Hotel Villa Real

"We have stayed far and wide in our travels all over the world, Sofitels in Asia, kimptons in Amsterdam but got to say that the week we spent in Madrid recently was the best hotel experience ever. Why you ask, it is not just that the villa real is an actual 5 star hotel with top notch service and amenities, it is that the hotel has the most amazing welcoming and knowledgeable staff we have ever encountered. Normally do not ask a lot of advice on dining shopping transport etc but these folks are just amazingly helpful. And by the way their breakfast is just great, eggs, pancakes blini even a classic Spanish omelette. 2 cappuccinos you say, instantly appear. The family room with 2 separate rooms was comfy each with a king bed perfect for aging snorers. All was clean. Bottom line it isn’t inexpensive but what a pleasure. Thanks derby hotels and one big thank you to the wonderful staff who made our stay so special."

"My room was comfortable and clean. The hotel staff was very nice and helpful. I liked the location as it was walkable to the Prado museum, Sophia, Reina Museum, and Retiro Park."

"The hotel was great, BUT when I checked in, I specifically asked the front desk person whether the air conditioning system worked INDEPENDENT of the electrical system that depends on having a room key card inserted firmly in the slot. He answered yes, that it is independent of such action. Then the next afternoon upon returning to my room, I found that it was not cooled. The LCD display for the thermostat was difficult to read. The front desk person immediately sent someone up to restore the a.c. But then on some subsequent days, I would find the a.c. had been turned off again! Evidently, the housekeeping staff also kept lifting the room keycard up in the slot, thus DISENGAGING electricity from working in the entire suite, SINCE the front desk person I originally asked about the independent nature of the air conditioning was FLAT OUT WRONG! On the good side, the concierge staff was excellent, not only in providing me with a good selection of restaurants in the immediate area (as well as directions and getting reservations,) but also in the clutch when I realized I was going to miss my return flight home; the concierge knew precisely what to do rapidly as there were only a few minutes remaining for me to cancel my flight at the time (I purchased fully refundable tickets.)"