Location is definitely a big draw for the ME Madrid -- it's in Plaza de Santa Ana, the heart of the city's basically everything (eating, shopping, clubbing). But there's more to this hotel than its whereabouts. It also features some uber cool features -- 192 stylish contemporary rooms with upscale amenities, a rooftop bar with gorgeous views, a high-end spa and fitness center (next door), sexy and sleek design, a trendy restaurant and bar, and an undeniably hip clientele.
Location is definitely a big draw for the ME Madrid -- it's in Plaza de Santa Ana, the heart of the city's basically everything (eating, shopping, clubbing). But there's more to this hotel than its whereabouts. It also features some uber cool features -- 192 stylish contemporary rooms with upscale amenities, a rooftop bar with gorgeous views, a high-end spa and fitness center (next door), sexy and sleek design, a trendy restaurant and bar, and an undeniably hip clientele.
The 80-room Hotel Persal is a budget property with a prime location just off Plaza Santa Ana, amid the buzz and charm of Madrid's Huertas neighborhood. The Prado is within a 15-minute walk and Plaza Mayor is even closer. Rooms are nothing fancy, but they're clean and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some have balconies with views of the plazas below. A breakfast buffet is served daily in a cozy library space with a bar, and there's an on-site restaurant as well. Meeting rooms are charming and unique -- not always a given in budget properties. For another affordable option in the area, travelers could check out the intimate Artistic B&B, where breakfast is free.
The 80-room Hotel Persal is a budget property with a prime location just off Plaza Santa Ana, amid the buzz and charm of Madrid's Huertas neighborhood. The Prado is within a 15-minute walk and Plaza Mayor is even closer. Rooms are nothing fancy, but they're clean and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some have balconies with views of the plazas below. A breakfast buffet is served daily in a cozy library space with a bar, and there's an on-site restaurant as well. Meeting rooms are charming and unique -- not always a given in budget properties. For another affordable option in the area, travelers could check out the intimate Artistic B&B, where breakfast is free.
The 64-room, three-pearl Petit Palace Mayor Plaza hotel is exceptionally located a short walk from Plaza Mayor and Sol. While the hotel has limited extra property features, it rises above standard mid-range fare (and many other Petit-brand properties) with its updated, contemporary rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, access to iPads, free Wi-Fi, and nicely stocked minibars, not to mention roomy bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers. Highlights of the hotel include family friendly amenities, like rooms with bunk beds that sleep up to six, free bike rentals, and a colorful breakfast room. Travelers may want to compare rates with the Petit Palace Posada Del Peine or Petit Palace Tres Cruces which tend to be cheaper, but aren't quite as trendy.
The 64-room, three-pearl Petit Palace Mayor Plaza hotel is exceptionally located a short walk from Plaza Mayor and Sol. While the hotel has limited extra property features, it rises above standard mid-range fare (and many other Petit-brand properties) with its updated, contemporary rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, access to iPads, free Wi-Fi, and nicely stocked minibars, not to mention roomy bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers. Highlights of the hotel include family friendly amenities, like rooms with bunk beds that sleep up to six, free bike rentals, and a colorful breakfast room. Travelers may want to compare rates with the Petit Palace Posada Del Peine or Petit Palace Tres Cruces which tend to be cheaper, but aren't quite as trendy.
The historic Nacional is a 206-room, four-pearl property that puts guests within walking distance of many must-see attractions -- including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado. Proximity to the Atocha train and metro station makes its location even more convenient. Built in the 1920's and now run by the NH Hotel Group (a Madrid-based chain), the Nacional has a stunning lobby that preserves many original elements, plus well-equipped guest rooms (refreshed in 2015) decorated in a calming contemporary style; some include terraces overlooking the Botanical Garden. A restaurant/bar with a Spanish-inspired menu, five meeting rooms, and a small fitness center are other features here. A tempting breakfast buffet (typical of NH hotels) is available at extra charge. For a family-friendly alternative nearby, try the Hotel Villa Real.
