· From September 10 to 13, Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá will transform Plaza de Margaret Thatcher into an immersive cocktail experience inspired by the universe of the 60s Grand Prix
· Vintage gas pumps, signature cocktails, a live classification and a retro-themed photobooth will shape a particular circuit that will bring the excitement of the competition from the street to Balmoral, the hotel’s cocktail bar
Madrid.– With the occasion of the Formula 1 arrival in Madrid, Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá transfers the spirit of the races to the heart of the capital with Balmoral’s Grid, an immersive signature cocktail experience inspired by the competition that will transform Plaza de Margaret Thatcher from September 10 to 13.
Through a journey from the starting line in the middle of the street to the final finish line in Balmoral, guests will travel through time in an atmosphere that mixes the elegance and iconic character of the hotel with the automotive imaginary inspired by the 60s Grand Prix. In this original circuit, visitors will be able to try new signature cocktails, interact with the 60s aesthetic and take several souvenirs of this sporting event.
A pit stop in the heart of Madrid
The recreation of the circuit will take place in the center of Plaza de Margaret Thatcher where a particular pit stop will be located: Balmoral’s Grid. Here the main element will be a selection of cocktails created by Balmoral especially for the occasion. Through several vintage gas pumps, each visitor will be able to choose their favorite cocktail proposal and print a ticket that can be exchanged for their signature cocktail in the hotel.
The pumps will incorporate a counter that will record each choice and there will be a screen that will show the real-time classification of the participating cocktails. In this way, each ticket will also become a vote and each creation will compete to reach the Balmoral Pole Position at the end of the activation.
The space will also incorporate different points designed for interaction and content creation, including a vintage-themed photobooth, graphic elements linked to the motor imaginary and a photocall area.
A race through time
The inspiration of Balmoral’s Grid recovers the sophisticated and evocative character of the first decades of the F1 World Championship: pilots turned into icons, legendary circuits, boxes, checkered flags and an aesthetic that transcended the sport to become part of popular culture.
This circuit thus converts one of the most emblematic enclaves of the Salamanca neighborhood into an interactive scenario that blurs the boundaries between hotel and city, bringing the Gran Meliá experience beyond its doors.
This language connects naturally with Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá and allows the hotel to pay homage to that era from a current perspective, turning one of the most recognizable corners of Madrid into a meeting point for guests, visitors and Formula 1 fans for a few days.
With this initiative, Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá joins one of the most anticipated events of the year in Madrid by reinterpreting the motor culture through design, hospitality and signature cocktails.
About Meliá Hotels International
Meliá Hotels International, founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), celebrates its 70th anniversary as the largest hotel company in Spain and one of the most influential globally. Its leadership has been recognized with distinctions such as the most sustainable hotel company in Europe according to S&P Global and the Top Employer Large Enterprise 2026 seal, validating its firm commitment to sustainability, talent development and excellence in management.
With a portfolio exceeding 400 hotels in operation and under development in major international destinations, the company operates through nine brands that respond to diverse traveler profiles and motivations: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. All of them share a common essence: to offer authentic and memorable experiences, inspired by Mediterranean culture and values.
Driven by a strategic vision centered on innovation, digitalization and responsible tourism, Meliá continues to advance as a sector reference, generating sustainable value for its stakeholders and contributing to the social, economic and environmental progress of the destinations where it is present. For more information, [email protected]
About Gran Meliá
Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the first Spanish luxury hotel brand, present in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, bringing Spanish luxury and Mediterranean lifestyle to an exclusive collection of exceptional properties. Its hotels combine timeless luxury, outstanding service, inspiring experiences, striking architecture and Spanish culture, with 18 properties worldwide and a global presence in continuous expansion.
All its properties are located in the most important tourist destinations, such as Villa Le Blanc (Menorca), Palacio de los Duques and Hotel Fénix (Madrid, Spain), Torre Melina (Barcelona), Hotel de Mar and Hotel Victoria (Mallorca, Spain), Hotel Don Pepe (Marbella, Spain), Hotel Colón (Seville, Spain), Palacio de Sancti Petri Gran Meliá (Cádiz, Spain), Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (Tenerife, Spain), Villa Agrippina (Rome, Italy), Palazzo Cordusio (Milan, Italy), Gran Meliá Iguazú (Argentina), Gran Meliá Arusha (Tanzania), Gran Meliá Jakarta (Indonesia), Gran Meliá Nha Trang (Vietnam) and Gran Meliá Xian (China).
The brand will continue its international expansion with upcoming openings including Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah (2027), Gran Meliá Tirana (2027), Gran Meliá Palasa (2028), Gran Meliá Ushuaïa (2028) and Gran Meliá Pogradec (2031).
Follow Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts on Instagram and Facebook. www.granmelia.com
About Hotel Fénix
Located in a privileged location in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood and the Golden Mile of Madrid, Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá is one of the great references of luxury hospitality in the capital. Its iconic neoclassical building houses 186 rooms and suites, combining classic elegance and contemporary sophistication, along with RedLevel, the most exclusive experience of Gran Meliá, with personalized services and private spaces.
Just a few steps from Serrano, Velázquez and Goya streets and the Paseo de la Castellana, the hotel offers a unique way to discover Madrid through gastronomy, wellness and a deeply connected hospitality. Its proposal is completed with Balmoral, its sophisticated cocktail bar and meeting point between guests and Madrileños, as well as wellness experiences such as Thai Room. Member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 2003, Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá combines over seven decades of legacy with a contemporary vision of Spanish luxury.n
Disclosure: This is a press release provided by Henry Coradin through the email “[email protected]”. Its content is the exclusive responsibility of the source.
