The iconic Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini hotel marks its 50th anniversary this October. It’s been five decades since it welcomed its first guests in the center of the city, just a short distance from the former North Station and nestled at the base of the Príncipe Pío mountain.
During the vibrant Madrid of the seventies, the idea behind the establishment was so revolutionary that a unique term was created just for it: apartosuites. The spaciousness and coziness of its rooms were designed for extended visits, and thus, from its inception in 1974, it aimed to provide its patrons with much more than mere lodging: an authentic Madrid experience that blended the convenience of an apartment with the amenities 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 its current self. The Sabatini Gardens, after which the hotel is named, had been undergoing development since the 1930s, following the dismantling of the Royal Palace’s stables. However, they were not officially opened until 1978. The founder of the ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini was the grandfather of the present director, Bernardo García, who owned one of the first SEAT dealerships in Madrid, marking a significant expansion of his business by constructing the hotel right across from the gardens.
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.
No remnants remained of the washerwomen who once descended the Cuesta de San Vicente toward the river, nor of their shelter, which had been torn down in the 1930s. Likewise, the first public swimming pool in Madrid, known as “Los baños del Niágara,” was also gone, having vanished to make way for Bernardo García’s concessionaire, and what now occupies that space is a parking lot adjacent to the hotel.
In this changing society ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini was born and has evolved with it to the present day.
The Hotel Today
The anniversary of ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini is an opportunity to get to know the building today, with all the renovations that have been carried out in the facilities, especially in the last five years, but maintaining the concept of its large rooms equipped with kitchenette as apartments, but with the services of a hotel.
One of the standout initiatives in recent years has been the High Altitude Brunch, available every Saturday and Sunday from autumn through spring on its delightful terrace, celebrated for offering breathtaking views of the Royal Palace. Guests can reach it directly from the street via a glass elevator, which provides a glimpse of an eight-story mural crafted 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 Featuring an Automobile Museum That Whisks You Back to Early 20th Century Madrid
One of the standout features of Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini is its private classic car museum, nestled in the building’s basement. This museum was created in honor of José Luis García, following a request from his daughters, Charo and Monica García Silgo.
This captivating collection features remarkable automotive treasures, including a 1915 Ford T, a sophisticated Hispano-Suiza, and a unique section dubbed España Cañí, showcasing iconic vehicles like biscuters, motorcycles, and the well-known Vespa from the film “Amanece, que no es poco”.
Hotel guests receive complimentary access to this space, which has turned into an essential stop for enthusiasts of automobiles and Madrid’s cultural heritage. The large photographs adorning the walls, sourced from the ABC newspaper archive, immerse visitors in 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 particularly significant milestone for us, and we aim to celebrate it with everyone who has contributed to our journey, as well as those visiting for the first time,” remarks Charo García Silgo. “We have observed the city transform over the years, and we take pride in being a venue where tradition intertwines with modernity, where, despite embracing the latest technologies, our greatest strength remains our dedicated team.”
This 50th anniversary is a unique opportunity to rediscover a place where history is alive in every corner and hospitality is felt from the first visit. Half a century of excellence, comfort and unparalleled views of Madrid.
