Hotel 3K Madrid

Not exactly the four-star it claims to be, the 3k Madrid Hotel (whose founder adored Spanish culture and named all of his hotels after a city in Spain) is a clean and welcoming mid-range property. Situated in a seven-floor silver building shaped like a triangle, due to its location on a street corner, the Madrid’s bright lobby features several clusters of plush armchairs and loveseats and a couple of interesting paintings by Spanish artists. A set of elevators go between the floors and plain hallways are a little shabby. The breakfast room is bright, with windows lining one wall and a cartoon-like mural on another. There is no bar, but soft drinks and wine can be purchased near the reception desk and enjoyed at adjacent tables along a large window. There is a small fitness room, a computer, and printer free for guest use, and a large meeting room with several tables and presentation space. Overall the atmosphere is no- frills but warm and welcoming. 

The Madrid is located in a quiet, residential area just north of Lisbon’s main center. Down the street there is a Chinese restaurant, a nightclub, and a cafe. Guests can stroll five minutes down the road to Marque de Pombal Square or along the busy Duque de Loulé and Liberty Avenues where there are many restaurants, pharmacies, and shops. It is possible to encounter some prostitution on these roads at night, but nothing aggressive. The historic center is a 20- to 30-minute walk away but via the metro at Marques de Pombal (the nearest station, five minutes from the hotel), the trip is around 10 minutes. Lisbon Portela Airport is a 10-minute drive or taxi ride from the hotel or about 30 minutes by public transportation.

Although the yellow curtains and bed coverings are due for an update, rooms are clean and cozy with wood floors and simple furnishings. The hardwood floors give the rooms a more contemporary feel and the 26-inch flat-screen TVs are modern. There is free Wi-Fi access in the rooms, though it can be spotty. There is also a mini-fridge and safe in every room. Bathrooms are small, but not cramped and feature a bidet and shower/tub combo. Rooms on higher floors have nice views of the neighborhood and superior rooms have two large windows providing 180-degree panoramic views.

The room price includes free Wi-Fi access and a simple buffet breakfast of coffee, juice, a selection of cereals, toast, jam, meats, and cheeses. Soft drinks and wine are available for purchase in the lobby. Guests have free access to a small fitness room and a computer in the lobby. A meeting room can be reserved upon request and hotel staff can help organize transportation and taxis. There is a reasonably priced parking garage under the hotel.