Hi folks --

Has anyone had a recent experience at the Mercure Madrid Plaza de Espana?

I'm considering staying there for a three-night stay later this month. It's our first time in Madrid, so I'd like to find a hotel that's comfortable and reasonably well-located. Does this hotel fit the bill?

I understand that this used to be the Sofitel -- is the downgrade a bad sign for the hotel's quality?

Finally, my Accor experience has been limited to Sofitels, Novotels, and Motel 6s (I know, I know -- it was a college indiscretion and it won't happen again), all of which I more or less understand. I'm having a bit of trouble getting a read on the Mercure brand positioning, particularly as compared to Novotel. Can someone give me a sense of what to expect from Mercure?