Hotel Moderno

This family-run hotel provides a reliable spot for travelers who want to be in the center of Madrid's action. Both the lobby and the lounge offer great hang-out spaces where guests can gather to plan their sightseeing or discuss the day's events. The style is pleasantly modern, with mauve and purple hues alongside simple, clean-lined furniture, sharp gray details, and touches like herringbone wood floors. There's not much in the way of features here, but everything a traveler needs is right outside the hotel's front doors, and rates are reasonable. All sorts of travelers stay here, including families, couples, groups, individuals, and even some businesspeople. 

This hotel is centrally located on Calle del Arenal next to Puerta del Sol, which marks the center of Madrid. The area is packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Guests can walk to the Puerta del Sol Metro station in just a couple of minutes. El Corte Ingles department store is just across the street. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest parts of Madrid, and is crowded night and day. Tourist attractions within walking distance include the Royal Palace (10-minute walk), La Almudena Cathedral (11-minute walk), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (13-minute walk), Prado Museum (15-minute walk), and the famed Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (19 minutes). Plan on about 30 minutes to reach Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport by car, and 40 minutes on public transportation. 

Rooms feature hardwood floors, white linens with olive green bed runners, botanical-motif accent pillows and drapes, and leather upholstered headboards. Flat-screen TVs hang on the wall. Other amenities include electric kettles for coffee and tea, safes, closets, and free Wi-Fi. All but Single Rooms are air-conditioned. Rooms with three or four twin beds are available for families and groups. Bathrooms feature magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, and bidets. Some have tiled shower/tub combos, some just showers, some separate showers and tubs, and some even have jetted tubs. Unfortunately, interior rooms get limited light and have unsightly views of the courtyard filled with junk. Other views are of Arenal Street in the front or Tetuan Street in the back. Some rooms have small unfurnished balconies looking out to the street, and some have terraces with lounge chairs shaded by an umbrella and cushioned by Astroturf. Given its location on Puerta del Sol, some sensitive guests do still complain of noise, so light sleepers may want to opt for the back of the building. Internal noise can also be an issue. 

This hotel has limited features, but a breakfast buffet is available for a fee. Selections include fruits, meats, pastries, breads, cereals, eggs, and juices. It's served in a cozy breakfast room with colorful cafe tables and chairs, or guests can opt to have it delivered to their room. A colorful and spacious lounge area is a great place for hanging out, having small meetings, or watching TV. It has several seating groups with purple sofas and chairs atop purple rugs. Large windows let in natural light. A second meeting room is suitable for more private meetings, and two computers and printers are set up in the lobby for guests to use. Nearby parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.