The year has come full circle and invited us to take a moment to reflect. On 7 March 2016, the hostel team held their breath as the doors of SLEEP’N opened for the very first time to welcome our first guests.

But how did it all begin? How did that first brainstorming session—with questions such as ‘What do we want to convey?’ or ‘What’s going to set us apart?’—give rise to a concept with such a distinctive style and presence? Why SLEEP’N?

We wanted to get to know Calle Doctor Drumen No. 4, its impeccably designed premises and, of course, its people, to understand the many ‘whys’ and answer the question ‘How did it all begin?’.

“Phew! So much work to do!!” was the thought shared by a few brave souls who’d decided to leave everything behind and head off (suitcase in hand) to Madrid. And there they were, standing in front of the façade of a mid-20th-century building, feeling rather nervous (and covered in dust).

But they knew how to read the word ‘Opportunity’ between the lines. A building just a stone’s throw from Atocha! They had the walls, the ceiling, the floor, an excellent and prime location… And most importantly: a well-defined, unique and distinctive concept in mind and plenty of enthusiasm in their pockets.

The refurbishment had begun, and ahead of them lay four long years of late nights, early mornings and turning obstacles into strengths and advantages.

“When you tackle a project like this, you start to refine the details based on the building’s potential.” And boy, did it offer that potential. An eighty-room establishment operating at full capacity in the most traditional way possible (with no flush-mounted washbasins or memory foam mattresses… not to mention Wi-Fi) could only reinforce the notion that, above all, it was ‘Opportunity’ that guided their every step in that adventure.

“I think the hardest part was getting started.”

The team weren’t just facing a challenge involving tiles, lighting and technology: the way they worked was obsolete (simply because they didn’t have computers, half the tasks remained undone). Managing bookings, invoicing… it was essential to do away with pen and paper in the hostel’s day-to-day running.

Goals were gradually achieved and the refurbishment continued to progress. Each phase was progressively completed, and the team was becoming more cohesive: the opening was drawing ever closer.

The exhaustion from the previous days was taking its toll, but the adrenaline and the feeling of being close to success kept spirits high.

“It was very exciting. It was a dream come true, after so much hard work.”

SLEEP’N Atocha, a play on words combining its location and its slogan “To dream, you have to sleep”, a shortened form of the English gerund “-ing” but, above all, “SLEEP’N is home”.

This stylish, relaxed and laid-back space opened its doors in the winter of 2016 to welcome its guests “as if inviting friends round for dinner at home”.

The relationship with SLEEP’N’s guests is based on a sense of closeness. Decorative and functional elements hint at this, such as the open counters (or the fact that one of the architects of this avant-garde and comfortable concept can always be found – wearing his glasses – sitting at one of the tables in the bar or the multi-purpose room).

The design is one of the hostel’s main attractions. In the lobby, we’re greeted by its now-legendary monkeys (Paco, Gustavo, Ambrosio and Mafalda, for further information). They’re by Seletti and the brainchild of Las2Mercedes, a team of interior designers who gradually introduced that harmonious touch that spread throughout the hostel’s various spaces.

Felipe Lindberg was responsible for the reception desks, Hisbalit for the bathroom tiles, Mambo Unlimited for the lighting, Tabanda for the bar chairs, Wonton for the brand identity and Creativersion (led by Javier Torrijos) was responsible for adding a touch of magic to the subtlest – yet essential – details of this complex comprising eighty rooms: artists and creatives who joined in this ‘hands-on’ approach that gradually pieced together the SLEEP’N puzzle.

“I think this close relationship with our guests is what sets us apart. This, combined with the design and the welcoming atmosphere—with different spaces such as the library, the bar and the film screenings—makes guests feel at home.”

SLEEP’N is different; you can tell a mile off. Even before its doors open to welcome us with that scent specially designed for the hostel, which captivates and envelops you right from the start (and hooks you in. Properly so, I can vouch for that). Even before the team welcomes us with a smile, and long before we sit down to relax for a while whilst listening to one of DJ Diego Torres’ playlists and savouring a good wine with nuts.

I’ve based the content of this post on a chat I had with Julia, Operations Manager at SLEEP’N.

Talking to her is always a delight. From that very first day when we both let our professional guard down, sat down and she let me probe a little deeper, I knew we were going to get on well.

I asked her a couple of questions (actually, quite a few more) and, rather than her words, it was her gaze and the enthusiasm with which she told me about the early days of that hostel in the heart of Atocha that made me realise this modern, cosy accommodation, with such attention to detail everywhere, was more than just a place to stay.

Congratulations on this first year and on the many more to come.