Visit the Casino de Madrid is not usually included in the standard itinerary of someone who visits Madrid for the first time (and perhaps not even many locals know about it). Let me show you this jewel of the capital that I was lucky enough to discover.
The Casino de Madrid only has “casino” in its name. It is not a casino in the traditional sense, but rather an exclusive luxury social club that offers its members the most exclusive services.
In addition, many events are held here, especially weddings and private parties. Commercials are filmed and even some movie scenes.
Located on Calle Alcalá, just a few meters from Puerta del Sol, it is inside the NH Collection Real Casino de Madrid. Shall we discover it together?
1) Exterior façade of the Casino de Madrid
Even from the outside, the façade of the building is spectacular and leaves passersby amazed. Its door is immense and from the sidewalk you can see a grand staircase leading up to the Patio de Honor.
2) Hall of Honor
The Patio de Honor is where you’ll find the main hall, which is stunning from every angle. The ceiling has a glass dome through which natural light filters in.
The central staircase is beautiful, with a perfectly maintained red carpet. The interior details are exquisite. Don’t miss the virtual tour available on its website. Absolutely worth it.
3) The halls of the Casino de Madrid
The first hall we visited was the Royal Hall, set up for a gala party. Majestic, though a bit too rococo and ornate for my taste.
Also worth mentioning are the Alcalá Hall, overlooking the street of the same name, much simpler but with a spectacular balcony; the Puerta del Sol Hall, which was being prepared for a dinner; the Prince Hall, used as a conference hall and sometimes as a cinema; among others.
4) Exclusive members-only rooms of the Casino de Madrid
We were lucky enough to be shown the different areas with exclusive access for members. We had to make as little noise as possible so as not to disturb those inside. Mostly because these are reading rooms, with computers for consultation, and, as we noticed, the perfect place for those who want to take a quiet nap.
But there are also other rooms we weren’t shown: a billiards room, rooms for board games, lounges with giant TV screens, a bar and restaurant with “members-only” prices, and an exclusive health center with gym, saunas, Turkish baths, and more.
The rooms we did see were the Torito Hall, the Reading Room, with a central table full of newspapers, another with computers, and several small lounges by the windows with sofas and coffee tables. Unique, exclusive spaces.
5) The Library of the Casino de Madrid
We then visited the Library, which, we were told, mainly contained law books. Although everything looks like wood, in fact all the shelves and ladders are made of iron as fire prevention.
6) Paco Roncero’s Workshop
We were shown the one and only Paco Roncero Workshop. Paco is a 2-Michelin-star chef, a reference in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. He also gained popularity through the TV program Top Chef.
The room is full of technology, designed to deliver a truly amazing experience. I was astonished at what they told us is created there and the cost of a meal (around €15,000 for 8 people).
If you want to know more, check out the Paco Roncero Workshop website, where you can see an interactive video about the experience. It’s marketed as “exclusive” and “secret.”
Few know about it and, in fact, if you’re taken into the Casino de Madrid, you wouldn’t notice you’re entering Paco Roncero’s Workshop. It’s hidden inside the Casino, guests are led in through the back door, and sometimes they even blindfold the lucky diners.
7) The Terrace of the Casino de Madrid
The Terrace of the Casino is a two-Michelin-star restaurant also run by Paco Roncero. It’s called “terrace” because it’s located on the top floor of the Casino de Madrid.
You can dine both indoors and outdoors. The menu, called Afirmación, costs €220 plus wine pairing. Another menu, called Esencia, is priced at €160 plus pairing, but it is only served on Thursdays and Fridays at lunchtime.
The wine list is more like a book than a menu.
The Director of the Casino de Madrid joked with us that everyone working at La Terraza is an expert meteorologist and knows whether or not the rooftop can be used for dining. On the day of my visit, for example, it was way too windy despite being early June.
The views from the rooftop are breathtaking, so whether you dine outside or not, it’s worth stepping out to admire the historic buildings along Calle Alcalá and, in the distance, Puerta del Sol.
8) Party Rooms
To end the spectacular visit to the Casino de Madrid, we were shown the most rented party rooms, such as the Duke of Osuna Hall, with capacity for 450 people, and the Valdavia Hall, smaller but accommodating 150 people.
These are located in the basement of the Casino and look a little less glamorous, more like a nightclub.
9) Bar “Las Estancias” at the Casino de Madrid
After the visit, we were invited to the bar on the ground floor to enjoy a few drinks.
It’s not possible to visit the Casino de Madrid like we did, without being a member. The only way to see part of the facilities is by reserving lunch or dinner at La Terraza del Casino restaurant.
Another way to access more of the facilities is by being a friend of a member, who can invite you in. In that case, you need to book in advance and, depending on what you want to do, pay a fee.
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