome amenity: A small bottle of local olive oil
• Late check-out: 4pm late check-out was offered proactively at check-in
• Breakfast: Breakfast is included for Globalists at the Makáá rooftop restaurant

As a welcome, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink and a snack at the Lobby Bar after checking in, which is the perfect place to settle in if your room is still being prepared.

Thompson Madrid – Corner Suite with Terrace

Stepping into the Corner Suite with Terrace, we were immediately struck by how inviting it felt. Layered textures carried through from the lobby and thoughtfully chosen furnishings gave the space a polished yet comfortable character.

The suite is thoughtfully divided into separate living and sleeping areas, giving it a residential layout that would suit a longer stay. Although the curtains were already drawn when we got to our room that evening, the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the suite with natural light during the day. 

The living room featured a plush sofa, armchairs arranged around a marble dining table, and a large wall-mounted television, creating a comfortable space to unwind after a day spent exploring Madrid.

 Waiting for us on arrival was that thoughtful welcome gift: a bottle of locally produced extra virgin olive oil with a note explaining its origins. It was a distinctly memorable Spanish touch. A bimonthly newsletter highlighting what is happening across the city, from dining to exhibitions, was also available for us to peruse.

One of my favourite design elements was the beverage station, inspired by the drink carts once found aboard luxury trains. Framed in dark wood and brass with softly illuminated shelving, it works as both a functional minibar and a striking design feature, complete with glassware, a Nespresso machine, premium teas, and a curated selection of beverages and snacks.

The private terrace was undoubtedly a highlight. Furnished with outdoor seating, a privacy partition, and enclosed by glass railings overlooking the plaza below, it offered a peaceful extension of the living space for a morning coffee or an evening drink. 

Back inside, the bedroom continues the suite’s refined aesthetic, centred around a king bed framed by a quilted leather headboard and a dramatic marble feature wall. Integrated reading lights, charging outlets, and lighting and curtain controls are neatly built into the bedside panels, and a Tivoli stereo lets you play whatever music suits your mood.  

A large wardrobe behind wooden panels offered plenty of storage. The bed was extremely comfortable, and even with the terrace opening onto the plaza, our nights were quiet.

The marble-clad bathroom is equally elegant, with a deep soaking tub, a feature of all the suites, a walk-in rain shower with multiple spray settings, and full-sized D.S. & Durga Bowmakers toiletries. The separate glass-enclosed shower and toilet compartments were a refined touch, and there was even a smart toilet.

Thompson Madrid – Other Rooms

If you prefer more outdoor space, the Junior Suite with Terrace, carries the same walnut, marble, and brass design aesthetics as the Corner Suite with Terrace in a slightly smaller footprint. The trade-off can actually work in your favour, as depending on which suite you get, you may have a larger terrace.

Junior Suites without a city view are rewarded with the biggest terraces of all. It’s a lovely category to consider if a generous outdoor space matters more to you than the view.

For travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring Madrid, the entry-level King Bed room provides everything needed for a comfortable city stay. Measuring 24–27 square metres, it features the same thoughtful design details found throughout the hotel, along with floor-to-ceiling windows, a curated minibar, and a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. 

Thompson Madrid – Food and Drink

For a hotel this size, the food and drink offering is impressive, with four distinct venues that each bring their own personality. Together they make it easy to eat, drink, and linger without ever leaving the building.

Perched on the rooftop, Makáá is the hotel’s signature restaurant, where a grill sits at the heart of the kitchen and the menu leans into Mediterranean flavours. The space is covered but open to the outdoors, so you get the views and the sounds of the city bustling below. 

With its mix of seating, wood accents, and greenery, it exudes a casual, resort-like vibe by day, and in the evening the mood shifts to something livelier, centred on its circular bar.

As a Globalist, breakfast was included here each morning, and it did not disappoint. The continental buffet featured breads, charcuterie, yogurts, salads, and fresh fruits, while warm dishes could be ordered from an à la carte menu. 

Rather than simple egg items like omelettes or fried eggs, the kitchen worked eggs into fanciful, delicious creations, which made breakfast feel like a treat rather than a routine.

For a quick, light bite, the Lobby Bar is a bright, relaxed space where you can enjoy a coffee, juice, or cocktail alongside a pastry or a slice of Spanish omelette.

 La Barra de Ultramarinos is a traditional Spanish tapas bar with direct access to the street and its own outdoor terrace. It’s the kind of place designed for sharing a few small plates and staying longer than you planned. 

For late night drinks, and an truly unique atmosphere, Jack’s Club, is an intimate speakeasy-style piano bar tucked into the preserved remains of the former Church of San Luis Obispo. It specializes in signature cocktails and stays open into the early hours. Notably, no photos or videos are allowed inside, so guests can truly relax, a fitting touch for a space this special.

One evening, we returned late from a day trip, after the hotel’s dining venues had closed. Fortunately, the hotel offered room service that is catered from a nearby restaurant and delivered directly to the room. My salad and pasta arrived in glass jars tucked into a neat box, which I thought was an elevated and unique touch.

Thompson Madrid – Other Facilities

The rooftop pool, surrounded by loungers and located beside Makáá, is one of the property’s highlights. Although the unheated water kept us from taking a dip, it would certainly be tempting on a warm, sunny day and offers an inviting place to enjoy the rooftop atmosphere.

There’s also a large, modern gym, open 24 hours, with weight machines, cardio equipment, and free weights. It’s more than enough to keep up a routine while travelling. 

There is no on-site spa, but a concierge is on hand to help with recommendations and reservations, which came in handy for planning our days.

Conclusion

Thompson Madrid packs a remarkable amount into its compact footprint. With four dining venues, a lively rooftop, locally inspired art and an unbeatable central location, the hotel feels deeply connected to the city while maintaining an intimate, boutique quality.

It is particularly well suited to couples and design-conscious travellers who appreciate a vibrant atmosphere. For those who want Madrid’s major sights within walking distance and a stylish retreat at the end of the day, Thompson Madrid delivers an appealing take on contemporary luxury.