Inside The New Concept Hotel That's Really Listening To Women

Ever dreamed of somewhere designed specifically with you in mind? Well here it is…

The Barcelo Emperatriz in Madrid is having a total re-vamp and conceptual overhaul, to focus specifically on professional women, who are tired of having their needs overlooked in favour of men.

Situated in a 20th Century building, and dedicated to the last Spanish empress: Eugenia De Montijo (whose story and values inspired the original concept), the classic four-star hotel is being transformed into a completely remodelled, five-star escape for professional women.

In keeping with the hotel’s empowering Empress theme, the hotel’s visionaries have recruited an array of ‘Empresses’ – all highly successful women at the top of their respective fields who have each been asked to give their opinion on what makes a hotel a unique and important for them.

Selected for their prowess and influence in various fields; from presenting to blogging, business to journalism (Marie Claire's Acting Features Director Corinne Redfern was in attendance), communications to talent management, these ‘women at the top’ were asked to share their opinions on what makes a good hotel experience for professional women - whether that means hair straighteners in the bathroom and full length mirrors, or power sockets within reach of your pillow and the option of checking out after 12pm. (Check out Marie Claire's own Women At The Top here).

Feeding back with insights into decoration, food & drink, business & leisure, and general service, the 'empresses' prioritised unlimited wi-fi, friendly yet un-intrusive staff, and an outstanding on-site restaurant (all in an exceptional central location of course). Plus, the hotel has also opened up a platform to the public; asking women to put forward further concept ideas, clarifying that their goal is 'to create a hotel as unique as you, with an international outlook that surprises the most demanding travellers in the world'.

And it's exciting stuff. Situated in one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Madrid, with sophisticated restaurants and upmarket boutiques all within walking distace; the location is totally perfect. And with features such as the 'B-room concept' (which contains a Mini Media Hub to connect the room’s TV with your mobile, tablet or laptop via USB connection or Bluetooth), along with a range of healthy food options in the restaurant, (including the NH Antiox breakfast; featuring a comprehensive range of foods, rich in antioxidants to prevent ageing, increase defenses and protect against cardiovascular problems), it's all been carefully thought out. 

Rumours suggest that features will also include fabulous interior decor, bathrooms reminiscent of chilled-out spas (dimmed lighting a plenty) and unlimited wi-fi throughout. Not to mention an area app providing local information, and utilising modern social apps such as Spotify to create an interchangeable ambiance. 

Sounds good to us!

The new Barceló Emperatriz***** is a hotel that reinterprets the palace aesthetics of 19th century Madrid, and is inspired by the life of Eugenia de Montijo. The new, completely remodelled design of this central hotel matches this cosmopolitan, intellectual and visionary personality, who was the last Spanish empress. Opening on January 11th 2016 – visit www.barcelo.com