The historic Nacional is a 206-room, four-pearl property that puts guests within walking distance of many must-see attractions -- including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado. Proximity to the Atocha train and metro station makes its location even more convenient. Built in the 1920's and now run by the NH Hotel Group (a Madrid-based chain), the Nacional has a stunning lobby that preserves many original elements, plus well-equipped guest rooms (refreshed in 2015) decorated in a calming contemporary style; some include terraces overlooking the Botanical Garden. A restaurant/bar with a Spanish-inspired menu, five meeting rooms, and a small fitness center are other features here. A tempting breakfast buffet (typical of NH hotels) is available at extra charge. For a family-friendly alternative nearby, try the Hotel Villa Real.
Urso Hotel and Spa is a five-pearl boutique hotel set in a Neoclassical palace in Madrid’s tony Justicia neighborhood. The hotel’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops -- plus the Museo Nacional del Romanticismo is a two-minute walk. The 78 luxe rooms have gray color tones and high ceilings framed by oversize crown molding. Expect one king or two twin beds with tartan-patterned headboards, leather-topped desks, top-shelf minibars, flat-screen TVs, and Juliet balconies (there’s not much of a view though). Hotel amenities include a small gym, a spa with a pool and steam room, a bar, and two restaurants including a breakfast eatery with an a-frame glass roof. As a super stylish and bold alternative, check out the lower rates and levitating beds at the five-pearl Hotel Silken Puerta America.
Urso Hotel and Spa is a five-pearl boutique hotel set in a Neoclassical palace in Madrid’s tony Justicia neighborhood. The hotel’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops -- plus the Museo Nacional del Romanticismo is a two-minute walk. The 78 luxe rooms have gray color tones and high ceilings framed by oversize crown molding. Expect one king or two twin beds with tartan-patterned headboards, leather-topped desks, top-shelf minibars, flat-screen TVs, and Juliet balconies (there’s not much of a view though). Hotel amenities include a small gym, a spa with a pool and steam room, a bar, and two restaurants including a breakfast eatery with an a-frame glass roof. As a super stylish and bold alternative, check out the lower rates and levitating beds at the five-pearl Hotel Silken Puerta America.
The mid-range Petit Palace Tres Cruces is centrally located in Sol, a short walk from restaurants, shops, and attractions. Its 59 contemporary, clean rooms have flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is sparse and entry-level rooms can feel small. Family rooms with bunk beds are a good deal for people traveling with kids or in groups. Bathrooms are small but modern and offer hydro-massage showers, though some guests complain about a lack of privacy from frosted glass bathroom doors. On-site features include a nice breakfast room, and, like other Petit Palace properties, free bike rentals, plus loaner iPads. Another option is Petit Palace Mayor Plaza, which offers larger, more stylish rooms, but it can be pricier.
The mid-range Petit Palace Tres Cruces is centrally located in Sol, a short walk from restaurants, shops, and attractions. Its 59 contemporary, clean rooms have flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is sparse and entry-level rooms can feel small. Family rooms with bunk beds are a good deal for people traveling with kids or in groups. Bathrooms are small but modern and offer hydro-massage showers, though some guests complain about a lack of privacy from frosted glass bathroom doors. On-site features include a nice breakfast room, and, like other Petit Palace properties, free bike rentals, plus loaner iPads. Another option is Petit Palace Mayor Plaza, which offers larger, more stylish rooms, but it can be pricier.
The 23-unit Eric Vokel Boutique Apartments - Atocha Suites are a five-minute walk from Madrid's main train station. The Prado and Reina Sofia are within walking distance from this three-pearl option, and restaurants and bars are close by as well. Apartments are clean and modern, with simple and chic decor. All have fully equipped kitchens, and some have balconies, but housekeeping costs extra. An outdoor whirlpool with a sun deck is a plus, but that's about it for features. Guests who book directly on the hotel website do get free breakfast, though. For a similarly priced alternative in the area, travelers could check out the Rafaelhoteles Atocha, although its rooms aren't as attractive and don't have kitchens. It does add a restaurant, bar, and fitness center, though.
