Originally Posted by
Hawaiian Son
My wife and I will be visiting Madrid for the first time in 2 weeks staying 4 nights. I found good rates at both the Intercontinental Madrid Club Level Room and Westin Palace Madrid Deluxe Room inc/Breakfast. Which hotel would you recommend?
The Westin is a lovely hotel, and close to the Prado and the other two big galleries. But it's bigger and less personal than the IC.
Affiliation with the frequent stay programmes of the two hotel chains might be important. Status with the IC's Ambassador programme should get you an upgrade to a suite. I don't know about Starwood.
The IC is further up Castellana, but there are taxis and buses (frequent, easy to use - but please watch your wallet!). There's a metro station close by (Gregorio Maranon). The hotel borders Salamanca, a smart area of shops and restaurants on the other side of Castellana. There's a very charming gallery close by (Museu Sorolla), and the interesting Museu Lázaro Galdiano just a little further, in Salamanca.
The Club at the IC is great, with drinks and some snacks available all day, through to late. The evening food selection is not so generous though. For breakfast you can use the lounge or the more extensive spread at the restaurant downstairs.