AC Atocha - Madrid, Spain [Master Thread]
Nov 9, 2011, 2:24 pm
#1
Company Representative - Marriott Concierge
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 1,083
AC Atocha - Madrid, Spain [Master Thread]
Greetings - I hope to clear up some confusion with the recent launch of AC Hotels by Marriott.
The Guaranteed Lounge Access/Free Continental Breakfast benefit for Gold and Platinum Elite members is not available at AC Hotels by Marriott. This benefit remains only available in the Concierge/Executive/Club Lounge at participating JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels and Marriott Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. However, in celebration of the new brand launch of AC Hotels by Marriott back in May, the hotels have been offering a complimentary breakfast buffet on two-day stays through January 8, 2012, using promotion code: PKG.
Safe travels, Andy
The Guaranteed Lounge Access/Free Continental Breakfast benefit for Gold and Platinum Elite members is not available at AC Hotels by Marriott. This benefit remains only available in the Concierge/Executive/Club Lounge at participating JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels and Marriott Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. However, in celebration of the new brand launch of AC Hotels by Marriott back in May, the hotels have been offering a complimentary breakfast buffet on two-day stays through January 8, 2012, using promotion code: PKG.
Safe travels, Andy
Dec 3, 2011, 7:51 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NJ USA
Programs: AA PLAT 2MM, MR TITANIUM 2M, HH DIA, Hyatt EXP, BW DIA, IC AMB, IHG PLAT, UA GLD
Posts: 1,086
AC Atocha
Supposed to be 2 blocks from main train station Atocha. Any recent trip reports on this property since they officially joined (and give benefits in) Marriott? Upgrades or anything special for MR Platinums? Is the internet in guest rooms strong connection?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Dec 4, 2011, 4:12 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 248
We stayed at the Atocha using a cat 4 cert on November 19th. We got a decent sized room with a leather couch at the foot of the bed. The couch faced the TV. Had a whole wall of windows worth two doors that went out to a huge balcony, but it was right next to an office building so no too private. If it was an upgrade It wasn't much of one.
The front desk clerk gave us a code for the Internet only after we asked for it and the connection was fine. We got nothing special for being plat. As a matter of fact the clerk did not offer us our plat arrival gift or points. In an effort to be nice, since it was only 10 days since they joined the rewards program, I brought it up and said we would be taking the points. She almost got a bit huffy and said She had already noted it (without asking us) but of course they have not been posted so I have to email Marriott.
It was quite a long walk from where we got off the AVE train to the hotel, but we laughed like crazy when we got to our room and could see over the station walls to find we were maybe 100 yards from where we got off the train.
One thing that really irked me on our one night stay. We got in late (and were leaving really early) so we ordered up a burger and put the tray in the hall. At 3am, and I am not kidding, the staff came up with a cart and started bussing our tray - and maybe one from our neighbor. It made a huge racket of plates and silverware and woke us out of a sound sleep. Completely unbelievable.
The front desk clerk gave us a code for the Internet only after we asked for it and the connection was fine. We got nothing special for being plat. As a matter of fact the clerk did not offer us our plat arrival gift or points. In an effort to be nice, since it was only 10 days since they joined the rewards program, I brought it up and said we would be taking the points. She almost got a bit huffy and said She had already noted it (without asking us) but of course they have not been posted so I have to email Marriott.
It was quite a long walk from where we got off the AVE train to the hotel, but we laughed like crazy when we got to our room and could see over the station walls to find we were maybe 100 yards from where we got off the train.
One thing that really irked me on our one night stay. We got in late (and were leaving really early) so we ordered up a burger and put the tray in the hall. At 3am, and I am not kidding, the staff came up with a cart and started bussing our tray - and maybe one from our neighbor. It made a huge racket of plates and silverware and woke us out of a sound sleep. Completely unbelievable.
Feb 13, 2012, 12:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NJ USA
Programs: AA PLAT 2MM, MR TITANIUM 2M, HH DIA, Hyatt EXP, BW DIA, IC AMB, IHG PLAT, UA GLD
Posts: 1,086
AC Atocha Madrid Spain
Just back from 4 night stay. Mixed results but generally I liked the property and AC chain very much.
