Hotel Nuevo Madrid

Housed in a large glass building in a quiet residential area outside of the city center, the Nuevo Madrid doesn’t look particularly exciting from the outside. Step inside, however, and the hotel is pleasant and friendly without being overly sophisticated. The atrium-style lobby has exterior elevators, plenty of comfortable seating, a small bar hidden behind a wooden screen, and a quiet atmosphere that draws business travelers on laptops during the day. A golden wall runs from the 12th floor all the way down to the lobby, and a skylight makes the space light and appealing. In short, though there aren’t any grand design statements here, the Nuevo Madrid it is not just your average, characterless business hotel but a homey, friendly place to stay -- with some of the best rates for an upper-middle-range hotel in town.Its location on the outer edge of Madrid’s first ring road is decent for business travelers who plan to drive or take taxis to their meetings but less convenient for tourists who want to explore the city attractions. However, a similar property in the city center can cost upwards of twice as much, and for the price you pay at the Nuevo Madrid, the most decent thing you can find in the city center is a basic hotel, such as the Flat5Madrid Hotel, which features contemporary rooms with shared bathrooms. For a little bit more, the HRC Hotel is a pleasant (but simple) mid-range property with a central location near the Royal Palace. Travelers wanting to stay closer to the airport and IFEMA fair grounds may prefer Maydrit Hotel, which features a seasonal outdoor pool, contemporary rooms, and a small fitness center.  

The hotel is located in quiet residential area right outside of Madrid’s first ring road, a part of the city rarely visited by tourists, as there are no attractions nearby and public transport access is limited. There are a couple of bus stops a three-minute walk from the hotel, but the nearest metro station is a 17-minute walk away. Small local restaurants and shops can be found within a few blocks of the hotel, but the neighborhood is mostly residential, with a few corporate office buildings scattered throughout. Though this location is better suited for business travelers with meetings in the financial district (located a five-minute drive away), the hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center on weekends. The van drops guests off at Puerta de Alcala, a square adjacent to Retiro Park and walking distance to Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from IFEMA fair grounds and about 12 minutes from the airport. 

The hotel’s 226 rooms are done up in a rather traditional, albeit pleasant style. They’re not quite chic or decadent, but a neutral palette and lots of small lights make them feel warm, plus simple wooden furniture gives them a timeless feel. Rooms have not been fully renovated since the hotel opened in 2005, but walls are painted every year, carpets deep-cleaned often, and everything feels in good shape. In-room amenities are great for the price, consisting of free Wi-Fi, minibars, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and safes. Junior Suites are the only rooms that are outfitted with Nespresso machines, but electric kettles are available free of charge on request. Beds are big and comfortable, with several pillows and light duvets. Executive Rooms -- located on floors 10 to 12 -- come with a few perks, including thicker mattresses, robes, and slippers, plus free coffee, tea, and pastries from a coffee corner in the hallway. Bathrooms feature gray veined marble finishes and are clean and spacious enough. All have big sink areas, large shower/tub combos with glass screens (showers only in Single Rooms), and a small array of toiletries. Hairdryers are also provided, while additional bath products can be requested at reception.  

Run by a third party, the on-site spa is small but inviting. It features a sauna, steam bath, four-person whirlpool, sensation showers, and a relaxation area. Guests get free access to the wellness facilities, and massages and salon services are available for a fee. Adjacent to the spa is the fitness center, a small room with a handful of modern cardio and strength-training machines. Breakfast (not included in the standard rate) is served at the main restaurant, and offers a tasty, varied spread with local and international items, from churros to sausages, Iberian ham, and eggs. The restaurant also serves a la carte lunch and dinner, while smaller bites such as pasta, salads, and sandwiches, along with cocktails and hot drinks, are available at the lobby bar, which is open until late. The hotel has its own convention center, offering 6,500 square feet of meeting space. There are eight flexible meeting rooms, a breakout area, and an outdoor patio for smokers. Parking is available for a fee.