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Post Demolition: No Crashing Impact Seen from Madrid Hotel Stunt
7/06/2007 at 1:24 PM
Tags: Hotel Renovations, Hotel News, Madrid Hotel Reviews

We were as perplexed as we were tickled last month when we heard that the NH Alcalá in Madrid was going to allow qualifying individuals to demolish hotel rooms to make way for a renovation. The hotel, in the Salamanca section of Madrid, is part of the 335-property NH chain.
One one hand, the idea was unabashedly gimmicky. On the other, it tapped the rocker-trashing-hotel-room fantasy in many of us, with, at least for U.S. television viewers, a little Flip That House catharsis action thrown in for good measure.
Now that the event has transpired, this past Tuesday, with considerable media coverage, we're left wondering a few things. Some inquiring questions, with ever-incisive answers, after the jump.
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Will people actually remember the name of the hotel, or will they just remember (if they remember it at all) the hotel in Madrid where a bunch of stressed-out people - they actually had to pass a stress test, the one that doctors prefer we flunk, to be eligible for consideration - got to ravage the rooms? We kind of think not. Will any participants jump careers, move over to the hospitality industry?
We kind of think not again. As one participant, Ignacio, a real estate agent, told El Pais: "Ha sido una experiencia muy buena, aunque no cambiaría mi trabajo por el de derrumbador." ("It was a good experience, but I wouldn't change jobs to become a demolitionist.")
Will participatory demolitions become a trend, with the endless stream of renovations in the industry? We think not, especially in the U.S. of A.; too many liability issues. Though with lawsuit-tight waivers, demolition-therapy getaways could attract a following in this age of anxiety.
Is the hotel still open, and, if so, what floor is closest to the renovations: As of last evening, the hotel was answering the phone and informing callers it was open. The website is taking reservations. The demolition was on the second floor, so book accordingly.
Last but not least, would this make a reality show? We think not, even with the audition angle and the inarguably videogenic ending. Then again, in the right hands, the concept might provide fodder for a whacky flick. Paging Pedro Almodovar.
Related Stories:
· Crazies Permitted to Unleash Misdirected Anger at Madrid Hotel [HotelChatter]
· "No cambiaría mi trabajo por el de derrumbador" [El Pais]
·
Stressed Spaniards Smash Up Hotel [BBC]
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