First of all, someone in another post mentioned difficulty in finding hotel from Atocha. I arrived by train and as train approached station (from the left side of train) I saw the AC logo on top of the hotel so I had a pretty good idea how to approach hotel but here is good directions. 1) be sure to exit Atocha station at "Salida Mendez Alvaro". That exit is on the MAIN floor, below Train Arrivals floor. 2) Exit building and walk past all the taxis. Walk through arch to street and you will be on Mendez Alvaro street. Turn Left. 3) walk 5 minutes following the brick wall of the station (turnoff is 2 full blocks). Brick wall will turn to glass and cement wall, keep going. A few feet after glass ends look across the street and you will see a building on the corner of Medenz Alvara with a huge "20" etched into the building. Turn Right. There is no street sign there but that is Calle Delicias. If you peak around the corner you will see the hotel (look at the top of the building for a huge AC sign. This is literally a 5-7 minute walk from the Mendez Alvaro Exit of the Station. If you use another exit you will have to walk all around the station to find the hotel.
As platinum I received the same upgrade as HappyCheesehead . I believe it is a superior room. Hotel and room decor is very very attractive but sometimes impractical. AC seems to be trying to emulate the Starwood W brand. Others have noted the glass shower in the center of the room. Lovely but very impractical for 2+ persons sharing a room if they are not intimate. Room had a safe, bathrobe, slippers. Open closet. Proper hangers. Only one electrical outlet near desk. Lighting subdued and difficult to read/see when you are working at the desk at night. I asked for a standing lamp or another desk lamp and my first request went unanswered. I asked again and the maintenance man brought up a stronger bulb but it was not much stronger. I stopped pushing and just lived with low desk lights.
Platinum amenity was a jar of nuts, a jar of candy (i think it might have been chocolate covered nuts--not sure) or 250 points. These were same offerings as other ACs so it may be standard. I think Marriott could do better. I took the points.
Internet was good for a hotel but they do inhibit streaming so I was not able to access my Schwab Edge account. Not sure if that would affect streaming on other sites. Skype worked ok--not great but I've had worse. Internet was free for me as platinum--I believe price is 20euros for 24 hours but the time does not have to be consecutive. There is free internet in the lobby for all. I did not see a hotel computer for guests to use.
Breakfast was great. Large selection, freshly squeezed juice,typical spanish breakfast which I enjoyed very much.
Free minibar was a nice touch although I tend to drink a lot of water so I still had to lug water from the grocery store. Minibar included 2 small still waters, 1 sparking water, 1 each peach juice, orange juice, tonic water, fanta, coke, coke light, San Miguel especial beer, a non alcoholic beer. I think if you ask at the desk they will stock minibar with your preferences each day but I did not ask. Minibar must be attached to main electrical line so when you take out key your drinks and any food you are storing get warm and possibly will spoil.
Things I wish the room had:
--alarm clock or any kind of clock.
--coffee or hot water pot (rare to find at all but 5* hotels in spain)
--better lighting near desk (see above)
--this room (5th floor) had a huge terrace. In better weather I hope they put chairs outside for people to enjoy the terrace.
and lastly: -- AC is now part of Marriott and more and more Americans will be staying at their properties. I stayed at 3 AC's on this trip and none had an English newspaper (even one on a pole in lobby would have been better than nothing). All had only BBC and CNN which to me are useless stations. I think it's time for AC to add CNBC and/or Bloomberg TV particularly if they are trying for a business clientele.
Also, they need better English speaking front desk clerks. They appeared to understand me but in view of the multiple error in info and on my bill I don't think they did. And someone changed one of my nights which was booked at a weekend rate to an award night without my requesting (or wanting) such. I don't know if he misunderstood something I said or did it by accident or why. My bill had multiple errors when I checked out. And when my Marriott points posted only points for one night posted even though 3 of my 4 nights were paid rates.
If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.
