Best Boutique Hotels In Spain
Terrace time in Madrid | Summer 2014
Just a few years ago there were not too many roof top terraces in Madrid. But now, due to an easing of regulations and simplification of application process Madrid has dozens of rood top terraces all across the city. Many are a top hotels which is no surprise but my top five are independent of any hotel and each offers its own special view over the city. Here I lay out a list of the best terraces in Madrid from my favorites to ones you may hear about that I personally can not recommend.
Where to go
Atenas – This is my all time favorite terrace in Madrid. Although not a roof top terrace its views are just as beautiful. In the middle of Atenas park on Calle Segovia just below the Almudena Cathedral and next to the park Campo del Moro in front of the Roayal Palace it is only a five minute walk from the river and ten minutes downhill from La Latina. This garden terrace has great music in the evenings and has an interesting mix of locals young to old. The perfect place to cool off with a summer cocktail.
Parque de Atenas Calle Segovia s/n
+34 91 161 01 37 www.terrazaatenas.com
Cafe del Rio – Right on the river park. The terrace on top of the restaurant has the best view of the royal palace and cathedral and river. Its great after a long walk or bike ride. You do have to walk to it and it is not really accessible to cars. Closest metro is Peurta del Angel
Av Portugal, 1
+34 603 13 77 66 www.cafedelriomadrid.com
Gymage Terrace – In my old neighborhood of Tribal, right in the center of Madrid, on top of a gym and what used to be a old original version movie theater, this terrace was a big surprise for me on my first visit. The staff was incredibly friendly with helpful service. Although there is not much of a view its all about taking in some sun with a great local vibe. They have beds, lounge chairs, table seating and of course outdoor air conditioning. If you want to know what the local do when they hang out this is the place to go this summer.
c/Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 2
+34 91 532 55 64 www.gymage.es
Gau Cafe – A long time off the beaten path kind of place for students to hang out. But word has gotten out and locals come from across the city to drink and eat here. Very relaxed atmosphere and always a great crow. If you are in La Latina or Lavapies this is a must stop.
Calle de Tribulete, 14
+34 915 28 25 94 www.gaucafe.com
Azotea – Every table and bed has a view. This terrace has rapidly become popular. When they first opened it only cost 1 euro to go up to the top, now it costs 3 euros just to visit. I recommend if you are a group you make a reservation for lunch or dinner or reserve a bed and pre order a bottle of champagne, this way you avoid the entry fee. Last year the service was good with a great looking friendly staff but this year they are not. If you go just for a drink, be aggressive with your order, make sure they know you are there and you want to drink. On a warm night it is well worth it.
Calle de Alcalá, 42 (atop Circulo de Bellas Artes)
+34 672 557 171 www.azoteadelcirculo.com
Terrace at Hotel Exe Moncloa – New on my list. A good off the beaten path find in Moncloa with unobstructed views of the Sierra of Madrid. More economic than the other terraces but we will see how long that lasts.
Calle del Arcipreste de Hita, 10
+34 91 745 92 99 www.hotelexemoncloa.com
Mercado San Anton Terrace – This is one of those first stop spots when going out. Service has gotten better and so have the prices. It does get busy on a warm evening.
Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24
+34 91 330 0294 www.mercadosananton.com
Terrace at Thyssen Museum – A relatively new addition to the Thyssen. A beautifully modern terrace with access from the street, you do not have to visit the museum to enjoy this spot. Great location and well shaded it makes for a great spot for Sangria. They make it themselves (as of summer 2014) and is probably some of the best I have had in Madrid. If you are not going to splurge at the terrace at the Ritz, this is your next best place in that neighborhood.
Paseo Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid
Ada Palace Terrace- Its surprising how big this terrace is considering the lobby is the size of a washroom. Its just across from Circulo de Bellas Artes it is an alternative to Azotea but without the view.
Calle Gran Vía, 2
Hotel Emperador Rood Garden – This is a Madrid classic and probably one of the oldest terraces in Madrid. Its been updated and has the biggest roof top pool in the city. It also has a fantastic view of the oral palace. Good to go early in the day for a swim and lunch. You can buy a day pass at the entrance. This is not a place many local frequent.
Calle Gran Vía, 53
+34-91-547-2800 www.emperadorhotel.com
Atico de La Letras – More intimate than the other hotel terraces and probably the best out door air-conditioning too. Last time I went it was a bit pricey but if you want something a bit more discrete, this is your place.
Gran Vía, 11
+34 915 237 980 www.hoteldelasletras.com
Terraces to try WITHOUT my consent
Terraza de Cibeles – I have this on the list as the terrace itself is quite nice and comfortable but every time I go the service on the terrace (NOT the restaurant) has been awful and crazy expensive. Please note though that the restaurant there is excellent. I have had clients come out singing their praises.
Plaza de Cibeles 1
+34 91 523 14 54 www.adolfo-palaciodecibeles.com
Terrace at Roomate Oscar Hotel – absolutely everything one would expect from mediocre design hotel. I always have visitors ask about it and I say, if you want to go have a drink and watch people who are waiting for something exciting to happen then this is the terrace for you. The service is consistently negligent with pricing to match. It used to be one of the only roof top terraces in town, but with so many other better choices why bother. www.room-matehotels.com
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