The distinctive Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini hotel marks a milestone as it commemorates its 50th anniversary this October. It has been fifty years since this establishment first welcomed guests in the vibrant center of the city, conveniently located near the former North Station and nestled at the base of the Príncipe Pío hill.
In that Madrid of the seventies, the concept of the establishment was so groundbreaking that it had to be baptized with a neologism coined ad hoc: apartosuites. The size and comfort of its rooms were geared to long stays and so, since its foundation in 1974, it set out to offer its guests much more than accommodation: a genuine Madrid experience combined with the comfort of an apartment and the services of a hotel.
The accommodations, featuring fully equipped kitchens, create a comforting atmosphere reminiscent of home, a feature that quickly drew numerous notable guests, including the poet Rafael Alberti and the actress Nuria Espert. They became frequent visitors, lured by the establishment’s serene ambiance, discretion, and exceptional service.
Madrid, 1974
In October 1974, Madrid bore little resemblance to the city we know today. The Sabatini Gardens, which inspired the hotel’s name, had been in development since the 1930s following the demolition of the Royal Palace stables. They didn’t officially open until 1978. The grandfather of the current director, Bernardo García, who owned one of the earliest SEAT dealerships in Madrid, was the visionary behind the construction of ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini, situated right in front of the gardens, thereby broadening his business ventures.
Many Spaniards, like him, chose to embark on enterprises that were believed to be promising at that time. With the dictatorship of General Franco evidently nearing its conclusion, the nation felt more integrated into a thriving Europe. Nearby the hotel, the area formerly occupied by the Cuartel de la Montaña had been transformed into the Temple of Debod, which was carefully transported stone by stone from Aswan. The skyline of Madrid began to inspire visions of a contemporary city within a modern world.
Gone were the remnants of the washerwomen who once descended the Cuesta de San Vicente towards the river, along with their asylum, which had been torn down in the 1930s. There was also no sign of Madrid’s first public swimming pool, “Los baños del Niágara,” which vanished to make way for Bernardo García’s dealership and now stands replaced by a parking lot adjacent to the hotel.
In this dynamic society, ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini came into existence and has adapted alongside it up to the present day.
Current State of the Hotel
The anniversary of ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini serves as a chance to discover the hotel as it stands today, showcasing all the improvements made to the facilities, particularly over the past five years. It has retained the concept of spacious rooms outfitted with kitchenettes, akin to apartments, while still providing the amenities typical of a hotel.
Among the most popular initiatives in recent years is the High Altitude Brunch, which can be savored every Saturday and Sunday from autumn to spring on its stunning terrace, celebrated for offering breathtaking views of the Royal Palace. Visitors can reach it directly from the street via a glass elevator that showcases an impressive eight-story mural created by Brazilian artist Rogerio Fernandes.
From the moment you step into ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini, you are enveloped in art. In addition to Fernandes’ mural, the space features installations by the urban art collective Boa Mistura, positioned throughout various parts of the building, along with his graffiti piece “Del Corazón al Cielo” (From the Heart to the Sky), which spans 62 square meters. The contributions of painter Cristina Gamón, seen in the hotel lobby and breakfast area, along with those of Oscar Vautherin, who crafted the sculptures flanking the entrance and the piece “Five Left Feet” in the reception area, round out the ensemble of talented artists.
A Hotel with an Automobile Museum that Transports You to Early 20th Century Madrid
One of the major highlights of Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini is its private classic car museum, situated in the building’s basement. This unique space was created in tribute to José Luis García, following a request from his daughters, Charo and Monica García Silgo.
This captivating collection features genuine automotive treasures, including a 1915 Ford T, a stylish Hispano-Suiza, and a dedicated area known as España Cañí, showcasing iconic vehicles like biscuters, motorcycles, and the renowned Vespa from the film «Amanece, que no es poco» on display.
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to this space, which has turned into a must-visit for enthusiasts of automobiles and Madrid’s cultural heritage. The large photographs adorning the walls, sourced from the ABC newspaper archive, whisk visitors back to an era when these vehicles were integral to the cityscape.
Celebratory Events with Exclusive Views
During the month of October, the hotel will commemorate its 50th anniversary by hosting exclusive events on its stunning terrace, which offers the finest views of Madrid’s Royal Palace. Additionally, scheduled activities for November will feature guided tours of the classic car museum, along with a charity flea market.
“This 50th anniversary is a very special moment for us, and we want to share it with all those who have been part of our history and those who wish to meet us for the first time,” says Charo García Silgo. “We have witnessed the city change and we are proud to be a place where tradition meets modernity and where, despite having the latest technologies, our main asset is still our human team.”
This 50th anniversary presents a distinctive chance to rediscover a location where history resonates in every nook and the warmth of hospitality is experienced from the very first visit. Fifty years of outstanding service, comfort, and unmatched views of Madrid.