First of all, someone in another post mentioned difficulty in finding hotel from Atocha. I arrived by train and as train approached station (from the left side of train) I saw the AC logo on top of the hotel so I had a pretty good idea how to approach hotel but here is good directions. 1) be sure to exit Atocha station at "Salida Mendez Alvaro". That exit is on the MAIN floor, below Train Arrivals floor. 2) Exit building and walk past all the taxis. Walk through arch to street and you will be on Mendez Alvaro street. Turn Left. 3) walk 5 minutes following the brick wall of the station (turnoff is 2 full blocks). Brick wall will turn to glass and cement wall, keep going. A few feet after glass ends look across the street and you will see a building on the corner of Medenz Alvara with a huge "20" etched into the building. Turn Right. There is no street sign there but that is Calle Delicias. If you peak around the corner you will see the hotel (look at the top of the building for a huge AC sign. This is literally a 5-7 minute walk from the Mendez Alvaro Exit of the Station. If you use another exit you will have to walk all around the station to find the hotel.
As platinum I received the same upgrade as HappyCheesehead . I believe it is a superior room. Hotel and room decor is very very attractive but sometimes impractical. AC seems to be trying to emulate the Starwood W brand. Others have noted the glass shower in the center of the room. Lovely but very impractical for 2+ persons sharing a room if they are not intimate. Room had a safe, bathrobe, slippers. Open closet. Proper hangers. Only one electrical outlet near desk. Lighting subdued and difficult to read/see when you are working at the desk at night. I asked for a standing lamp or another desk lamp and my first request went unanswered. I asked again and the maintenance man brought up a stronger bulb but it was not much stronger. I stopped pushing and just lived with low desk lights.
Platinum amenity was a jar of nuts, a jar of candy (i think it might have been chocolate covered nuts--not sure) or 250 points. These were same offerings as other ACs so it may be standard. I think Marriott could do better. I took the points.
Internet was good for a hotel but they do inhibit streaming so I was not able to access my Schwab Edge account. Not sure if that would affect streaming on other sites. Skype worked ok--not great but I've had worse. Internet was free for me as platinum--I believe price is 20euros for 24 hours but the time does not have to be consecutive. There is free internet in the lobby for all. I did not see a hotel computer for guests to use.
Breakfast was great. Large selection, freshly squeezed juice,typical spanish breakfast which I enjoyed very much.
Free minibar was a nice touch although I tend to drink a lot of water so I still had to lug water from the grocery store. Minibar included 2 small still waters, 1 sparking water, 1 each peach juice, orange juice, tonic water, fanta, coke, coke light, San Miguel especial beer, a non alcoholic beer. I think if you ask at the desk they will stock minibar with your preferences each day but I did not ask. Minibar must be attached to main electrical line so when you take out key your drinks and any food you are storing get warm and possibly will spoil.
Things I wish the room had:
--alarm clock or any kind of clock.
--coffee or hot water pot (rare to find at all but 5* hotels in spain)
--better lighting near desk (see above)
--this room (5th floor) had a huge terrace. In better weather I hope they put chairs outside for people to enjoy the terrace.
and lastly: -- AC is now part of Marriott and more and more Americans will be staying at their properties. I stayed at 3 AC's on this trip and none had an English newspaper (even one on a pole in lobby would have been better than nothing). All had only BBC and CNN which to me are useless stations. I think it's time for AC to add CNBC and/or Bloomberg TV particularly if they are trying for a business clientele.
Also, they need better English speaking front desk clerks. They appeared to understand me but in view of the multiple error in info and on my bill I don't think they did. And someone changed one of my nights which was booked at a weekend rate to an award night without my requesting (or wanting) such. I don't know if he misunderstood something I said or did it by accident or why. My bill had multiple errors when I checked out. And when my Marriott points posted only points for one night posted even though 3 of my 4 nights were paid rates.
If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.
Feb 20, 2012, 7:19 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
Hotel Atocha
Just did 3 nights there & I think fmkgb gave a good review & mine would be very similar, but here are some additional thoughts/comments:
Re: Alarm Clock - I used the TV as the alarm clock, it is programmable using the Menu -> clock function.
Re: TV channels - sure the only primary US channels were BBC/CNN (and France 24 was in English) - however, if you go into the TV menu options, you can actually change the language settings to English & about 5-6 other channels come in English. After midnight, there's some free porn on the sex ad channels if anyone's interested in that
I didn't have any thermostat issues (and I was there in February...GoingAway was there as were 2 of my friends & GoingAway did have some thermostat issues).
The shower floors were a little weird - but the shower itself & the multiple head options were good...agreed that it wouldn't be a room to share with someone you're not intimate with.
