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 the Madrid of the seventies, the idea behind the establishment was so innovative that it required a newly created term: apartosuites. The spacious and cozy rooms were designed for extended stays, and from its inception in 1974, it aimed to provide its visitors with more than just a place to stay: a true Madrid experience that blends the comfort of an apartment with the amenities of a hotel.
The rooms, featuring fully furnished kitchens, create a comforting atmosphere reminiscent of home, a feature that quickly drew in notable guests, including the poet Rafael Alberti and the actress Nuria Espert, who frequented the venue for its serene ambiance, seclusion, and outstanding 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.
There was no trace left of the washerwomen who used to go down the Cuesta de San Vicente towards the river, nor of their asylum, demolished in the 30’s. Neither was there any trace of the first public swimming pool in Madrid, “Los baños del Niágara”, which disappeared in pursuit of Bernardo García’s concessionaire, and which today is a parking lot next to the hotel.
In this transforming society, ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini came into existence and has adapted alongside it up to the present time.
The Hotel Today
The anniversary of ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini provides a chance to discover the hotel as it stands now, following numerous renovations made to the facilities, particularly over the past five years. The essence of its spacious rooms, furnished with kitchenettes like apartments, has been preserved, all while offering the amenities of a hotel.
Among the most popular initiatives in recent years has been the High Altitude Brunch, which can be savored every Saturday and Sunday from autumn through spring on its stunning terrace, celebrated for offering some of the most breathtaking views of the Royal Palace. Guests 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 enter ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini, you breathe art. In addition to this work by Fernandes, there are the installations of the urban art group Boa Mistura, located in different areas of the building, as well as his graffiti “Del Corazón al Cielo” (From the Heart to the Sky), covering 62 square meters. The painter Cristina Gamón, with her interventions in the hotel lobby and breakfast room, and Oscar Vautherin, author of the sculptures flanking the entrance and of the work “Five Left Feet” in the reception area, complete the lineup of artists.
A Hotel with an Automobile Museum That Transport You to Early 20th Century Madrid
One of the standout features of Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini is its private classic car museum, situated in the basement of the hotel. This museum was created in honor of José Luis García, following a request from his daughters, Charo and Monica García Silgo.
This fascinating collection includes true automotive gems, such as a 1915 Ford T, an elegant Hispano-Suiza and a special corner called España Cañí, where iconic vehicles such as biscuters, motorcycles and the famous Vespa from the movie “Amanece, que no es poco” are on display.
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to this space, which has become an essential stop for enthusiasts of automobiles and Madrid’s cultural heritage. The expansive images adorning its walls, sourced from the ABC newspaper archive, whisk visitors back to an era when these vehicles were integral to the city’s scenery.
Commemorative Events with Exclusive Views
During the entire month of October, the hotel will commemorate its 50th anniversary with special events held on its magnificent terrace, offering the finest views of Madrid’s Royal Palace. Planned activities for November will also feature guided tours of the classic car museum and 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.