Eneko Atxa and Javier de las Muelas lead the gastronomic concept
61 rooms within a landmark building dating back to 1905
Mercer celebrates 20 years with its third Spanish opening
Mercer Hotels is set to debut in Madrid on March 26, 2026, with a five-star Grand Luxury property located in the former headquarters of the “Sociedad General Azucarera de España,” in the Jerónimos district. The project restores a listed building from 1905 and features Eneko Atxa and Javier de las Muelas within its culinary offering.
A protected landmark converted into a grand luxury hotel
Barcelona, 03/03/26
The property at 5 Ruiz de Alarcón Street was built in 1905 by Enrique María Repullés y Vargas—who also designed the Madrid Stock Exchange—and is part of the General Catalog of Protected Buildings.
Its architecture blends Madrid’s eclectic style with Neoclassical and Neo-Mudéjar elements. The restoration, led by RCCyP Arquitectura in coordination with the Directorate General of State Patrimony, has preserved historic protected features while adapting the structure to contemporary luxury standards. The interior design, handled by Andreu Carulla Studio, reinterprets the building’s industrial heritage—the former Sugar Company headquarters—using fine materials, craftsmanship, and sustainable design criteria. The result is 61 rooms and suites featuring oak flooring, walnut woodwork, and Rosavel granite bathrooms; some with high ceilings and original moldings, others with private terraces offering city views.
Culinary offering draws two industry benchmarks
The “Sociedad Gastronómika” restaurant will be helmed by Eneko Atxa, the Biscayan chef holding three Michelin stars and a Green Star at his restaurant Azurmendi, with a proposal focused on sustainability, seasonality, and the reinterpretation of tradition.
The space includes an open kitchen for 12 guests, a main hall for 24, and a private dining room for 16. “La Azucarera” cocktail bar, on the ground floor, bears the signature of Javier de las Muelas—creator of Gimlet and a global mixology icon—featuring a U-shaped bar and a signature cocktail menu. For HoReCa sector operators, the pairing of a Michelin-starred chef and a world-renowned mixologist within the same establishment strengthens the hotel’s profile as a gastronomic destination in its own right.
A brand making historic heritage its business model
Mercer Hotels’ Madrid opening coincides with its 20th anniversary, consolidating a strategy based on transforming unique historic buildings into luxury hotels in prime urban locations.
Founded and led by Pedro Molina, the chain already operates in Barcelona and Seville, earning accolades such as the Michelin Key and the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best. The Madrid hotel boasts a top-tier location: steps away from Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles Square, Retiro Park, and the “Paseo del Arte” (Art Walk). Facilities include a spa with a heated pool, a gym, a private events room, and a rooftop with a pool and solarium for guests, alongside a public terrace overlooking the capital’s historic center.
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