Last Updated on November 5, 2023

Well-located contemporary luxury AND a roof terrace in Madrid

Madrid is a city of rooftops. Cast your gaze upwards – there are a multitude of terraces that overlook neighbourhoods throughout town. Many belong to hotels and restaurants while others are part of apartment blocks. Invited to review Ocean Drive Madrid, I was thrilled to find a fabulous rooftop terrace at the hotel along with a small plunge pool that was perfect to cool off from the city heat. Even in early October  Madrid continued to swelter in unseasonably hot temperatures so a space to refresh was most welcome. The terrace overlooks Teatro Real, the Madrid opera house on the elegant Plaza de Ópera. A wooden deck was separated into seating areas, privacy was provided by large plants, and there were comfortable sun loungers and an OD Sky Bar offering drinks and cocktails until early evening. After a busy morning of sightseeing, it was the perfect spot to spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the view over Madrid’s rooftops and the spires of nearby churches.

Location is everything in a big city and Ocean Drive Madrid ticks the box in this respect. If you are in Madrid for the ballet or opera, you could not be staying any closer. A short walk from the shopping mecca of Gran Via, the central Plaza Mayor, the famous Plaza de España or the vibey Malansaña neighbourhood, you are also close to one of the city’s loveliest parks, Parque del Oeste. Here you will find an ancient Egyptian temple, the Temple of Debod, donated by Egypt to the city during the construction of the Aswan Dam. It was remarkable to be transported to the ancient world while visiting Madrid. The temple is free to visit although be prepared for a lengthy queue or arrive, as I did, before opening time at 10 am. 

A city that never sleeps, no matter the time of night there are people on the streets of Madrid. The restaurant tables are packed on character-filled squares until well after midnight. I have never encountered a city with quite so many squares, each one lovelier than the next. There are a number very close by to Ocean Drive Madrid where you can order a vermut at lunchtime along with a menu del dia or an evening gin and tonic served in a large bowl glass with a few tapas to while away the time until dinner at 10pm.

Perhaps one of the most peaceful spots for a sundowner is on the terrace of Ocean Drive Madrid that has a great view of the sun setting behind the Royal Palace and is a quiet spot with the sound of tinkling water from the pool and a few birds darting about on the deck. Enjoying the sunset with a glass of wine, I marvelled at what a peaceful spot Ocean Drive Madrid occupied. During an extended stay in Madrid, I had the opportunity to visit several hotel and restaurant roof terraces at sunset. These popular spots all involved long queues, hectic numbers of people and thumping music. But here you can relax in blissful silence.

The original Ocean Drive hotel is located in Ibiza and there are now six hotels in Spain. Even though some are in the middle of a city, the beach bar vibe is common to all, with DJs, music and creativity being central to the Ocean Drive philosophy, along with rooftop terraces and Sky Bars. If you are in the mood for company and good music, you can soak up the atmosphere in the lobby bar where live music is on tap as befits the Ocean Drive brand. 

Ocean Drive Madrid has 72 rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to maximise light. Aircon keeps the room cool and blackout curtains ensure a good sleep.  In our room, the washing facilities were incorporated into the bedroom itself with a good-sized rain shower in a corner of the space behind a counter into which the hand basin was situated. Eco beauty products were provided along with a tiny tote bag containing essentials such as a toothbrush, comb and razor. It seems that the idea of providing everything a guest might need for the night is catching on in Europe – a practice I particularly enjoyed while travelling in Japan. There are also rooms with balconies available on the fourth floor of the hotel should you prefer your own private outdoor space. Hotel guests have complimentary access to a local gym called Gymage which is located a five-minute walk from Ocean Drive.

The hotel restaurant – Mar Mía – is a relaxed space that defines itself as a chic urban beach bar. With bespoke furnishings and natural fabrics in shades of navy, rust and creams, it is a calming environment. Service is available throughout the day from breakfast through to dinner should you wish to eat in and there is a choice of an indoor dining area or a lovely outdoor terrace The Mediterranean menu includes grills and rice dishes. At night the vibe steps up a few gears and the lobby bar is atmospherically illuminated with good music provided by a DJ.

Breakfast at 25 euros will set you up nicely for the day. Aside from the usual spread of charcuterie, Spanish cheese, fruit, pastries, cereals, and yoghurts, there is also a menu from which one can select pancakes with two topping options along with a sizeable list of eggs cooked in a variety of ways including three types of Eggs Benedict. Breakfast is available until the very civilised hour of 11.30 although even a late riser like myself was up and out before then as Madrid has so much to see.

As luck would have it, I needed to put in several hours of work while staying at Ocean Drive Madrid and found that the small desk in the room was perfect for my needs and the Wi-Fi was very good. The Nespresso machine was on hand for caffeine boosts. Being a creature of habit, I need my nightly cup of chamomile tea before bed and I prefer using a kettle to boiling water in the Nespresso machine. Returning from dinner on the first night of my stay I enquired at Reception about the availability of a kettle and within minutes it had been delivered to my door. The staff were friendly and helpful at all times.

Ocean Drive Madrid is an excellent choice of hotel for a city break in Madrid. It is relaxed and welcoming, with exceptionally comfortable accommodation and a terrific roof terrace. It has a central location in a lovely neighbourhood from where it is easy to get around the city on foot or there is a metro station alongside if required. The area is safe to walk about at night and is packed with interesting bars and restaurants. Staff are friendly and well informed. Breakfast is generous and you can eat in the hotel throughout the day should you wish. I was genuinely sad to leave.

Ocean Drive Madrid,
Pl. de Isabel II, 7,
28013, Madrid
Spain

Looking for a hotel with a view in Barcelona?  read our review of the fabulous Hotel Arts Barcelona