Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid

The centerpiece at the Hesperia Madrid is the sun-filled central atrium, which houses La Manzana Restaurant. A stylish natural wood structure with clean lines separates the atrium from the indoor dining room, and sunlight streams through a large glass ceiling. The quiet atmosphere and focus on design found in the atrium carries over to other common spaces, including the lobby and the hotel’s other restaurants, which includes a traditional Spanish restaurant with two Michelin stars.

Although not as much of a landmark as other luxury hotels in town such as the Hotel Ritz Madrid or the Westin Palace, the Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid is a quietly elegant property with outstanding cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere, and competitive rates. The hotel draws mostly business travelers and couples, and is also a popular venue for corporate events.

The Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid is located directly on Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid’s second longest street and one of its major thoroughfares. This neighborhood is right between the city center and the financial district, which allows for easy access to both major attractions and the business areas around Plaza de Castilla. While Paseo de la Castellana is generally busy, the smaller streets behind the hotel are quieter, with a mix of apartment buildings and offices. The area is busiest during business hours, but its many restaurants and bars make it a popular after-work hangout spot. There are no major attractions within easy walking distance, but the heart of the tourist area in Madrid is a 15-minute metro ride away. Most main sights -- including the Prado Museum, Sol, the Royal Palace, and Retiro Park -- can all be reached within 20 to 25 minutes, and a metro station can be found a block from the hotel. It takes half an hour to get to the airport by both metro and car.

Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid are decorated in a more classic style than common areas. King, queen or twin beds feature high-end Egyptian cotton linens, and guests are given an array of pillows to choose from. Free Wi-Fi and spacious desks with cushioned chairs are convenient perks for business travelers, while small seating areas offer space to unwind. All rooms have Nespresso machines and minibars, plus iPhone docks, LCD TVs with international channels, and electronic safes.

Bathrooms are elegant but not decadent, with marble tiles and standard shower/tub combos. All, however, have Rituals toiletries (Bulgari in suites), TV speakers, and heated towel racks. Junior Suites and Suites have larger seating areas, and Attic Suites have big terraces with loungers and whirlpools. Exterior-facing rooms on lower floors may get some traffic noise, but interior units can be a tad dark. Turndown service is offered daily.

The Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid is known among locals and travelers alike for its outstanding cuisine, and among its restaurants, Santceloni is the star of the show. Its fine Spanish menu has been awarded two Michelin stars, and its jaw-dropping wine list is on par with the best in town. La Manzana is the more casual of the dining options, and offers a fresh, seasonal menu and a massive breakfast spread that gets rave reviews. Snacks and drinks are served at the bar located in the lobby and complete with weekly jazz sessions. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

There are two fitness centers on-site, including a small one on the first floor and a larger rooftop gym with city views. Guests get discounted rates at Metropolitan Club, a high-end fitness center complete with a spa and a running club located around the corner from the hotel. There are also a small massage room, eight fully equipped meeting rooms, and on-site parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.