UMusic Hotels is a new brand in partnership with Universal Music Group. It is based in Madrid and has opened its first hotel, UMusic Hotel Madrid, with a second hotel in the Spanish capital coming by 2027. A new property in Sao Paulo will open before that. If you’re wondering what a music-themed hotel is like in the Spanish capital, here are five reasons to spark your interest.

The location

Ever wonder what it is like to sleep on top of a theater? Well, this is your chance. Teatro Albéniz, a historic and nationally protected theater is just off the lobby. In fact, the entire hotel was built across two buildings (one of which used to be the Royal Printing House) that wrap around this famous theater, which has hosted top musicals and plays.

Most recently, Antonio Banderas starred in the Spanish production of Company, and Phantom of the Opera is currently playing. Famous singers and musicians often perform here. But, the theater can just as easily be booked up for conference groups interested in hosting events in a unique venue.

The hotel sits just 15 seconds’ walking distance from Puerta del Sol, considered a central point in Madrid and in Spain in general (the geographic center is plotted on a landmark in front of the city hall there). From this location, you can walk to bustling Gran Via for shopping or more Broadway-style shows. Also within a short walk is the Golden Triangle of Art (three of the world’s top museums next door to each other, including the Prado), Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace.

The rooms

Given the history of the buildings, the layout of the hallways involves a maze-like pathway involving a few steps. Many of the rooms have different layouts. On one of the top floors is a patio open to all guests (for those that are not lucky enough to score one of the rooms with its own private balcony).

Beautiful marble floors with area rugs are the norm. Large mirrors, open-plan bathrooms with drenching shower heads in the showers, separate tubs in some and spacious closets in all. The beds are plush with thick duvets and power or USB outlets on either side.

Classic rooms are the standard category and smallest of the bunch with Deluxe rooms being a worthy upgrade for their extra space. Premium rooms are spacious, and many of these have furnished terraces. Ultimate rooms vary in size, but have more interesting layouts with excellent views. This category also includes some with furnished balconies.

Turndown service arrives nightly to replenish the eco-friendly glass bottles of water and deposit local chocolates. The housekeeping staff is inconspicuous, and they work their magic seemingly without you ever seeing them. You won’t find a single room service tray or stray trash anywhere in sight.

Suites on the top floors include a duplex that is popular with fashion shoots or artists traveling with bodyguards. On the terrace is a private whirlpool overlooking Madrid’s rooftops.

The music

Throughout the day, music fills the public spaces. In hallways, it plays, but at a softer level that is not audible in the rooms. Framed posters, records, memorabilia and photographs fill the hotel, completing the melodic storyline. Each floor has its own musical theme, and we recommend taking the staircase at least once so you can take in the whimsical artwork that accompanies it. Like something you see? It’s for sale.

One level above the small reception desk is the concierge area where travelers can also check out vinyl records to play on vintage record players in their room. In a partnership with a top guitar producer, they can also borrow a guitar to play in their room.

If the hotel’s music doesn’t strike your fancy, rooms have their own integrated Bluetooth speaker systems so that you can stream your own.

The rooftop

Like many other city hotels, the property’s rooftop has stunning views of the city skyline, especially of the architecture of Puerta del Sol and the buildings along Gran Via just behind. This unique vantage point is something special and a popular spot for New Year’s Eve where a lucky few can watch the bells toll midnight while eating 12 grapes with each ring for good luck.

A new partnership with Museo Chicote, a popular bar that sits along Gran Via, is bringing its swanky energy to the hotel’s bar in a new collaboration known as Casa Chicote. The bar’s master mixologists have prepared an array of special cocktails to be served here, and this will be the only place you can get them. Museo Chicote has welcomed its own share of celebrities from Ava Gardner to Salvador Dali, which matches the A-Lister profile of Universal Music’s first hotel.

Live music, a sea of red fabric umbrellas and cushioned seating, and sexy lighting complete the picture. It is worth seeing both in the afternoon for sunset and late in the evening when the mood completely changes. With its own entrance from the street, locals will find this to be a must-visit spot for its views and menu of distinctive tapas, if they are looking for something new.

The range of amenities

The small fitness center has small one-way windows that look towards the theater. Some of the meeting rooms do, too. Dining in the hotel’s restaurant, which is undergoing a thorough remodel like some of the other public areas and guest rooms, is a treat.

Breakfast includes a range of Spanish and European fare plus an array of tropical fruit, pastries and healthy juices. Cava and a Bloody Mary station may be popular with visiting bands that don’t want the party to end.

In the evening, the dinner menu ranges from modern takes on Spanish dishes to more international favorites. There are often pre-theater express meals as well as packages where guests can combine a meal, tickets and an overnight stay.

An outdoor swimming pool has a sizable terrace with sun loungers and enjoys more sunshine than other hotels since it is not blocked by neighboring buildings. Some of the guest rooms actually overlook the pool.

Aside from the music and entertainment, it’s the staff here that truly shines. They handle special requests with the aplomb of the city’s more expensive and famous hotels, but without a stitch of pretension. This is the kind of hotel that will appeal to all ages, especially those who are fans of music and theater.