Madrid’s essence in its most emblematic street: GastroVía 61 and Grupotel Mayorazgo
• Fascinating Spain
• Community of Madrid
Madridis art, music, sunsets. Winged statues set against the sky, majestic palaces, and parks that cover the city—a canvas of culture and history—with green strokes.Madrid is so complex and diverse that it always seems mysterious, seemingly challenging us to search for its best-hidden treasures.
And that is exactly what we are doing today aswe begin our adventure in Callao Square, in the vibrant atmosphere that floats around its luminous signs and the waves of people, most of them moving toward Puerta del Sol.
We walk downGran Vía, Madrid’s colourful and bright main artery, home to infinite towers and advertisements of the capital’s thrilling shows.A large, vibrant Manila shawl rises among the buildings, just a few steps from Plaza de España. A hotel that is deeply linked to the emblematic street and its history wears this elegant garment, the perfect façade embellishment.
Grupotel Mayorazgo entrance. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
TheGrupotel Mayorazgohas been part of Flor Baja Street’s architecture since its foundation in 1963, and it can be found in the number 3 of said address. To enter its doors is to receive the comforting hug of that Manila shawl, to feel the touch ofa city that keeps its past alive.
Grupotel Mayorazgo entrance. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
After a warm welcome by the staff in the hall,Bar Retiro takes us to one of Madrid’s green lungs. This intimate space simulates a lovely walk aroundRetiro Parkwith its vertical gardens and the relaxing murmur of its fountain.
Flavours of Madrid: traditional cuisine with a twist
Flavours of Madrid: traditional cuisine with a twist
Live preparation of a dish. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
GastroVía 61 awaits us on the other side, a restaurant that reveals its secrets little by little. Its tables are the first feature to catch our attention—instead of numbers, they have the names ofMadrid’s landmarks.Antique pictures of the most representative squares in the capitalhang on its walls.
Live preparation of a dish. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
We take a seat at the unmistakable Plaza de Cibeles, under one of those large pictures, admiring the overwhelming beauty of itsfountainthrough a window to the past. By now, observant people will have perceived a detail that can go unnoticed in this space where everything has a meaning. It’s the piped music that has been by our side since we got here—a constant and subtle soundtrack that enriches the atmosphere. Obviously, it is a compilation of Madrilenian songs. This is only one of the many references that we will discover throughout the visit.
Just a glance at the room is enough to spot more distinctive features, such as the traditionalchulapocostumes that both waiters and waitresses wear. Regarding the menu, we discover that every dish includes highlighted curious terms andidioms. Everything makes sense when the waitress smiles and hands us a sheet titledTraditional Spanish Terms Glossary.This small dictionary explainsthe origin and meaning of the dish names, which are references to Madrid’s culture. It’s the perfect starter for a fun conversation, both for local and international guests.
Grilled cauliflower and roasted avocado with sauce. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
Grilled cauliflower and roasted avocado with sauce. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
It’s time to order a meal, but the menu includes very attractive possibilities. GastroVia 61’straditional cuisine is prepared with local ingredients, which can be appreciated in its delicious appetisers whose exquisite flavours result from the high-quality products.
Regarding the main courses, we should note theirricesand their meat and fish, which are grilled with holm oak charcoal—through this technique, it is possible to get the most out of the product while perfectly preserving it.The San Isidro steak tartar is the star dish, and it is available in three varieties: traditional, vegetarian, and vegan.
When we order this last option, we are surprised to learn that it will be prepared in our presence. After introducing the ingredients and asking for our spiciness preferences,the staff delights us with a culinary demonstrationthat adds a priceless value to the final experience. The tartar steak, now on the table, its presentation, and the explosion of flavour and textures explain its well-deserved reputation.
Steak tartar with seitan, guacamole and tomato. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
If there were still doubts about the restaurant’s perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, they dissipate bydesserttime. On one hand, it offers healthy alternatives, such as the fresh fruit salad, and other typical Spanish delicacies liketorrijas. It is obvious thattrue flavours are still successful.
Steak tartar with seitan, guacamole and tomato. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
But on the other hand, those guests who choose more striking options like the deconstructed Irish coffee will be rewarded witha creative and innovative elaborationthat includes a surprise spectacle. GastroVía 61’s cuisine is constantly reinvented, both for seasonal reasons and for including new dishes that adapt to the guests’ preferences through tests and their daily feedback.
Everywinelover should complement the gastronomical experience with the restaurant’s diverse wine options.Vinos de Madrid DOP(Denominación de Origen Protegida) are the most common; it could not be any other way.
Exploring Madrid without leaving the hotel
Exploring Madrid without leaving the hotel
This room at Grupotel Mayorazgo takes us to Retiro Park’s swamp. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
This room at Grupotel Mayorazgo takes us to Retiro Park’s swamp. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
To book a Grupotel Mayorazgo room is to buy a ticket to a surprise destination. These spots located in the Community of Madrid can be chosen by the guest or be left to fate. The hotel’s dimensions can be misleading, butit actually has 200 available rooms, and each one centres around a different Madrilenian theme.
The stay at the hotel includes elegant resting areas where one can enjoy Madrid’s landscapes and emblematic elements.The incredibly detailed thematic rooms can take us to diverse charming corners, such as the Puerta de Alcalá, the Manzanares River, or theRetiro Park. We should highlight the hand-painted scenes on the walls and the historical items that illustrate local history.
Rooms are decored with a great attention to detail. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
However, these themes go even further.They include many icons of Madrid’s culture, like San Isidrofestivitiesor thebocadillo de calamares(squid sandwich).
Grupotel Mayorazgo has a special offer for the youngest members of the family, the ‘Aquí los niños mandan’ pack.Children love to participate in this experiencesince they can choose their own room among the many possibilities, like the Ratoncito Pérez or the Parque Warner rooms. They include gifts and toys, so the stay cannot get any better.
Rooms are decored with a great attention to detail. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
A children’s room, perfect for families. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
After unpacking and admiring the unique room design, one cannot resist the temptation to explore every single corner.Whirlpool baths and modern terraces with views of the Gran Víaare only some of their features, but each room has its own attractions.
Visiting, tasting, and enjoying are the main objectives of every journey. These essential actions are experienced with every sense after crossingGran Vía’s Manila shaw, like a rabbit hole that takes us to a magical land.
At the Grupotel Mayorazgo,one can visit Madrid through the many references and themes of its rooms. Madrid can be tasted in GastroVía 61, where the flavours oflocal gastronomyplease and surprise every palate. Madrid can be enjoyed throughout the whole process, which is a true experience of discovery, tranquillity, and comfort. In the end, everything among its walls invites us to explore every single aspect of Spain’s capital city from its own heart.
You can also read this article in Spanishhere.
A children’s room, perfect for families. | Nahia Pérez de San Román
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Источник: Fascinating Spain
