Dalata Hotel Group, the UK and Ireland’s largest independent four-star hotel operator, has announced plans to expand its presence in Continental Europe with the opening of its first hotel in Spain. In partnership with Grupo Insur, Dalata has signed a lease agreement for a new 243-room Clayton Hotel in Madrid, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2029.
Strategic location in Madrid’s Valdebebas district
The new hotel will be located in the developing Valdebebas neighborhood, an area situated adjacent to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports. This strategic location positions the hotel to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with easy access to the airport and nearby attractions. The hotel will be part of Madrid’s wider urban expansion, benefiting from the growth and development of the surrounding area.
Facilities and sustainable design
The full-service Clayton Hotel will feature a range of amenities, including 243 comfortable bedrooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting and event spaces, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Designed with sustainability in mind, the hotel will be an all-electric building, equipped with heat pump technology. The hotel will also meet the high standards of energy efficiency and sustainable design, aiming for LEED Gold certification.
“Madrid is a leading global travel destination and is a key strategic location in our European expansion strategy. Situated adjacent to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in the fast-growing, vibrant Valdebebas district, this newly developed hotel will be ideally positioned to benefit from the area’s strong demand drivers, tourist attractions and rapidly growing events space. We are very excited to have secured such an attractive opportunity in one of our target cities in Europe and we look forward to working in partnership with Grupo Insur one of Spain’s leading real estate companies, to successfully deliver this exciting project.” – Shane Casserly, Deputy CEO, Dalata
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Upon completion, Dalata will operate the hotel under a 15-year lease, with options for two 5-year extensions. The rental terms include a guaranteed minimum rent for the first three years, after which the rent will be based on the hotel’s revenue performance.
A growing hub for tourism and business
Valdebebas is quickly becoming one of Madrid’s most vibrant areas, attracting a wide range of international and domestic visitors. The neighborhood is home to several key attractions, including the IFEMA Madrid exhibition and event center, which draws around 4 million visitors annually. Additionally, the Real Madrid City training facility is located nearby, further boosting the area’s appeal.
The district is also set to benefit from the upcoming F1 Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place from 2026 in the nearby Barajas district. This major sporting event is expected to drive significant tourism and economic activity in the region. Other key developments include the new Spanish Courts of Justice and the Isabel Zendal Hospital, which will focus on becoming the leading neurorehabilitation center in Europe.
Expanding Dalata’s European footprint
The opening of the Clayton Hotel in Madrid marks an important milestone for Dalata as it expands its footprint in Europe. This move aligns with Dalata’s strategy of targeting key gateway cities, and Madrid—already one of the world’s top tourist destinations—presents a prime location for further growth. The new hotel will contribute to Dalata’s mission to provide high-quality accommodations and excellent service in major European cities.