My room had a safe which a laptop could have easily fit in - maybe not if you're carrying a huge laptop, but it was a decent sized safe...big enough for my work laptop.
Front desk staff's engilsh was fine - no problems communicating. They did not charge me for 3 stamps for postcards to the US.
There are a few restaurants around the corner, not open on Sunday nights - but the train station area is only a few blocks away, so not a far walk.
I stayed at Atocha, but Carlton was about 2 blocks away - the picture of the Carlton on the website is pretty poor in comparison to how it looks in real life, FWIW.
Finally, you had the option of paying in USD or Euros...I chose Euros because the USD had the Visa rate +2.5% markup & I was using a credit card that did not charge foreign transaction fees.
Re: Alarm Clock - I used the TV as the alarm clock, it is programmable using the Menu -> clock function.
Re: TV channels - sure the only primary US channels were BBC/CNN (and France 24 was in English) - however, if you go into the TV menu options, you can actually change the language settings to English & about 5-6 other channels come in English. After midnight, there's some free porn on the sex ad channels if anyone's interested in that
I didn't have any thermostat issues (and I was there in February...GoingAway was there as were 2 of my friends & GoingAway did have some thermostat issues).
The shower floors were a little weird - but the shower itself & the multiple head options were good...agreed that it wouldn't be a room to share with someone you're not intimate with.
My room had a safe which a laptop could have easily fit in - maybe not if you're carrying a huge laptop, but it was a decent sized safe...big enough for my work laptop.
Front desk staff's engilsh was fine - no problems communicating. They did not charge me for 3 stamps for postcards to the US.
There are a few restaurants around the corner, not open on Sunday nights - but the train station area is only a few blocks away, so not a far walk.
I stayed at Atocha, but Carlton was about 2 blocks away - the picture of the Carlton on the website is pretty poor in comparison to how it looks in real life, FWIW.
Finally, you had the option of paying in USD or Euros...I chose Euros because the USD had the Visa rate +2.5% markup & I was using a credit card that did not charge foreign transaction fees.
May 4, 2012, 4:07 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,933
AC Atocha (Madrid) breakfast not SO great as to be worth $20 IMHO
Regarding AC Atocha (Madrid):
It wasn't bad, but:
1. The only yogurt was packaged ones. A "great" breakfast buffet would have better yogurt available than major mass-produced brand packaged ones.
2. The only eggs availalbe of any kind were in the Tortilla Espanola. If you knew to look for it, great. If you were a visitor from outside Spain for the first time and you hadn't heard about it, you might have passed it over not knowing what it was.
3. There was no hot food (excepting bread you toasted).
And yet, desipte all this, it cost 14 Euros before VAT, 15.12 Euros all-in, which translates to about $20 at current exchange rates. Somewhat overpriced given those ilimitations IMHO.
That price was tolerable for one night, but if I were staying longer, I think I'd want to look for alternatives for breakfast outside the hotel.
Btw, I had originally booked for 2 nights, using 2 cat 1-4 certs I had, but my plane from the US had a mechanical and I arrived a day late. It was nice that the hotel (at least on the free night cert rate) had a day-of-arrival 6 pm local time cancellation, as I was able to call Marriott (in the US) in time to change my arrival date to a day later (and to remove one of the certs from the reservation and put it back into my account).
Which the hotel staff didn't know!!!
The hotel itself has a restaurant, but (despite no sign to that effect and a menu sitting outside) is also closed on Sundays. The night I was there was a Sunday, so after finding out the hotel restaurant was closed, I asked for a nearby recommendation that was open. They referred me to one of the restaurants around the corner, which as you note, is closed on Sundays! Duh!
1. The only yogurt was packaged ones. A "great" breakfast buffet would have better yogurt available than major mass-produced brand packaged ones.
2. The only eggs availalbe of any kind were in the Tortilla Espanola. If you knew to look for it, great. If you were a visitor from outside Spain for the first time and you hadn't heard about it, you might have passed it over not knowing what it was.
3. There was no hot food (excepting bread you toasted).
And yet, desipte all this, it cost 14 Euros before VAT, 15.12 Euros all-in, which translates to about $20 at current exchange rates. Somewhat overpriced given those ilimitations IMHO.
