Stayed for 4 days in the hotel last week (April 2009). As a Diamond was u/graded to the Executive Floor.

I agree that the hotel is very modern - all glass and chrome. Black and white design, and the staff are really very welcoming.

We were there to see Madrid, and there's a shuttle bus to Ventas station (beside the bull ring) that takes 15mins (leaves on the hour until ca. 5pm) and collects on the way back at 30past (last bus 1730). From ventas you can use the underground to the rest of madrid - so in a total of 40 - 45mins you can be in the centre of Madrid.

You can also walk to the local metro station - the last stop on Line 5. It's not the airport line, and takes ca. 15mins stroll from the hotel (not a nice walk as you have to walk along waste ground and across a motorway, but you can cut 5mins off by walking along the motorway....you'll see it when you get there); it's a safe journey though. Line 5 runs till 0130 and takes 40mins to town...and stops at all the main stations.

In staying at the hotel, you don't feel 'part' of the city, however Madrid is so compact that you can go out in the morning, come back and relax in the spa and go out in the evening as things don't liven up until 10pm. Add to that good rates (we got a room for 80 euros/ night) and that is a good deal.

Other issues
- Exec Lounge open all day Mon-Fri, and 0700-1000 and 1700-2100 weekends and bank hols. It's a nice lounge, but curtains are closed most of the time as the sun shines directly in, so you don't look out. Food is ok (poor for veggies) and you get cava (Spanish sparkling wine), beer and wine. Lovely cakes though. Two free Internet terminals (cannot print out).

-Pool area is nice with 10 loungers, and a roof that is retracted if hot enough. Good spa with water jets etc (probably the same company that runs Valencia Hilton). Small fitness area, but the basics are there.

-Buffet - comped for Diamonds (seems Golds, too) and they don't mind if you take the full breakfast (ie not sticking to the 'continental' rule). Standard fare, and nothing 'special' there that you would not get elsewhere in other Hiltons (although the yogurt selection is better than average).

-Rooms - on the small side, but ok. Poor use of space as there's little space to hang clothes up etc. Doors to the bathroom don't lock, nor completely close. Adequate space to work on the desk though and lamp etc. Comfortable beds. Quiet.

Overall, an excellent airport hotel, and treats Diamonds (and it seems Golds) well. Really friendly staff, and a nice spa area. For tourists, you can use it for a vists, but for more than 4 days I think you'd begin to tire of the travel to and forth. But if you get a rate for 80 - 100 Euros a night, and with that lounge access/ comped bfst, it's a very good deal for Madrid.