The 23-unit Eric Vokel Boutique Apartments - Atocha Suites are a five-minute walk from Madrid's main train station. The Prado and Reina Sofia are within walking distance from this three-pearl option, and restaurants and bars are close by as well. Apartments are clean and modern, with simple and chic decor. All have fully equipped kitchens, and some have balconies, but housekeeping costs extra. An outdoor whirlpool with a sun deck is a plus, but that's about it for features. Guests who book directly on the hotel website do get free breakfast, though. For a similarly priced alternative in the area, travelers could check out the Rafaelhoteles Atocha, although its rooms aren't as attractive and don't have kitchens. It does add a restaurant, bar, and fitness center, though.
Trendy neon lights and modern designs fill the Hotel Melia Galgos, an upper-middle-range property in the Salamanca district, near Serrano Street’s designer shopping, but removed from Madrid’s main attractions. Ten meeting rooms and a business center attract corporate clientele. A restaurant serves an impressive buffet breakfast and a trendy lounge bar is in the lobby. There’s no pool, but a wellness center has a sauna, steam room, colorfully designed gym, and an indoor hot tub overlooks the seventh-floor terrace. Modern rooms feature warm, albeit generic, wooden designs and one-bedroom suites have sitting areas. For a property closer to the sights, travelers may want to consider the Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen.
Trendy neon lights and modern designs fill the Hotel Melia Galgos, an upper-middle-range property in the Salamanca district, near Serrano Street’s designer shopping, but removed from Madrid’s main attractions. Ten meeting rooms and a business center attract corporate clientele. A restaurant serves an impressive buffet breakfast and a trendy lounge bar is in the lobby. There’s no pool, but a wellness center has a sauna, steam room, colorfully designed gym, and an indoor hot tub overlooks the seventh-floor terrace. Modern rooms feature warm, albeit generic, wooden designs and one-bedroom suites have sitting areas. For a property closer to the sights, travelers may want to consider the Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen.
The 94-room, upper-middle-range Intur Palacio San Martin is a charming historic hotel with a wonderful location within easy walking distance of most major attractions. Decor in the common spaces is classic and elegant, and the many gorgeous architectural details of the original 19th-century building lend the property an upscale feel. However, the rooms look old-fashioned rather than charmingly traditional, especially the red carpets and the heavy wooden furniture. In-room amenities, however, are modern, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves an excellent breakfast and a tasty Spanish menu for lunch and dinner, and the lobby lounge is a favorite among guests for a quiet afternoon or a nightcap. There is also a tiny fitness center, but it only has a handful of basic machines. Guests looking for something more contemporary may want to compare rates at Catalonia Plaza Mayor.
The 94-room, upper-middle-range Intur Palacio San Martin is a charming historic hotel with a wonderful location within easy walking distance of most major attractions. Decor in the common spaces is classic and elegant, and the many gorgeous architectural details of the original 19th-century building lend the property an upscale feel. However, the rooms look old-fashioned rather than charmingly traditional, especially the red carpets and the heavy wooden furniture. In-room amenities, however, are modern, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves an excellent breakfast and a tasty Spanish menu for lunch and dinner, and the lobby lounge is a favorite among guests for a quiet afternoon or a nightcap. There is also a tiny fitness center, but it only has a handful of basic machines. Guests looking for something more contemporary may want to compare rates at Catalonia Plaza Mayor.
The Vincci The Mint is a design-conscious, upscale hotel with a hip vibe and lots of cozy nooks for relaxing, located on Gran Via in the heart of Madrid. The reception desk doubles as a bar, the lobby features a trendy gastropub, and there's a rooftop lounge with city views and eats from an American-style food truck. The hotel's 88 guest rooms are stylish and modern, with teal walls, wood parquet floors, and retro-inspired bathrooms with rainfall showers, plus amenities like smart TVs and minibars. There are no wellness facilities here -- if that's a deal breaker, consider Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via.
The Vincci The Mint is a design-conscious, upscale hotel with a hip vibe and lots of cozy nooks for relaxing, located on Gran Via in the heart of Madrid. The reception desk doubles as a bar, the lobby features a trendy gastropub, and there's a rooftop lounge with city views and eats from an American-style food truck. The hotel's 88 guest rooms are stylish and modern, with teal walls, wood parquet floors, and retro-inspired bathrooms with rainfall showers, plus amenities like smart TVs and minibars. There are no wellness facilities here -- if that's a deal breaker, consider Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via.