Overall

A quick review with some pictures of this very nice hotel. Spent a weekend here this month with two other FTers that we used as a base to explore Madrid. One FTer had higher status than I did (I’m a mere gold through Amex) and did receive a better upgrade with more space in the room and a nicer view (IIRC they looked out over the main entrance rather than across a road to another building like I did) which is only right as we had both booked entry level rooms.

I very much liked that you could use the stairs to get between levels and that they weren’t a hidden away fire exit style setup, so that it was easy to get between levels of the hotel (without luggage of course.

would consider returning and liked the hotel, the breakfast was the memorable item here not only due to the very nice domed sun lit seating area but also the quality and variety of food and drink, although every staff member was very friendly and helpful when we did interact.

Hope the review and pictures help others trying to decide where to stay in this city

Pictures:

King Bed:

Check In

I had used points and cash for one night and cash for the second night and at check in the friendly clerk (excellent service it has to be said) was happy to connect the two nights and provide a key card that would work throughout and including a late check out on the day of departure which was extended to 16:00 ^^ (A very welcome benefit and useful on this trip due to late departure flight timings

Dining

Breakfast was not included but offered at a discount at check in so I took that and would recommend t as the restaurant is the main attraction of this hotel if I’m honest besides location. The breakfast selection was very good with plenty of choice in all food group areas and included some lovely sweeter breads and outstanding hand made cappuccinos with the milk done just right (froth and creaminess). ^ Although busy, it was never really crowded (in Feb!) and service was good. I did notice that Spanish speakers did tend to get placed in the middle of the lovely stained glass cupola area with other nationals (non Spanish speaking) placed more on the outside but I am sure we could have asked to be moved if we were really concerned

We had drinks in the bar each evening (3 separate days) and I have to say, it was the only let down o the hotel. Very poor service and always having to get the attention of staff for any orders or replenishments. This was partly due to them also (seemingly) serving the restaurant drinks as well and I do not blame the staff as they were always extremely busy but it is no excuse for the hotel to not have more staff for serving in general. The drinks were good quality and doses and the nibbles we had also excellent if you were willing to wait for them.

The concierge recommended a tapas restaurant nearby to us for one evening and it turned out to be excellent with great food and an outstanding wine list which we had a new experience watching a bottle of 1980 wine being opened for us (by cutting the neck of the bottle off so the cork wouldn’t break up, etc…very interesting for this alone!)

Room

The bed was very nice and I had a great sleep but had to have the air conditioning on as the duvet and sheets are very thick so very warm and there was no way I could have slept without air con on…or without taking half the bed apart!

I liked that the bathroom had two sinks and plenty of space to put your items, together with a small separate loo area at the end of the bathroom (also a bidet for those that use one).

The bathtub was larger than a standard size and although not very deep it would have been good for those looking to take a bath. (not all places can one say that!)

Location

Very centrally located in the city and within relatively easy walking distance to all the major sites.

Wetook a taxi both ways to the airport and it was a fixed rate of 30 Euros which was reasonable in our estimation with clean taxis and reasonable driving.

It was possible to walk to all the sites (a good walk though) that are recommended on visitor websites and not a problem to get to the palace (the real one :) ) and back again in a leisurely day. We also visited the Prado museum but hadn’t quite understood that it is only free at certain times of the day (late evening) so ended up paying anyway on a Sunday.