Lavapiés Residents Protest Baobab Hostel Conversion

The historic Baobab restaurant in Madrid's Lavapiés neighborhood faces demolition for a 288-bed capsule hostel project. The property at Plaza de Nelson Mandela was acquired by entrepreneur Javier González Herráez, who residents accuse of real estate speculation.

Local neighborhood associations and political opposition have denounced the conversion as tourism-driven gentrification. Black and white posters declare González Herráez an 'enemy of Lavapiés' for his previous role in the Ibis hotel development on Calle Valencia. The project represents broader concerns about the displacement of local businesses and community character in central Madrid districts.

The iconic Baobab Senegalese restaurant, located at the corner of Plaza de Nelson Mandela in Lavapiés, will be converted into a capsule hostel with 288 beds. The property was purchased by entrepreneur Javier González Herráez at numbers 1 and 3 Calle de los Cabestreros.

Residents report that the new owner plans to speculate on the real estate, following a pattern of commercial development in the area. The transformation of the popular restaurant represents the loss of another longstanding community establishment in the neighborhood.

Black and white posters have appeared across Lavapiés declaring Javier González Herráez an enemy of the neighborhood. The posters specifically reference his responsibility for the eviction of the popular solar on Calle Valencia, where the Ibis hotel was subsequently constructed.

The advertisements read: "Por estos motivos lo declaramos enemigo del barrio. Fuera especuladores" ("For these reasons we declare him an enemy of the neighborhood. Out with speculators").

Neighborhood associations and political opposition groups have united to denounce what they describe as tourism speculation that degrades Plaza de Nelson Mandela and surrounding areas.

The Baobab hostel project reflects ongoing concerns about tourism-driven gentrification in Madrid's historic neighborhoods. Local organizations report that Lavapiés is losing an average of five residents per day as property values rise and local businesses close.

The conversion of community establishments into tourist accommodations has accelerated in recent years, fundamentally altering the social fabric of central Madrid districts. Residents argue that these developments prioritize short-term visitor profits over long-term community sustainability.

The Asociación de Vecinos de La Corrala (La Corrala Neighborhood Association) has been vocal in opposing the hostel conversion. Political opposition parties have joined the protest, highlighting the systematic degradation of public spaces and community infrastructure.

Activists emphasize that the loss of establishments like Baobab represents more than just commercial change—it signifies the erosion of cultural diversity and social cohesion that defined Lavapiés for decades. The community continues to organize against further speculative developments in the area.