Madrid – Sol Meliá and Hard Rock Hotel announce the first Hard Rock Hotel in Europe

Scheduled to open next Autumn 2005, Hard Rock Hotel Reina Victoria will be a luxury hotel offering the finest services and facilities for both business and leisure travellers. The joint venture announcement by Hard Rock International and Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts will result in Europe's first Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid. The 202 roomed Reina Victoria is located in the heart of Madrid's old city in the western end of the pedestrianized Plaza de Santa Ana. It will undergo an extensive refurbishment to commence immediately, following which it will be re-branded the Hard Rock Hotel. The works will respect absolutely the façade of the building, representative of Madrid's urbanism.

The joint venture will manage the hotel under the terms of a long-term management contract. "With world class properties throughout Madrid, Sol Meliá will bring to our loyal guests and locals, the most exciting destination hotel concept that Madrid will enjoy", said Sebastian Escarrer, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts. "We will deliver Guests will be able to enjoy an excellent musical experience with the highest technology facilities in every room: loudspeakers, amplifier, DVD, Hi-Fi, CD, etc. will let the guests feel like they are in their own musical studio. High speed Internet connections, meeting rooms, Gym and Spa complete the offer. A high-quality product to compete with Madrid's best hotels and combined with our service excellence, The Hard Rock Hotel will be a valuable asset for the city while also serving as an ambassador for future European Hard Rock Hotels".

The new Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid

Overlooking the Plaza Santa Ana with its abundance of bars and restaurants, the former Tryp Reina Victoria is situated in one of Madrid's most vibrant locations near the city's creative and media business communities. The hotel is opposite the Teatro Español, the oldest theatre in the city Madrid City Theatre, close to the museums of El Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen, "triangle of the arts", and a brief walk from the Plaza Mayor, Spanish Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Puerta del Sol. The majestic building was built in the 20's of the last Century over the former Ariza´s palace, property of the Count of Montijo.
"The Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid is extremely exciting for us. This property brings our hotel brand to one of Europe's most thriving and charismatic cities, and also provides Hard Rock Hotels with a platform for our future development in Europe", said Trevor Horwell, vice president of hotels and casinos, Hard Rock Cafe International. "In developing and operating the Hard Rock Hotel, we look forward to delivering Hard Rock's outstanding music, food, design and service excellence to business travelers and tourists alike".