Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center

First opened in 1995 as the NH Alberto Aguilera, the Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center has a fresh, contemporary feel thanks to extensive renovations in early 2017. The lobby is airy and modern, with a black, burgundy, and golden color scheme, industrial-style lamps with glass shades and metallic details, and dark shelves set against floor-to-ceiling windows. The adjacent breakfast room has been styled in a lighter, more cheerful palette, featuring large contemporary artworks, teal wallpaper, huge wiry lamps, and golden vinyl chairs set around wooden tables. Though each element on its own may be somewhat generic, the combination is cute and stylish, and common spaces feel inviting. There is plenty of seating both in the lobby and bar areas, and guests often fill the tables on the small terrace when the weather is nice. 

Guests here are overwhelmingly Spanish business travelers staying for a couple of nights. The Leonardo hotel group has a loyal clientele, and many guests return several times per year to this property, drawn by its clean, contemporary rooms, friendly vibe, and reasonable rates. A good alternative for travelers on a tighter budget is sister property Leonardo Boutique Hotel Madrid, located a 10-minute walk up the street, which features slightly smaller (but modern) rooms and free Wi-Fi. In the same price range as the Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center, the Eurostars Plaza Mayor is even closer to major attractions, but breakfast gets mixed reviews. Those wanting to splurge a little bit have a number of excellent options, including the Vincci Capitol Hotel, the ME Madrid Reina Victoria, and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado, all featuring more on-site amenities and upscale rooms.

The hotel is located on a main thoroughfare on the border of Chamberi and Conde Duque neighborhoods. Though there are no major attractions in the immediate vicinity, the property offers easy walking access to most main sights in the city center, such as Gran Via, Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Almudena Cathedral, all within a 20-minute walk of the property. There are several restaurants and bars in the area, plus dining and nightlife hotspots -- including Malasaña, Chueca, and Conde Duque -- can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. For attractions farther afield, guests can take the metro at San Bernardo station, located a block away. The Madrid Airport is a 30-minute drive (or 50-minute metro ride) away. 

The hotel has 153 rooms, all featuring beautiful wooden floors and large windows with Juliet balconies. Three Deluxe Rooms feature large furnishes terraces with expansive city views. Decor is contemporary and cheerful, with purple accents, simple furniture, and huge photos of Madrid behind the beds. Cream-colored walls, reading lights, and earth-tone color schemes make rooms warm and cozy, while clean lines give them an uncluttered feel. Standard amenities are great for a mid-range hotel, and include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, 40-inch flat-screen TVs with international channels, safes, and electric kettles. UBS ports are available in all rooms as well. Standard units have just enough space for either a double or two twin beds, but most Superior and all Deluxe units can fit a sofa bed.

Although bathrooms were not fully redone in the 2017 renovations, they’re all clean and appealing, with marble tiling, big shower/tub combos with glass screens and big showerheads, and updated taps. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided in all room types.

Some guests have pointed out that rooms on lower floors may be subject to some traffic noise.

A solid breakfast buffet with hot and cold options -- including eggs, breads, ham, cheese, and even a few local specialties such as churros -- is served every morning for a fee in a light, cheerful room and an adjacent terrace. There is no full restaurant here, but the bar has a short food and drink menu that can also be delivered to the room for an extra charge. In a pleasant space off the lobby, guests can use a couple of computers and a printer free of charge, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. 

The lobby opens onto a lovely back courtyard with lounge furniture, umbrellas, lots of plants, and several tables where guests can enjoy food and drinks from the bar. This space can also be used for corporate meetings, along with two boardrooms located in the basement. Full audiovisual equipment and catering services are also available. Some travelers may be disappointed that there's no gym here. On-site parking requires a daily fee.