Hotel Madrid Centro managed by Melia

Formerly the Tryp Washington, this chain hotel falls squarely into the mid-range category. Updates in 2017 gave the property a fresher, more contemporary feel in some common spaces, but interiors are overall simple and functional rather than stylish. The lobby’s redesign includes laminate floors, large color prints of Madrid landmarks in cute white frames, and a handful of armchairs with geometric patterns in green and blue hues. A fun sign with arrows pointing towards other European capitals, and a long wooden front desk with a backlit wood accent wall round out the look. The only common area aside the from reception and the breakfast room is a spacious, cheerful living room located on the first floor, complete with lots of colorful couches and love chairs, huge windows overlooking the city, and several vending machines with hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The property is quiet during the day due to the lack of a restaurant and a bar, but breakfast (not included in the standard rate) is a busy time here, with business travelers, couples, and families huddled around wooden tables in a spacious, light-filled room overlooking Gran Via. Rates are average for the area, but travelers wanting something with more on-site amenities may want to compare prices at the Catalonia Gran Via, which features a rooftop pool and a hopping bar and restaurant. For just a little bit more money, Gran Via Capital is good alternative for those seeking the comforts of residential living in the heart of the city center, while Hotel One Shot 23 is a hipper, cheaper property catering to young travelers who can forgo common areas for a central location and an artsy vibe.  

The hotel is located directly on Gran Via, an iconic major thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants in the heart of the city center. This location offers easy walking access to main attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Templo de Debod park, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor, all of which can be found within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the hotel. Hip, young areas -- such as Malasaña and Chueca -- are also a short walk away, offering easy access to dining, shopping, and nightlife. There are several metro and bus stops within a five-minute walk of the hotel, which puts other attractions -- including El Prado Museum, Cibeles, Reina Sofia Museum, and Retiro -- just a short ride from the hotel. The airport is a 25-minute drive away.

The hotel has 113 simple, clean rooms, including standard, triple, and family rooms with bunk beds. All are done up in a simple style that combines laminate floors and generic wooden furniture. Lilac accents on walls, chairs, and lamps add some style, but rooms are overall more functional than sleek. There haven’t been full renovations in over a decade, and some wear and tear is to be expected, but efforts to keep everything in good shape are obvious in the fresh coats of paint and overall cleanliness of the spaces. Big windows let in lots of light in all rooms, and some units feature balconies with street views. Guests who have stayed in rooms overlooking Gran Via have complained about noise, so light sleepers may want to request a room overlooking the back street. 

In-room amenities are simple but on par with other mid-range hotels in town. They include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and safes. Mini-fridges and electric kettles are not provided. Bathrooms are older and a tad worn, with brown marble-like walls and floors, shower/tub combos, and basic hairdryers. All-in-one toiletries are provided in large wall-mounted containers.

A varied buffet with hot and cold options -- including eggs, pastries, juices, and fruit -- is served every morning (for a fee) in a spacious, light-filled room on the first floor. There are no full restaurant or bar on-site, but snacks and hot and cold drinks can be purchased at the vending machines located in the lounge, a light, cheerful space with lots of comfortable seating and big windows offering picturesque views of the Madrid rooftops. Room service is provided by a local pizza chain during business opening hours. The hotel is connected via a hallway to its more upscale sister property Hotel Plaza España by Melia, with which it shares a couple of features, including a small but well-equipped fitness center with modern machines, and a conference room for up to 35 guests. Discounted rates at an adjacent public parking lot are also available.