It’s been reported that Virginia Woolf was among the first luminaries to discover this hotel in the middle of the old city’s bar and restaurant district. Since then, the Inglés has attracted more than its share of less well-known artists and writers…but nevermind! Travelers on a tight budget will have much to appreciate here.
Half of the 58 rooms were tiled and painted in 2005, and new bathrooms were installed, but the decor still remains outmoded, shabby ornate with its outdated lobby as well. That being said, the place is perfect for frugal travelers looking to spend much more time outside their accommodations than inside.
To note: the suites, which are double rooms with a salon, are a bargain. You’re offered twice the space for what you’d pay for a standard double elsewhere. Also, if your room faces Calle Echegaray, you can get an unique aerial view of the medieval quarter, which is all red tiles and ramshackle gables. Rates from €75 to €130.
Hotel Inglés
Echegaray 8, Santa Ana, 28014
Madrid, Spain
Neighborhood: Barrio de las Letras
Metro: Sevilla
Telephone: 91-429-6551
Nearby attractions: Prado Museum, Thyssen Museum, Botanical Garden, Reina Sofía Modern Art Museum, Cathedral of the Almudena, San Fernando Fine Arts Museum, Royal Palace
The Best Western Hotel Atlántico
19 Feb
Posted by admin as Budget Hotels, Hotels in Central Madrid, Mid-range Hotels
When travelers, particularly Americans think of Best Western as accommodations, many of them recoil in revulsion and envision nightmarish images of cockroach infested, dirty, cheap road-side motels. Okay, an exaggeration, I admit, but face it, Best Western doesn’t usually give travelers a warm and fuzzy feeling inside nor does it make the list on anyone’s favorite places to stay. Ironically, the Best Western properties located in Europe, are surprisingly and unexpectedly nice. In some cases, one might say lavish! We stayed in a Best Western near the Opera in Paris, and it was a far cry from what we would have seen in the U.S. We would return without hesitation.
The Best Western Atlantico has been voted by travelers from Tripadvisor as the #1 hotel in Madrid, Spain. Nearly 600 people give it the thumbs up. It was selected as the winner of the Traveler’s Choice Award for 2010.
That being said, The Best Western Atlantico is no Ritz, but it doesn’t pretend to be and it doesn’t attempt to be one. Of course, it’s not too shabby, either! It also isn’t quite for budget travelers unless they have a splurge night, but will be perfect for mid-range travelers looking for a hotel located in the heart of Madrid, a basic setup with clean, quaint rooms and a friendly staff. The Best Western Hotel Atlántico is a 4-star hotel.
To note: There’s also free wifi internet access, and breakfast for only 8 euros (as of today), which is a great value since most hotels charge about 20 euros for breakfast. There’s a free shuttle provided by the Best Western Atlantico from the airport to the hotel. For a fee of 6 euros, the shuttle can drive you from the hotel back to the airport.
Best Western Atlantico
Gran Via 38, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: +34 915226480
I’ve never met a Ritz Carlton Hotel I didn’t like and the one in Madrid is no exception. Although it’s a partner hotel, The Hotel Ritz Madrid, with its 167 guest rooms decorated with antiques and hand-crafted carpets, offers an ideal location for those travelers who have the Prado among other museums on their to-do list, and is as impressive as its flagship company’s hotels are known to be. Situated between the beautiful Retiro Park, the elegant Teatro de la Zarzuela, and Madrid’s most visited museums, The Hotel Ritz also offers easy access to the financial district and Madrid’s Stock Exchange.
The hotel and guestrooms are the epitome of Old World Charm, so those travelers looking for modern designs should stay elsewhere. To Note: The hotel is planning for a renovation to be completed in 2011 for their 100th anniversary so expect fabulous, sparkling interiors and exteriors next year.
Like all Ritzs, service is impeccable, which is a feat in itself considering Spain, in general, is not exactly customer-service oriented. You will find the staff to be friendly and anticipating every need of their guests. That’s how a 5-star hotel should be!
Hotel Ritz Madrid
Plaza de la Lealtad 5
28014 Madrid Spain
Telephone: + 34 91 7016767
If you are in search of a relaxing getaway in Madrid, Spain….Mirasierra is the place for you. Each of their 180 suites are modern and spacious; giving you plenty of room to stretch and unwind, comfortably. This five star hotel is known for their great service and even greater surroundings. Even though Mirasierra is nestled on the outskirts of the big city, it’s easily accessible to many forms of public transportation. The Barajas Airport, Paseo de la Castellana and Herrera Oria are just a taxi ride away. A shuttle ride to and from the airport are complimentary. Other accomodations include: private bathroom with marbled floors and separate showers, flat LCD TV, mini bar, in room safety deposit box, and free access to spa and gym. Some suites overlook the beautiful mountain range of Sierra de Guadarrama. Make sure to mention that you would love to wake up to this view in the morning! Mirasierra is known for its upscale clientele which include many of Madrid’s famous futbol (soccer) players. Keep your eyes open for them!
Celebrate Noche Vieja in Madrid, Spain! Right now Mirasierra Suites Hotel and Spa is offering a “New Years Eve Gala Dinner Pack” special. Book now!
