Located in the renowned Barrio de las Letras in Madrid, there exists a quaint hotel that skillfully combines nostalgia with a contemporary, sophisticated, and lively ambiance. Armesto Rooms, a former 1970s hostel, has been tastefully renovated by the esteemed architects at Febrero Studio, who have thoughtfully preserved its historical essence. It is not uncommon to encounter such accommodations in Madrid, frequently nestled on the second floor of residential buildings, just like this one.
Their classic signs are a delightful fixture in the cityscape, and it is undeniable that along with a touch of dustiness, these establishments exude a unique charm. The studio elaborates that when revamping and modernizing such establishments, one cannot ignore the nostalgic allure associated with tourism during the latter part of the 20th century, particularly in Europe and America. This underscores the significance of retro aesthetics in the redesign process.
Upon entering the structure, guests are greeted by a deliberately mysterious and dark reception, with an almost theatrical appearance. The curtains that envelop the perimeter also accentuate it, behind which the rooms are hidden. The idea is to stimulate the senses and play with the visitors, who after crossing this limbo are catapulted into a completely different, vibrant, and bright scenario.
In the rooms, color takes center stage. It lights up the beds with vibrant striped patterns, and bursts from the tiles, which extend from the bathrooms to the floors, creating dynamic and surprising environments. And speaking of bathrooms, compared to the old hostel, these have been downsized to expand the usable space in the rooms, but without betraying the essence of the 70s.
Each room has its own specific color combination, with shades ranging from green to navy blue, to orange. Softened by neutral carpeting, light walls, and simple and functional furniture, the creative team manages to give a modern look to nostalgia, shaping a diverse and well-crafted microcosm in every detail, where expressive boldness becomes comfort that smells like home.