Tryp Madrid Cibeles Hotel

Classic Madrid architecture greets you as you enter the Tryp Madrid Cibeles' elegant lobby, up a few floors from the street. A large antique chandelier hangs in the middle of the high-ceilinged room, surrounded by thick columns, purple tufted couches, and marble floors. Large skylights give the space a lot of natural light and character, while a large painting of a castle on one wall expands on the impression of a grand space. Grand marble staircases with wood and wrought-iron bannisters stand out in comparison to the small front desk, and there are free newspapers in the lobby. One of the best features of the Tryp Madrid Cibeles is its rooftop terrace, a wooden deck with white seating areas and glass-topped tables, surrounded by fountains and vintage architectural details, with views over the city.

The Tryp Madrid Cibeles is set on the corner of the Gran Via, one of Madrid's main arteries, where shops, restaurants, and Art Deco buildings are in abundance. Three metro stations are within walking distance, as are such sights as the Plaza de Callao, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Theatre. Even though the entrance is on a small side street, nightlife, museums, and art galleries are under a 15-minute walk away.

The Tryp Madrid Cibeles offers many different types of rooms, including a Fitness Room with in-room exercise equipment, Family Rooms with bunk beds, and Triple Rooms with three beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, free newspapers, and flat-screen TVs, and family rooms come with perks for kids such as baby kits, coloring books, and a welcome gift; bottle warmers are available upon request. All rooms are large, have hardwood floors, and are decorated with basic but functional style. Reading lamps are attached to the headboard and there is a small purple desk chair to add a bit of color to the otherwise monochrome palette. Some rooms have balconies with views of the Gran Via while others have Dreamax beds and coffeemakers. The rooms are ostensibly sound-proofed, but the noise from the Gran Via often seeps in at night.

Good-sized bathrooms are done up in a modern reddish-brown marble tile, and have shower/tub combinations. All bathrooms have only one sink, but only a single sink; even in the family and triple rooms. Slippers and robes are included in premium rooms, but most bathrooms only cover the essentials.

Although there is no on-site restaurant, the Tryp Madrid Cibeles does offer an extensive buffet breakfast for a fee. The aforementioned rooftop terrace is probably the hotel's best feature. The front desk is manned 24 hours a day, and there is free Wi-Fi in addition to room and concierge services; room service hours are limited, however. A business center is available with one computer and two chairs, as are laundry and dry cleaning services.