That price was tolerable for one night, but if I were staying longer, I think I'd want to look for alternatives for breakfast outside the hotel.
Btw, I had originally booked for 2 nights, using 2 cat 1-4 certs I had, but my plane from the US had a mechanical and I arrived a day late. It was nice that the hotel (at least on the free night cert rate) had a day-of-arrival 6 pm local time cancellation, as I was able to call Marriott (in the US) in time to change my arrival date to a day later (and to remove one of the certs from the reservation and put it back into my account).
Which the hotel staff didn't know!!!
The hotel itself has a restaurant, but (despite no sign to that effect and a menu sitting outside) is also closed on Sundays. The night I was there was a Sunday, so after finding out the hotel restaurant was closed, I asked for a nearby recommendation that was open. They referred me to one of the restaurants around the corner, which as you note, is closed on Sundays! Duh!
Jan 1, 2015, 7:53 pm
#7
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Stay Report 12/27-12/31
Location: The hotel is located about three blocks from Atocha Renfe. The neighborhood it's in is a little seedy as you'd expect from being near a train station. There are a lot of hostels and bars (some look good, others less so). The location means you can use the Metro Atocha Renfe or Atocha station, both of which are about a 5 minute walk. About 10 minutes from the hotel is the modern art museum (Reina Sofia) and 15 minutes or so is the Prado.
Hotel: The hotel is very pleasant, though the use of dark colors is a bit odd. The lobby was expansive and had a bar and served food. The basement had the restaurant which had a buffet breakfast. There's a garden which connects to a separate hotel wing and also a gym. Do note that the elevators are really tiny
Check In: I was quite happy to be checked in at 1:30 PM and get my room. The front desk staff were all very friendly and helpful and quite adept at switching from Spanish to English.
Room: Getting an actual King bed instead of two singles pushed together was a nice coup. As was the lighting (though your key must be in a slot by the door) and there were lots of outlets. The desk was a little small but still usable, though the chair in the corner was basically worthless. The lack of a closet and instead the storage area which also had the safe between the bed and desk was a little annoying. The bathroom also took some getting used to. That said, the shower was absolutely amazing, one of the best I've used in fact. Do note though that Wifi is only free in the common areas (it's 12 Euro a day in the room).
Breakfast/Other: My rate came with breakfast which is served at the maddening hours of 0800-1200. Not good when your flight is at 1030. The food was good though, lots of breads and pastries, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, yogurt and a Nespresso machine.
My rate was 68 Euros a day with breakfast and I'd definitely stay here again.
Location: The hotel is located about three blocks from Atocha Renfe. The neighborhood it's in is a little seedy as you'd expect from being near a train station. There are a lot of hostels and bars (some look good, others less so). The location means you can use the Metro Atocha Renfe or Atocha station, both of which are about a 5 minute walk. About 10 minutes from the hotel is the modern art museum (Reina Sofia) and 15 minutes or so is the Prado.
Hotel: The hotel is very pleasant, though the use of dark colors is a bit odd. The lobby was expansive and had a bar and served food. The basement had the restaurant which had a buffet breakfast. There's a garden which connects to a separate hotel wing and also a gym. Do note that the elevators are really tiny
Check In: I was quite happy to be checked in at 1:30 PM and get my room. The front desk staff were all very friendly and helpful and quite adept at switching from Spanish to English.
Room: Getting an actual King bed instead of two singles pushed together was a nice coup. As was the lighting (though your key must be in a slot by the door) and there were lots of outlets. The desk was a little small but still usable, though the chair in the corner was basically worthless. The lack of a closet and instead the storage area which also had the safe between the bed and desk was a little annoying. The bathroom also took some getting used to. That said, the shower was absolutely amazing, one of the best I've used in fact. Do note though that Wifi is only free in the common areas (it's 12 Euro a day in the room).
Breakfast/Other: My rate came with breakfast which is served at the maddening hours of 0800-1200. Not good when your flight is at 1030. The food was good though, lots of breads and pastries, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, yogurt and a Nespresso machine.
My rate was 68 Euros a day with breakfast and I'd definitely stay here again.
Jan 3, 2015, 5:28 pm
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Thanks for the trip report w/ pics. Much appreciated. And wow - great rate.
