Madrid is increasingly turning into a significant European hub for cultural initiatives and sightseeing. The capital of Spain is undergoing yet another transformation and developing into a thriving global centre. Madrid’s immigrant population has increased by 20% since 2016, according to The Economist published in February 2024. With an influx of foreign investment, the city is more and more exciting.

Slowly, and with strong museums such as Reina Sofia, Tabakalera, El Prado, new commercial galleries and solid art fairs such as ARCO, Madrid is a buzzing platform for creativity. Pedro Almodóvar obviously contributed to the fame of the city living through La Movida and films such as Todo Sobre Mi Madre. He’s currently filming with Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.

Beyond its cultural activities, Madrid is also one of Europe’s best place for nightlife, with multiple bars, excellent music festivals, a global Pride Weekend, and dynamic restaurants celebrating cuisines from around the world. But where to stay when you want to be central and enjoy everything Madrid has to offer?

Generator Madrid is a fantastic hotel located near to the Malasaña District, a trendy area with popular restaurants, theatres and bars. It can be found right off the bustling Gran Via and the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Gran Vía is Madrid’s best-well known street. With good connections to the north-eastern part of the city since its construction, this strategic location makes Generator Madrid the perfect place to promenade, go shopping and enjoy the great clubbing scene.

Gran Vía is known for being the street that never sleeps with great entertainment venues. And Spanish people know how to go out and party for sure!

Some of the most famous buildings in the country can be found here, such as the famous Metropolis building or the Carrion building, with its famous Schweppes sign. The property is just a few steps away from the main museums (El Prado, Thyssen isn’t far either) and a short walk from one of the most charming parks in Europe, “El Retiro” with its iconic glass house and temporary exhibitions (artist Precious Okoyomon recently staged an immersive installation in the park). “The location is a great asset but if I had to choose just one thing, I would choose the rooftop.” Generator Madrid’s General Manager explains.

Before the Generator took over, this building was also historically fascinating. It is a renovated 1930s building which was once a petrol station. Archival images showcase the ancient architecture. Today, without compromising on regional flair, Generator Madrid created interiors that are as stunning with touches of red, dark green and a wooden palette; this home away from home feels lofty.

Being fashionable, sociable, and safe are central to Generator’s ethos. The company has adopted new technology. It has also demonstrated how to boost a neighbourhood with cultural activations, and it works to protect the environment along the way.

Upon entering Generator Madrid‘s one of its two entrances, guests are immersed into a vibrant, neon-focused, industrial-feel and young atmosphere which makes the stay very exciting. The common spaces of Generator Madrid, such as the lounge features books, magazines, screens providing the best conditions to relax and get into the mood to party.

At night, Generator Madrid also becomes a stage with the DJ sessions and a fantastic rooftop terrace (and two jacuzzis in the summer) to enjoy a drink and the heat of Madrid. It’s a property that offers all modern comfort and a place for togetherness.

The vibe of the Broken Shaker bar is inspiring and fun! The Level Bar is equally nice with Chef Jose Luís Sánchez creating a unique cuisine inspired by tapas culture (the croquetas de jamón are delicious), with a distinctive Madrid 80s flair, to encourage social gatherings and joyous moments (the pool table is great too).

The Lounge on the ground floor is a relaxing space for morning and private events. With a capacity of over 90 people, the venue can be used for conferences, gathering and birthday parties. In the morning, a delicious and rich breakfast is served with stunning views over the urban landscape.

Generator Madrid truly offers something for everyone. Rooms are available for singles, couples, friends, family, and even total strangers. All of them include free WiFi and ‘NY taxi-inspired’ en suite bathrooms. All Generator properties around the world have disability access and offer private rooms too. And it’s so democratic! With security personnel on duty around-the-clock, security is also taken seriously.

