Where to stay when you leave.

Post Demolition: No Crashing Impact Seen from Madrid Hotel Stunt

Go To The Hotel's Web 
  Site Where: Alcalá, 66, Madrid, Spain, 28009

7/06/2007 at 1:24 PM
Tags: , ,

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.

MORE

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]

Hotel Reviews:
Nh Alcala

2 Comments - Add Yours by barbarab

Comments


robmeyer
HotelChatter Member
Re: Post Demolition: No Crashing Impact Seen from (none / 0)

I love it, where do I sign up?

You're right, probably couldn't be done in the US for fears of liability, but I think it would be a very successful promotional stunt for any hotel that can get away with it.  I'm sure they got tons of press coverage for it, and some people will remember their name in the future.  Branding!

by robmeyer on 7/06/2007 at 2:03 PM



barbarab
HotelChatter Member
Re: Post Demolition: Madrid Hotel Stunt (none / 0)

What was funky is they left the furniture and the TV's in the room. No self-respecting demolitionist would do that!

Barbara B.

by barbarab on 7/06/2007 at 2:23 PM


Leave a Comment

Not yet a member? Click here to become a member.
Already a member? Login below:


Nickname:


Password:




Advertise on HotelChatter