Philippe Starck’s distinctive vision has arrived in Spain’s capital with the opening of Brach Madrid, marking the Evok Collection’s first venture beyond France. The five-star property occupies a seven-storey building from 1922 on Gran Via, where Starck has transformed the historic structure into what he describes as having “invented the boutique hotel” concept. This sophisticated addition to Madrid’s hotel scene combines French design sensibility with local Madrileño character, creating an experience that feels both international and authentically Spanish.
The ground floor immediately sets Brach Madrid apart from conventional hotel layouts. Rather than housing the reception, this level flows seamlessly between the bar, restaurant, and patisserie, creating what Starck envisions as a “clubbable, enveloping, brasserie feel” with an open kitchen at its heart. The design palette draws from warm jatoba wood joinery, complemented by hues of pink, orange, terracotta, and moss green. Dusky lighting illuminates woven-leather ceilings and mahogany-paneled walls lined with books celebrating Hispanic culture, while glazed terracotta columns and brown leather banquettes complete the intimate atmosphere.
Rooms that tell stories through curated details
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The hotel’s 57 bedrooms, including four suites, follow Starck’s concept of a man adorning his space with objects that remind him of a loved one. This translates into thoughtfully placed curios like boxing gloves and mandolins that give each room its own narrative. Many rooms feature private terraces, with some offering access to versions of the seventh-floor alfresco lounge bar that opens during summer months. These outdoor spaces provide the perfect vantage point to appreciate Madrid’s expansive skies and understand the local saying “De Madrid al cielo” (From Madrid to heaven).
The reception, elevated to the first floor, maintains Starck’s signature attention to detail while ensuring guests experience the full impact of the ground-floor social spaces. Sculptures by Patrick Kim-Gustafson are dotted throughout the property, adding organic touches that complement the overall design philosophy. The warm colour scheme and carefully curated art collection create an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Mediterranean flavours with Spanish soul
Chef Adam Bentalha leads Brach Madrid’s culinary programme with a pan-Mediterranean menu that celebrates both Middle Eastern traditions and Iberian Peninsula ingredients. Standout dishes include croissant-fluffy challah served with fig and olive tapenade, and zaatar-drenched suckling lamb shoulder prepared using traditional techniques. Spanish produce takes centre stage in preparations featuring red tuna and Bellota ham, some cooked in a Spanish charcoal oven that adds distinctive smoky notes to the cuisine.
The sea bass tartare with avocado, radishes, and kalamansi exemplifies the kitchen’s approach to combining international techniques with quality local ingredients. The cocktail programme includes creations like “Las Huertas,” which incorporates beetroot, bitter oranges, lime, and peach for a drink that tastes distinctly of Madrid. The hotel’s tempting patisserie displays éclairs, tarte tatins, and Paris-Brests to entice both guests and passersby on Gran Via.
La Capsule Spa sets new wellness standards
Below ground, La Capsule Spa creates a completely different atmosphere from the hotel’s warm, wood-toned public spaces. The subterranean wellness facility features white decor, flowing curtains, and low-hanging tubular lights that establish a serene environment focused entirely on rejuvenation. The centrepiece 20-metre pool is finished in cream marble and surrounded by an impressive collection of biohacking equipment that positions Brach Madrid at the forefront of hotel wellness offerings.
The spa houses Madrid’s only hotel-based hyperbaric chamber, alongside a comprehensive suite of facilities including a steam room, float tank, infrared sauna, and ice bath. These high-tech wellness tools complement a jewel-box gym and treatment menu that ranges from facial electrostimulation to Chi Nei Tsang, a Chinese internal organ massage technique. This combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional healing practices reflects the spa’s commitment to holistic wellness approaches.
Gran Via’s transformation creates the perfect setting
Brach Madrid benefits from Gran Via’s dramatic transformation over the past decade, as Madrid’s answer to Regent Street has evolved from a purely utilitarian thoroughfare into a destination for luxury retail and hospitality. The hotel’s location places guests “on the cusp of everything fun,” within walking distance of vibrant neighbourhoods like Chueca, Malasaña, Huertas, Barrio de las Letras, and the residential area of Chamberì.
These surrounding areas now house concept stores, artful florists, boutique fitness studios, and sophisticated wine bars alongside traditional tapas venues and live music spaces. The building itself carries fascinating history, having served as tenant apartments, government offices, and the American Bar Pidoux during the 1920s, when it was renowned for champagne and cocktails. This rich past adds another layer to Brach Madrid’s appeal for guests interested in the city’s cultural evolution.
Commitment to accessibility and sustainability
Service at Brach Madrid emphasises efficiency without sacrificing warmth, with staff trained to anticipate guest needs while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere Starck envisioned. The property demonstrates strong commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible lifts and public spaces, plus specially designed rooms featuring wide doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered beds, and adequate turning space. The pool area includes accessible shower facilities to ensure all guests can enjoy the wellness amenities.
Families will find three pairs of connecting rooms and one room that connects to three others, supported by babysitting services and 24-hour concierge assistance. As part of the Evok Collection’s Green Globe certification for carbon footprint management, Brach Madrid has eliminated single-use plastics, implemented eco-cleaning products, established comprehensive recycling programmes, and invested in energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems. The restaurant prioritises local ingredients and hiring, while unused rooms automatically conserve energy to reduce environmental impact.