Just one nit & not specific to you but more a clarification. In-room wifi is free for Gold/Plats - and starting January 15 2015 to all Marriott Reward members. So if you get 68E rate that includes brekkie & free wifi that's definitely a good deal!
Cheers.
Just one nit & not specific to you but more a clarification. In-room wifi is free for Gold/Plats - and starting January 15 2015 to all Marriott Reward members. So if you get 68E rate that includes brekkie & free wifi that's definitely a good deal!
Cheers.
Jan 3, 2015, 11:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Helsinki (Finland)
Programs: IHG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 468
AC rates in Madrid vary a lot. My best rate this far has been 45 EUR a night inc. breakfast and plat upgrade to a suite with two (!) free minibars and worst something like 150 EUR without breakfast. Same hotel (not Atocha though).
Anyway, this AC Atocha is one of the few Madrid AC options I have not tried this far. Maybe will try it next time I'm in Madrid later this month.
Anyway, this AC Atocha is one of the few Madrid AC options I have not tried this far. Maybe will try it next time I'm in Madrid later this month.
Jan 4, 2015, 1:33 pm
#10
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Thanks for the trip report w/ pics. Much appreciated. And wow - great rate.
Just one nit & not specific to you but more a clarification. In-room wifi is free for Gold/Plats - and starting January 15 2015 to all Marriott Reward members. So if you get 68E rate that includes brekkie & free wifi that's definitely a good deal!
Cheers.
Just one nit & not specific to you but more a clarification. In-room wifi is free for Gold/Plats - and starting January 15 2015 to all Marriott Reward members. So if you get 68E rate that includes brekkie & free wifi that's definitely a good deal!
Cheers.
Jun 5, 2016, 8:25 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA; GOL Smiles; COPA ConnectMiles; Marriot Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Guest Rewards Elite
Posts: 229
AC Atocha - great location; bad hotel for a Marriott
I do not like writing bad reviews, but I feel like this Marriott property deserves some serious comment about its offerrings, what it is trying to represent, and how that actually fits into what Marriott customers want and actually expect.
Overall, the hotel presents as expected. The pictures don't lie, so you will get the sleek, modern, W Hotel feel. And the location is great for sight-seeing and accessing what Madrid has to offer. It was a little difficult at first to find the hotel, but it depends on what side of Atocha Renife you exit. Putting that aside, the hotel was an easy walk to several Metro stops and lines, and even an easy walk to many sites and attractions. I did not find the neighborhood to be seedy at all, and considering that the Delicias neighborhood has undergone a revival, the "seedy" comment that someone made a year ago, in my opinion, is not relevant now.
As for the hotel itself, I feel like it was designed for a certain customer which I do not think is the average Marriott customer. I'm not a fashion editor jetting into Madrid for Fashion Week, trying to juggle numerous parties and events, while avoiding paparazzi and wearing big sunglasses all day. As such, low-level lighting and in-room furniture that sacrifice vision and comfort for "design", is not my cup of tea. For example, the lighting in the room was terrible. When the best-lit spot is the see-thru shower, then I consider that to be a problem. The desk chair was completely uncomfortable, and the low-chest that I assumed doubled as a luggage rack, was entirely too small for my medium-sized Tumi piece. Oh, and the usefulness of the bathroom "door" was non-exsistent. My friend and I had to keep the TV volume turned up when using the toilet.
As for the front-desk staff, I unfortunately have to give a mixed review here as well. While I'm not a practioner of feng shui, the fact that you can walk from the entrance to the elevator, and not see the front desk, let alone see anyone working there, creates a certain energy. Again, I'm not some oh-so stylish person who needs to be whisked from limo to elevator and doesn't want to have any encounters with the staff. And while I don't think this little detail plays into the staff itself, it does set a certain tone. For example, check-in was okay, but there were several times when I went to the front desk to ask things and was basically told, 'no'. Reward lounge? No. Breakfast included? No. Business center? No. Access to a computer? Our computer is not working and we are waiting for a replacement...while I'm not trying to be anyone's manager, I find it odd that they couldn't just buy/rent a replacement until the other "one" computer that guests could use was fixed. Restaurant suggestion? Just walk down the street. Shopping suggestions or flyers? There's a card for a website in your room. Not to knock Accor, but I've gotten better service from Ibis Budget front desk staff, then I did at this AC property; and THAT in my opionion, speaks volumes, considering the wide difference in room rates.
