About me:Thank you for your r/r/c. New job, no more passengers to deal or living out of a suitcase! Still stu...
Member since:01.11.2002
Reviews:89
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Review rated by 47 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This is yet another hotel stayed in when travelling with work.
It's a four star hotel (Ciao has it listed as a three star) and is located in the business district in Madrid. The Estadio Santiago Bernabeau, the home of Real Madrid football club is also very close by if you are interested in football. Public transport is very good-metro station and bus stop near by, the bus is one Euro into central Madrid and unlike London they have plenty of bus lanes and regular services-every 5 minutes. And no over-crowding or rubbish strewn everywhere!
The hotel itself is a typical sprawling 1980's concrete block. The surrounding area is a bit dodgy at night and opposite the hotel is a boarded up cinema. In fact the whole area is pretty much a concrete jungle and I would be careful with going out after dark as it's pretty deserted once the businesses have shut for the evening. I expected the financial district to be like the City of London-busy, gleaming, new etc but was sorely disappointed at the run down feel to the area. There is a security guard stationed in the lobby too.
The room: I was satisfied with the room. It was clean and spacious though I would be wary when opening the window as it does open right out and would not be safe if you had small children with you. My room had a window view over the front of the hotel. The double bed was comfortable and there was a Pillow Menu if you fancied having an allergy free pillow for example. The bathroom had marble effect furnishings, the shower was hot and there were plenty of fluffy towels and toiletries for my two-night stay. I didn't have any toothpaste and Reception was able to provide me with tiny tube of Colgate. The room has all the usual hotel features and satellite television. And a kettle with tea, coffee and hot chocolate, which was most welcomed.
The hotel has a bar and restaurant and room service. This tends to be the usual bland over-priced mid range hotel offerings so I suggest leaving the hotel. There is a large El Corte Ingles department store very nearby so I suggest going there as they have their own supermarket with a deli counter with fresh sandwiches. Next door to this is a very nice Italian restaurant. Also in the area is VIPS restaurant-cheap and cheerful or a Starbucks. Plenty of choice!
Customer service: I found all members of staff to be friendly and efficient. One of the receptionists took time to give us detailed instructions of how to get downtown and popular tourist attractions in the area.
Prices: Average prices seem to be 129 Euros per night. Which in my mind is rather a lot!
The bottom line: A perfectly solid hotel with nice staff located in a slightly dodgy area!
27.08.2009 12:59
Shame about the area - well reviewed : ) Eleanor x
26.10.2008 16:04
Great review
19.10.2008 22:55
good review. sounds expensive for what you get