Hotel Paseo del Arte

Part of the Husa chain for around a decade, the Paseo Del Arte joined the burgeoning Arte Hotels brand in 2015 and underwent a slew of refurbishments before its reopening in the following year. While its business-like modern facade has barely changed (despite looking a little weather worn) the lobby has undergone a rather dramatic shift of tone -- mostly from the introduction of various forms of plant life. Numerous potted palms, lush vertical gardens, and other wall-mounted flora have softened what was previously a sleek but functional and soulless space. Lipstick red couches also pop against the legacy dark-wood paneling, gray marble, and stainless steel. It's always been a hotel popular with  corporate customers -- and there still plenty of meeting and brainstorming spaces -- the reborn Paseo Del Arte now also attracts a large share of leisure travelers, usually in town to explore the surrounding cultural highlights. 

The hotel is situated on a busy, tree-lined street in the Huertas District on the eastern fringes of central Madrid. Located in the city's renowned Art Triangle also puts it within easy walking distance of the must-see trio of art venues: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art, and the Reina Sofia Art Center. The Royal Botanical Gardens are also just a few minutes' away on foot, and Retiro Park -- with its lovely gardens, cafes, and a rowing lake -- is under 10 minutes. Entrance to the Atocha metro station is practically across the road from the hotel and it connects to locations throughout the capital. Two minutes' walk is the Atocha Railway Station, the city's largest. From here, trains connect to Madrid-Barajas Airport in under 30 minutes, or it's around 20 minutes' drive. 

The hotel has 260 rooms, all of which feel fresh and modern after a 201516 makeover that brought hardwood flooring, sharp contemporary furniture, and a contrast of muted earth tones and crimson fabrics (in most). Bamboo motif artwork and embroidered cushions add a little character. Junior Suites are particularly bright with multiple windows, while Superior Rooms open to spacious terraces on the 6th and 7th floors, many with views over the Madrid rooftops (though some terraces are within earshot of a noisy late-night music club). Lower-level street-facing rooms are also prone to some street noise, especially on weekends. Twin beds are often pushed together to make a double bed, a standard practice in Europe. 

Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and electronic safes. Upgraded rooms and suites add coffee- and tea-making facilities. In-room Wi-Fi is also available free of charge, though it can be slow and spotty. Bathrooms have marble tops, shower/tub combos, and wall-mounted hairdryers, plus quality branded toiletries. 

For what purports to be an upscale hotel, facilities are in short supply. The breakfast room, however, is an attractive art-filled space filled with light from a glass ceiling. It serves a varied buffet each morning with eggs cooked to order. Breakfast is not included and is a fairly standardly price. Room service is available. Function rooms are flexible, plus there's a rooftop terrace for relaxing between sessions. Underground parking is available, though on the expensive side. There's also a huge fitness room with a small selection of weight and cardio equipment on a high floor. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though the signal can be spotty.