MADRID, Spain – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc today announced it will expand its strong presence in Spain with the opening of W Madrid in 2018. Owned by Merryland Inversiones SLU, W Madrid will be ideally located on Plaza de Canalejas in the epicentre of the city’s thriving restaurant and entertainment district and close to major landmarks in the Spanish cultural and fashion capital.

“The opening of the second W Hotel in Spain demonstrates the huge demand for this innovative lifestyle brand in such an important travel market,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “When W Madrid opens its doors in 2018, Spain will become the only country in Europe to boast two W Hotels.”

“We believe that the W brand is the perfect fit for this historic property and look forward to seeing W Madrid emerge as one of Spain’s most sought after and admired hotels,” said Harry Mohinani CEO of Merryland Inversiones.

W Madrid will be housed in an imposing 19th century building that was previously operated as a hotel. The property conversion involves an international multi-disciplinary team coordinated by Hong Kong based Hospitality Solutions. The building will be re-imagined by Rockwell Group including a full restoration of historical elements combined with a bold, vibrant design.

W Madrid will complement the iconic beachfront W Barcelona which opened to great fanfare in 2009 and continues to wow jetsetters from around the world. W loyalists will revel in being able to experience two energetic Spanish cities within three hours of travel.

“The W brand continues to be a key driver of growth for Starwood around the globe. The signing of W Madrid adds yet another inspiring European city to the brand’s portfolio and highlights our continued strategy to grow this brand within the world’s most exciting travel markets,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Director, Acquisitions and Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.

Following the successful debuts of W Hotels in Istanbul, Barcelona, St. Petersburg, London, Paris and Verbier, W Amsterdam became the seventh W Hotel in Europe when it opened in October 2015. W Hotels now boasts a worldwide portfolio of 46 properties around the globe and is on track to reach 75 hotels by 2020.