One of Madrid's most photographed landmarks is poised for a spectacular rebirth. The historic Edificio Metrópolis, a Beaux-Arts icon at the heart of the Spanish capital, will begin a new chapter in 2026 as Club Metrópolis, an ultra-exclusive private members' club and boutique hotel.
A Historic Landmark's New Chapter
Since its inauguration in 1911, the French-style building at the junction of Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá has been a defining feature of Madrid's skyline. Famous for its neo-renaissance exterior, black slate dome, and golden detailing topped by a winged victory statue, its interior has long been off-limits to the public. That is set to change dramatically.
After five years of development, the 6,000 square metre property will be meticulously restored to its original splendour. The transformation will introduce a 19-room boutique hotel, seven distinct gastronomic spaces, and a coveted rooftop terrace. The project aims to establish Club Metrópolis as a unique new landmark for the city.
Exclusive Access and a Packed Calendar
Interest in the venture is already extraordinarily high. Although the official opening is scheduled for 21 January 2026, the initial membership application quota has been fully met. A waiting list is now in operation for prospective members eager to join.
Operated under the umbrella of Grupo Paraguas, the club plans to host an ambitious calendar of 200 member events annually, positioning itself as a major player on the international private club circuit. This reinvention comes at a time when Madrid's appeal to travellers is notably strong.
Madrid: A Top Value Destination for 2026
The metamorphosis of the Metrópolis coincides with positive travel forecasts for the Spanish capital. According to KAYAK's 2026 What The Future (WTF) Report, Madrid has been named the second-best-value short-haul destination for 2026 for UK travellers.
The report found average return flights to Madrid cost around £101, just behind Dublin at £93. This value proposition aligns with a growing travel trend identified by KAYAK: the rise of the mini-break. Nearly 66% of holidaymakers plan several short trips, with flight searches for one-to-four-day holidays up by 8%.
Artificial Intelligence is also reshaping travel planning. The KAYAK survey of 14,000 travellers, including 2,029 from the UK, revealed that 31% of UK respondents now trust an AI recommendation more than advice from friends or social media. A further 32% trust AI's picks because it aggregates data from millions of sources.
"In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel," commented Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer at KAYAK. "The future of travel isn’t just smarter; it’s more human and personalised, with technology enhancing the experience along the way."
The combination of a stunning historic transformation and strong travel value sets the stage for Madrid to be a premier destination as the new Club Metrópolis opens its doors to a select few in 2026.
