Madrid has gained a new Michelin Key hotel, the prestigious distinction awarded by the Michelin Guide to properties offering some of the world's most exceptional hospitality experiences. The latest recipient is the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid, located in a historic building in the heart of the Salamanca district.
The award places the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid among the Spanish hotels receiving a Michelin Key for the first time and highlights an approach to hospitality in which architecture, design, service and gastronomy come together to create an experience deeply rooted in the identity of the destination.
In the heart of the Salamanca district, behind the façade of an elegant early 20th-century building, the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid preserves the spirit of Madrid's grand private residences while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. This distinctive character is reflected in its membership of Relais & Châteaux, the international association of independently owned hotels and restaurants united by a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality and gastronomy.
Founded in France in 1954, Relais & Châteaux brings together properties with unique identities, ranging from castles and palaces to country estates, historic mills and villas, all closely connected to their surroundings. They share a philosophy centred on preserving the art of living, celebrating authenticity and local culture, and making gastronomy an essential part of the guest experience, alongside a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
The spirit of a private residence in the heart of Madrid
The story of the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid begins with the building itself. Protected by the Commission for the Protection of Historical, Artistic and Natural Heritage for the value of its architectural features, the property has been carefully restored while preserving its original character and recovering the elegance of the Belle Époque.
According to a company statement, the interior design by Lorenzo Castillo creates an eclectic and timeless atmosphere through the use of lacquered wood, polychrome marble, velvet, hand-painted wallpaper, fine textiles and carefully selected decorative pieces. A remarkable collection of European antiques and artworks dating from the 18th and 19th centuries further enhances interiors designed to feel less like a conventional hotel and more like an elegant private residence.
Its 46 rooms continue this design philosophy, combining the building's historic character with contemporary comfort. Each room has its own personality, with high-quality materials, furnishings, textiles and artwork playing a central role in the guest experience.
The distinctive character of the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid also extends to its shared spaces. From its lounges to the seventh-floor terrace and bar, which overlooks Madrid's rooftops, the hotel offers a variety of settings from which to enjoy the city while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
A cuisine with identity: from the land to the plate
Gastronomy is another of the hotel's defining pillars. At its helm is Mario Sandoval, the two-Michelin-star chef whose culinary approach is built around a careful selection of fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients, many of them originating from the family estate, El Jaral de la Mira.
This philosophy comes to life at Haroma, the hotel's restaurant, where Sandoval presents signature cuisine that evolves with the seasons and reinterprets traditional recipes and ingredients through a contemporary perspective. The origin, seasonality and connection of each ingredient to the land form an integral part of the dining experience.
The same philosophy is reflected throughout the day. Breakfast includes homemade preparations and carefully sourced products, including artisanal jams, natural honey, freshly made churros, butter from local producers, Iberian cured meats and artisan cheeses, while menus evolve according to the ingredients available from the estate and the market.
The gastronomic experience extends beyond Haroma itself, with options ranging from the street-level terrace to the seventh-floor bar, where cocktails are served alongside panoramic views of the city.
"Working with products that are raised or grown on our estate allows us to control every detail, from origin to the final result on the plate. It is a way of guaranteeing not only gastronomic excellence but also an emotional connection with what we serve," explains executive chef Mario Sandoval.
A new key for Madrid's hospitality
With the addition of the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid, the 2026 Michelin Guide selection now includes 122 distinguished hotels in Spain, of which 100 hold a Michelin Key. The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Madrid is among the 16 new hotels added to this category this year.