And last but not least, the fitness center is a joke. No shower. No sauna or steam. One bike. One treadmill. One other aerobic machine. I've seen better fitness centers at airport Marriotts. And it was so small, that you couldn't even stretch out a yoga mat if you wanted to.
So yes, I'm sorry but this would will be a pass for me in the future, and I don't think I'll ever consciously stay at an AC branded property again. The only upside was that it's a category 5 property, so you can use your free one-night certificate. Other than that, pass and find an Accor or Hilton if the rates at other Marriott properties in Madrid are too high for your budget.
Overall, the hotel presents as expected. The pictures don't lie, so you will get the sleek, modern, W Hotel feel. And the location is great for sight-seeing and accessing what Madrid has to offer. It was a little difficult at first to find the hotel, but it depends on what side of Atocha Renife you exit. Putting that aside, the hotel was an easy walk to several Metro stops and lines, and even an easy walk to many sites and attractions. I did not find the neighborhood to be seedy at all, and considering that the Delicias neighborhood has undergone a revival, the "seedy" comment that someone made a year ago, in my opinion, is not relevant now.
As for the hotel itself, I feel like it was designed for a certain customer which I do not think is the average Marriott customer. I'm not a fashion editor jetting into Madrid for Fashion Week, trying to juggle numerous parties and events, while avoiding paparazzi and wearing big sunglasses all day. As such, low-level lighting and in-room furniture that sacrifice vision and comfort for "design", is not my cup of tea. For example, the lighting in the room was terrible. When the best-lit spot is the see-thru shower, then I consider that to be a problem. The desk chair was completely uncomfortable, and the low-chest that I assumed doubled as a luggage rack, was entirely too small for my medium-sized Tumi piece. Oh, and the usefulness of the bathroom "door" was non-exsistent. My friend and I had to keep the TV volume turned up when using the toilet.
As for the front-desk staff, I unfortunately have to give a mixed review here as well. While I'm not a practioner of feng shui, the fact that you can walk from the entrance to the elevator, and not see the front desk, let alone see anyone working there, creates a certain energy. Again, I'm not some oh-so stylish person who needs to be whisked from limo to elevator and doesn't want to have any encounters with the staff. And while I don't think this little detail plays into the staff itself, it does set a certain tone. For example, check-in was okay, but there were several times when I went to the front desk to ask things and was basically told, 'no'. Reward lounge? No. Breakfast included? No. Business center? No. Access to a computer? Our computer is not working and we are waiting for a replacement...while I'm not trying to be anyone's manager, I find it odd that they couldn't just buy/rent a replacement until the other "one" computer that guests could use was fixed. Restaurant suggestion? Just walk down the street. Shopping suggestions or flyers? There's a card for a website in your room. Not to knock Accor, but I've gotten better service from Ibis Budget front desk staff, then I did at this AC property; and THAT in my opionion, speaks volumes, considering the wide difference in room rates.
And last but not least, the fitness center is a joke. No shower. No sauna or steam. One bike. One treadmill. One other aerobic machine. I've seen better fitness centers at airport Marriotts. And it was so small, that you couldn't even stretch out a yoga mat if you wanted to.
So yes, I'm sorry but this would will be a pass for me in the future, and I don't think I'll ever consciously stay at an AC branded property again. The only upside was that it's a category 5 property, so you can use your free one-night certificate. Other than that, pass and find an Accor or Hilton if the rates at other Marriott properties in Madrid are too high for your budget.
Jun 9, 2016, 9:38 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA; GOL Smiles; COPA ConnectMiles; Marriot Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Guest Rewards Elite
Posts: 229
Is there something special about the management of AC properties where these types of things just aren't offered? What am I missing?
Jul 26, 2017, 7:21 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: C1, C1.5 C2
Programs: aa ua dl jb starwood marriott hyatt
Posts: 442
Am a Silver Elite. Was wondering if anyone has gotten late checkout?
Also is there now free wifi in rooms?
Visa is having a free breakfast promotion with Marriotts in Europe and this one is included in Madrid.
Also is there now free wifi in rooms?
Visa is having a free breakfast promotion with Marriotts in Europe and this one is included in Madrid.