dtwdoc

I have mixed feelings re this hotel.

Location is incredible, as is the lobby/entire main floor.

However, during a stay in August 2011, I was extremely underwhelmed by my room, especially considering the reviews I had read. First, the furniture was worn. Yes, I am aware they are often antiques, however worn furniture is just unappealing regardless. There were water stains on my ceiling, and the stairwell was under (noisy/dusty) construction during my entire stay. Also, not sure if they have an SPG floor, but it was never offered. Most unappealing was the condescending attitude I got from the check in staff. Suffice to say I doubt I will be staying there again.

Thankfully for starwoods I went on to stay at Le Meridien Barcelona which is a PHENOMENAL property, with wonderful amenities, a great location, and most importantly, a warm, helpful, and friendly staff.

Hope this helps.

airplanepeanuts

This was part of a multi-city trip through europe. It was great.

Cost: I used cash and points for 3 nights = 14,400 Starpoints and paid be 195 euros total at checkout.

Upgrade: I checked in at 7pm and was already upgraded to a very nice suite. Did not even have to ask. The suite had a nice foyer of marble floor with a small table and mirror, the bedroom was on the left and had a King bed with another wall mirror and chair for make-up, with walkin closet. There was a half bathroom too. I have pictures attached.

all marble, sitting area with couch, flat screen TV, table, minibar was stocked.

Platinum Amenity: I chose breakfast and both of us got their very nice buffet breakfast which is normally around 45 euros. The service and buffet selection was incredible. Lox and Cream cheese, fresh omelets, sausage, chorizo, pancakes, hash browns, fresh orange juice, and little shots of wheat grass too. Also had free champagne.


Location: This hotel is a great place to stay if you are looking to check out all the fun areas: Plaza Santa Ana, Museum of Prado, and Puerto Del Sol are all very close.

Concierge Service: These guys were super helpful in arranging restaurants, and telling us where fun young people hang out in the evenings. They spoke good english too.

Reception: They were nice too.

Other: Got haircut in hotel for 25 euros, gym is nice - it has sauna but no hot tub or pool. Drinks in the hotel bar were around 15 euros each.

Negatives: loud banging outside for holy week parade at around 10am.

jammanxc

i'll be at this hotel in 2 weeks! thanks for the report

DHAST

I don't tend to keep a lot of starpoints on hand, so blowing 48,000 points for a five night stay is a lot to me.

Is this hotel worth the points? If I didn't stay here, I'd otherwise be willing to pay no more than 120 Euro per night at another hotel.

ExitRowAisle

If it's available, Cash & Points is usually the best bang for the buck. You get the benefit of staying at a place you could otherwise not afford for generally less than you are willing to pay elsewhere.

ExitRowAisle
A Dissatisfied 2nd Class Starwood Platinum Member

jammanxc

I checked into this property last week. As a SPG Platinum, I was given:

upgraded to an executive suite 969 sq.ft overlooking the fountain (booked lowest category standard room)

full breakfast buffet for 2 at the restaurant (i chose this as my platinum amenity)

free wifi internet in lobby and in-room wireless as well (able to charge to the room as many devices as you have)

4pm late checkout was granted

I loved the service given at this hotel and the location is UNBEATABLE! The lobby felt like a palace and the rooms felt like it was meant for a king and queen. The platinum treatment was very good and the breakfast buffet was delicious (49 euro each is the reg. price)

I loved how it was so easy to get to this hotel. It was my 3rd time in Madrid and I must say that the Madrid metro is the cleanest, cheapest, and fastest way to get to this hotel.

Take the metro pink line (costs 2.25euros) (line 8) from Madrid Barajas Airport to Nuevos Ministerios station (last stop). Transfer to the Ciserios train network and follow the signs to C-4. Buy a ticket for 1.50euro in the ticket machine and select destination "Sol" . You must use train C-4 in the direction of Parla. It is 1 stop away from nuevos ministerios. Get off at Sol station and its practically a 5-10 minute walk to the hotel. Walk opposite street of the bear statue away from Calle Mayor

teege

So I'm looking at booking an award stay here in December timeframe. Oddly, all I'm getting are three options:

-non-smoking 2 single beds
-smoking queen bed
-smoking 2 single beds

Smoking rooms aren't an option for my wife and I, so that leaves the 2 single bed room.

I'm wondering if (1) I have any shot at them being able to change the room type to a non-smoking queen/king once I book it or (2) the beds can be at least pushed together...

Thanks!

Starwood Lurker

(2) Minimum of 2,000 Starpoints needed to redeem for a free weekend night in a standard room at a Category 1 hotel. Number of Starpoints needed for a free night in a standard room varies by hotel category. During peak seasons, some properties will charge higher Starpoints rates. Please click the Starpoints total for rate details at that particular hotel. To find the optimal time to redeem, review peak season date ranges for Category 5, Category 6 and Category 7.

Starpoints rates listed and no blackout dates are for Free Night Awards only and apply to standard rooms only (as defined by each property). Upgraded rooms, including upgrades based on size, view, services, and/or suites, are available at a higher Starpoints cost, as determined by each property, and must be booked through your local customer contact center. Starwood Preferred Guest does not limit the number of standard rooms available for Free Night Awards. Free Night Awards are each valid for one free night, single and/or double standard room occupancy at participating properties, and include the cost of your hotel room and room tax/service charge. All other hotel charges are the responsibility of the Member. When using a Free Night Award, bedding and smoking preferences may be requested, but are not guaranteed.

The sentence underlined above might be of interest when making your final decision. Only the hotel is going to be able to confirm anything with regard to smoking/bedding preferences.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

diamondsRforever

All - can anyone shed some wisdom as to what I can anticipate as Platinum benefits on a three night stay stating this weekend? What have they been offering as the breakfast benefit? Chance of upgrade (suite)? Comp'ed wifi? Is there any type of Executive Lounge at this hotel (I'm used to that from being a Hhonors Diamond)? Many thanks!

BKKLEE

- upgraded to jr suite, but obviously based upon availability at checkin
- no breakfast benefit provide (but theres a Starbucks just around the corner)
- no lounge at this hotel

MSPeconomist

If you're Plat, internet access in your room should be free. In addition, continental or better breakfast in the hotel restaurant should be an amenity that you can pick at check in.

Leumas

Also check this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...t-benefit.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18344611-post339.html

FYI, I was given a junior suite and full breakfast as one of the amenity options.

drron

It can be great.Back in 2008 I status matched from Hhonors.My first stay as SPG plat was here.We scored the Royal suite + breakfast in the restaurant.Hence now a loyal SPG customer.

george 3

How close is the hotel to the Madrid train station where the AVE from Barcelona arrives? Metro seems to be the best option ?

ExitRowAisle

I'd estimate it's a 15-minute walk with roll-aboard luggage. It might be even faster if you know what you are doing. However, we took an inexpensive cab ride to get a lay of the land when we first arrived in Madrid.

The hotel is a straight shot down the Paseo del Prado from the train station.

ExitRowAisle
A Dissatisfied 2nd Class Starwood Platinum Member