Between columns and aromas: The living legacy of the JW Marriott Madrid

The JW Marriott Madrid is much more than a luxury hotel; it is a true living testimony to Madrid's history and architecture, uniting past and present in a single space. Housed in two emblematic buildings constructed in 1886 by the architect Joaquín KramerThe hotel preserves the essence of an era that is still alive in every corner.

Originally conceived as private residential buildings with commercial ground floors, these buildings - located on the Carrera de San Jerónimo, numbers 9 and 11- were witnesses to the hustle and bustle of Madrid since the late 19th century. One of its ground floors was, for decades, the home of the famous Álvarez Gómez perfumerywhich today occupies what is now the hotel lobby. This intimate connection with Madrid's history is reflected in the careful integration of aromas that evoke the city, offering guests a unique multi-sensory experience.

For many years, one of the buildings was the headquarters of the Hotel Asturias until, after a period of disuse, it was acquired in 2019 to begin an ambitious restoration. After a lengthy refurbishment process that lasted until March 2023, the first JW Marriott in Spain opened its doors, a prestigious brand founded in 1984 in honour of J.W. Marriottthe visionary creator of the company in 1927.

The hotel's location is no coincidence: being in the heart of Madrid, just steps away from its most emblematic monuments, enhances its historical and cultural value. In addition, one of the buildings has the highest level of heritage protection (level 1), while the other enjoys partial protection, reflecting the absolute respect for the architectural legacy.

Walking through the JW Marriott, guests feel the vibrancy of the many lives that have passed through it over more than a century. Original elements such as the wrought iron columns supporting the ground floor and the first few floors, the granite ashlars between the windows, and the original brick walls on floor -1 - currently the gymnasium and spa - preserve the authenticity and uniqueness of the building.

The main doorways at Carrera de San Jerónimo 9 and 11, together with the entrance doors to the original dwellings of the second building, speak of the residential and stately character that is still alive today. Undoubtedly, one of the details that surprises visitors the most is the main wooden staircaseThe building has been painstakingly restored by hand. Its particular inclination responds to an ingenious original design: the uncovered courtyard allowed rainwater to drain through the stairwell, a reflection of the functionality and architectural detail of the time.

The JW Marriott Madrid is not only a haven of luxury and comfort; it is a space where art, history and architecture intertwine to offer each guest an experience that goes far beyond hospitality. It is a living building, an urban jewel that connects each visitor to the deepest and most authentic essence of Madrid.