Hospedaje Romero

Hospedaje Romero occupies one floor in a large traditional building shared with offices. The entrance hall is ornate and classic, with salmon walls decorated with moldings, golden accents and marble finishes, lovely mosaic tile floors, many plants, and an elegant double door opening onto the elevator area. The elevator is one of the most charming historic elements of the building, with a squeaky iron door, and a tiny but lovely wooden cabin. There is a secondary, more modern and spacious elevator for guests carrying large bags. The inn is housed in a large private home owned and run by Charo and Raul, a warm, friendly mother-and-son team who personally greet all guests and offer lots of helpful information about the city. Interiors have a cozy traditional feel, with handsome wooden floors, rugs in red hues, lots of hardwood accents, and antique-style furniture placed along more generic pieces. The inn is mostly no-frills, but the vibe is laid-back and homey, and everything is kept clean and tidy. 

The hotel is located directly on Gran Via, central Madrid’s main avenue. The area is busy throughout the day and there is heavy traffic at rush hour, but it offers easy walking access to virtually all major attractions, public transport, and dozens of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Gran Via is like a smaller version of New York’s Broadway, with several theaters known for their musicals, and plenty of shopping and dining options. The property is just a 10-minute walk from major sights such as Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and the cathedral, and there are two metro stops served by three lines within two blocks. Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcala, high-end shopping along Serrano Street, and major museums such as Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofia can all be reached in about 20 minutes by public transport. The airport is a 25-minute drive, or 45-minute metro ride away. 

Hospedaje Romero has seven rooms, all clean and decorated in a simple traditional style with thin bedspreads and basic wooden furniture. Handsome parquet floors, salmon walls, and warm lights add some charm, and all units are comfortable and quiet. Most of them have small private bathrooms with shower stalls, toiletries, and hairdryers, but a couple share a bathroom in the hallway complete with a shower/tub combo. In-room amenities are great for a value property, and include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and free safes. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Exterior-facing units overlook a quiet block with a central garden, but a few have views of a small inner courtyard.