Imposing views

The RIU hotel chain opened the doors of a new hotel in Madrid's iconic Edificio España building in 2019. This is the Hotel Riu Madrid Plaza España And for its renovation, the chain took into account many aspects such as the element of surprise, respect for the past, profitability, quality of materials, functionality, and timelessness.

We spoke with Manuel Jaile, delegado of Riu Plaza España, who tells us how they approached this project.

We have approached this project with an awareness of the responsibility involved in opening a hotel in such an iconic historic building for the city.

Respect for historical elements and the majesty of its location have marked the architectural and design project; and we hope clients will be captivated by its spaces, bars, and restaurants with a style that evokes the best of Madrid in the 1950s, the decade of its original construction.

When we launched the project, we hoped to provide Plaza de España with a new meeting point for Madrileños to enjoy the Sky Bar and its impressive views; something that has been achieved and exceeded. Since it opened, the hotel's anticipation and popularity have led us to receive thousands of daily customers, something we are proud and grateful for.

Regarding the interior design, each room has been imbued with warmth to make the traveler's experience unforgettable. What should be taken into account when undertaking a project of this magnitude?

The most important premise when approaching this project has been to be very respectful of the building's history. This has largely guided our direction in terms of interior design. Our goal has been to maintain the essence of the building during its golden age and create spaces that transport guests to the best of Madrid in the 1930s/1950s, with subtle references to Broadway and Fifth Avenue, always keeping a refined and contemporary style as a common thread.

The bas-reliefs, marbles, and other protected elements now coexist with contemporary pieces in the hotel's main areas. Has it been complicated to reconcile the different elements?

The main difficulties we have encountered have been, above all, structural. Given that the facade was untouchable, the complicated part has been to structurally reinforce it, and having to adjust the layouts of the living areas and bedrooms.

Removing, storing, and relocating the historical and protected items has been a challenge and a great responsibility. Combining pieces of great historical value with some modern touches has been a pleasure. It is our responsibility not to make an exact replica, but to imbue the project with character and contemporaneity.

Both rooms and common areas must be attractive spaces to achieve maximum customer retention. What role do bathrooms play in all of this in a hotel?

Every single space has been treated with the same detail and care. The bathroom plays an important role in the customer experience and should reflect a refined aesthetic and good amenities.

Annually, the RIU chain publishes its Sustainability Report, a document that covers the company's activities in environmental protection and social action. What measures are applied to be an environmentally responsible hotel chain?

RIU works day by day to develop its business in an increasingly responsible manner towards the environment and the community. To achieve this, the Corporate Social Responsibility team has an ambitious Action Plan that focuses on three main areas: the environment, society, and the human team.

We are aware of the direct impact our activity has on the environment, and that is why we work to minimize it through projects aimed at ensuring efficiency and savings in energy and water consumption, protecting biodiversity, and preventing pollution.

To this end, various projects have been launched, ranging from standardization in measurement systems to ensure reliable and comparable data for measuring reality and the results of different actions, to external sustainability certification for hotels.

Several Bathco models can be found in this hotel, which stands as a benchmark both within and outside our country.

Different Bathco pieces were installed in the common areas of the RIU Madrid Plaza de España hotel. The Circular sink Castellón Natural porcelain can be seen in the lobby restrooms.

With a panoramic view of the city of Madrid are the Black Dinan sink placed on the countertop next to the top-floor restaurant.

The stone sink Java flooring in both beige and black was installed in the terrace bathrooms.

In the pool area, there is the BHD Lille Washbasin (Bathco Group brand).

Photos: Lupe Clemente