Sometime in the beginning of this year, United announced new service to Madrid from Washington/Dulles. (A Note: the Dulles airport is actually NOT in Washington DC.) So, now United is promoting fares for this same international route in the spring and summer of 2010.
Here’s some specific information regarding the flights: If you happen to book a flight between March 26, 2010 and May 13, 2010, rates begin at $214 each way. The taxes not included here. Travel between May 14, 2010 and Aug. 29, 2010 and flight fares start at $264 each way with taxes not being included.
Make sure to be extremely vigilant of the dates you book. Fares are only valid Monday through Thursday and a Saturday night stay is required. Your tickets must be booked by Oct. 31.
Like most larger European cities, there’s much to do in Madrid, and it’ll be hard to choose if you’re only there for a short time. Soccer fans will have to try to catch a game to watch the home favorite team, Real Madrid. You might want to experience some flamenco, though flamenco isn’t really the region’s specialty (that would be in Andalusia.) Museum goers will not be able to miss meandering through the Prado, Thyssen Museum, or the Reina Sofia. How about tasting some delicious Spanish wines? And make sure to grab a coffee before spending all night in bars, pubs and dance clubs. Nightlife is one of Madrid’s trademarks, if nightlife could have a trademark (*wink*).
You must (yes you must!) have a fresh churro and hot chocolate for breakfast just as you’re leaving the club. Then take a short nap. During the day try taking a hot air balloon up, up and away. You see, there’s a lot to do here; just make certain you plan everything well. Have a good trip!
For most people, the Hotel Suites Viena will not disappoint as the rooms are spotlessly clean with wood floors and no carpeting. There’s ample amount of counter space in a modern bathroom and a microwave and stove top in the “kitchenette.”
Nearby transportation: The Metro station is just a five minute walk from the hotel, or you can take an extra 20 minutes and just walk to the city’s center. The palace and some park space are in the vicinity, but the hotel is located off main streets so it is very quiet, something you will truly appreciate after a long day of sightseeing, in need of some calm and quiet.
There’s no wifi in the room, which we are very grateful about, so if you need to access the internet, the front desk will give you a cable to plug in so you can be wired in with your computer that way. This is an important feature, as we believe wifi is not healthy for people (unhealthy radiation waves).
The breakfast is excellent but try out some places around the hotel for a variety of experiences.
Lastly, don’t worry about not being able to speak perfect Spanish. For travelers who don’t speak Spanish – the staff were friendly and able to communicate in English. That being said, please do try to learn some basic Spanish, at the very least, to say “thank you” and “please.” Remember, politeness goes a long, long way, and is appreciated by everyone involved.
Hotel Suites Viena
Juan Alvarez Mendizabal 17
Madrid 28008 Spain
Telephone: 34+ 91 758 36 05
Average Room Price: 100 Euros ($138)
It really does pay off to stay in the heart of Madrid’s old city, at Catalonia Las Cortes Hotel, which is a short walk from the Plaza de Angels and immediately adjacent to a marvelous area of clubs and restaurants. It is a 18th century palace with its own history and character that has been completely restored. The hotel is a very short half-hour taxi ride from the airport, which might cost you about 30 euros or so, or a half hour by Metro, which will cost you just 2 euros, two transfers to get to the Banco de Espana stop, then walk four blocks up the Calle de Prado. There isn’t a parking garage for cars but seriously, you really don’t need a car to see Madrid.
If you are worried about a language issue, don’t be. The staff speaks a most competent and excellent English, and they are professional and helpful. You will find the rooms to be fairly large and comfy; there’s a big bed, minibar, cable television and even a small safe. A most important amenity for us is the free wireless internet. The bathroom is tidy, spotless and spacious and you will find that the amount of hot water in the shower and tub is ample for your cleanliness rituals.
Catalonia Las Cortes
Calle del Prado 6
Madrid 28014, Spain
Telephone: +34 913 896 051
Average Room Rate Per Night: 175 euros ($230)
Hotel Preciados
18 Apr
Posted by admin as Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Central Madrid, Mid-range Hotels
If for only one reason you choose Hotel Preciados in Madrid, Spain, it would be for its central and most excellent location. Being situated in the very heart and core of Madrid, you will truly be right on the pulse of all the action. It is within walking distance for easy access to sights, shopping and restaurants, however, for farther destinations in and around the city, you will not be far from the Metro (you will be close to two lines) and the T1. Just hop on and in minutes you’ll be transported to another part of town.
You will discover the best cultural and commercial attractions in Madrid, such as the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, El Prado Museum, Corte Ingles and more.
While the hotel is in direct center stage of it all, you will indeed be in a vibrant and loud part of Madrid, however, the hotel is well fortified to combat the late night noises, so when you are ready to settle in for the evening, you shouldn’t be disturbed by sounds outside. If you are absolutely in need of quiet, simply request an interior room, and one that is the farthest away from the hotel’s bar and restaurant.
The rooms are relatively spacious for European standards, so if you require some legroom, you will not be too disappointed by the Hotel Preciados.
The Hotel Preciados is a 4-star hotel and the hotel staff is multi-lingual and very professional, so you can rest assured that you will receive excellent service during your stay here.
Website: Hotel Preciados
Address: Preciados 37, Madrid 28013, Spain
Telephone for Reservations: +34 91 454 44 00
Price range: 90 – 350 Euros