Generator Madrid is colourful, features warm tones, chic furnishings and some of the best views in the city. Beddings are comfortable, and bathrooms very practical. Bright rooms at Generator Madrid offer individual or dorm rooms and have an avant-garde design fusing traditional and modern design. Each of them has an air-conditioned bathroom with a shower. Bunk beds with USB ports, a night lamp, a stocking net, and a personal locker are amenities found in dorm rooms. Towels can be hired at the reception, and bed linens are provided. Different bed arrangements and a private bathroom with free toiletries, towels and a hairdryer are features of the standard twin and family rooms. It’s perfect for young travellers, and families alike.

Who stays at Generator Madrid? “Our audience is very diverse. You can find people of all nationalities, from young people looking for the best nightlife experiences to families who come to learn about culture and the history of Madrid. They do have one thing in common, they are restless, curious people, who are looking for a different place with great experiences. A place where they can meet interesting people and have everything at their fingertips.”

A whole new level of hype, sociable holiday accommodations and public areas for the young at heart is what Generator is all about. “Our goal is to set the standard for a new generation of properties—a cross between a hostel and a hotel—becoming the best in the world for properties of this kind and building a global portfolio of incredibly beautiful, event-driven, modern, fashionable, safe, and social lodgings.”. Rooms widely range from Deluxe King, Twin, Superior Bunk, 4-8 Bed Dorms, and Women-exclusive Dorms too – fully safe and pleasant.

“In Madrid we have such a wide cultural offer that you could spend more than a month getting to know new places. But without a doubt, my recommendation for a short stay in Madrid is to go to one of the best-known museums, such as the Prado, but I would also go to small alternative art galleries that surround us in the neighbourhoods of Chueca, Salesas and Letras. I would go to see a musical like The Lion King, or Cabaret. I would look for one of the many concerts offered in Madrid from small venues like Sol, Galileo Galilei and Clamores to any of the many large international super star concerts. One of the best cultural parts of Madrid is its architectural history spread across the neighbourhoods that surround Generator Madrid. The streets are full of history.” Generator Madrid’s General Manager continues.

A range of amazing programming is offered at Generator Madrid which will make you want to stay at home. Meeting new friends is easy and through ‘Games Night, Pizza Madness and Sangria Workshops’, Generator Madrid is a remarkable venue to enjoy life and network.

How to access this great hotel? “We are in the best area of Madrid, the Plaza de Santo Domingo, a few steps from Callao and Gran Vía so you can access the hotel in different ways. Madrid has a very good transport network so you can get there by taxi, bus or walking but the best way to get there is by Metro where you can get off at any of the stops including Callao, Santo Domingo, Plaza de España and Ópera. All of these are a five-minute walk from Generator Madrid.”

Generator is a rapidly expanding boutique accommodation brand in Europe, with locations in prime locations across Europe and the USA, such as Copenhagen, Berlin, Venice, Barcelona, and Washington, D.C among many others. It was recognised by Fast Company as one of the top 50 Most Innovative Global Companies.

A variety of room types, from shared to private bedrooms, chill-out areas, bars, and cafes, as well as a range of spaces available for private hire, from street facing or basement exhibition spaces to penthouse suites and roof tops, are all featured in these properties, which are pioneers of affordable luxury and masters of the social experience. The concept’s success starts with the interior design, which has won awards. It then moves on to locally planned events and amazing food and beverage options.

With a excellent location, cheerful, helpful, and kind staff, comfy bedding, charging plug on the pillow side of the bed, delicious breakfast and perfect staff, Generator Madrid is the best! Great amenities like towels at the reception, a note welcoming guests and summarising everything the hotel has to offer, as well as assistance in case you forget anything, are all provided. Attention to details is high and that’s what makes Generator Madrid so special.

With more openings around the world, a sister brand Freehand and a recent inauguration in 2023 in Berlin Alexanderplatz, Generator is taking over the world of affordable luxury and comfort.

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Huge thanks to Generator Madrid. Last image is of the old site when the building hosted a garage.