"It’s a difficult one to review because I chose this hotel largely for its location and excellent reviews — and overall, it really is a lovely small hotel.
Location – You couldn’t ask for a more central spot. The hotel is right on Gran Vía, directly opposite the flagship Primark store, so the moment you step outside, you’re in the heart of Madrid. Public transport is extremely convenient, with metro stations and buses nearby, although we mainly explored on foot. In the opposite direction, you’ll find a more quirky neighbourhood filled with independent shops, cafés, and charming little squares. It’s also a popular LGBT area with a wonderfully eclectic mix of people and venues, and as an LGBT couple, we felt completely safe and welcomed throughout our stay.
Breakfast – Absolutely excellent. There was plenty of fresh food available, and the staff were attentive and friendly. Breakfast is served until 11am, which is a real bonus if you enjoy a slower start to the day. There’s also complimentary tea and coffee available in reception 24/7.
Room – We stayed in a standard double room. It was on the smaller side, but the bathroom was spacious with a huge walk-in shower. Everything was clean and comfortable, and realistically, as you’re mainly there to sleep, the size was perfectly manageable. I also noticed that some rooms come with terraces, which would be a nice extra.
Downsides – I say this with a heavy heart because it really is a good hotel, but there were a couple of issues. We stayed on the second floor overlooking Primark and a side street, and the noise was significant. If you’re a light sleeper, as I am, you may struggle — particularly at weekends. There were people outside until 4–5am, along with car horns, vans, and police vehicles throughout the night. Sunday night was noticeably quieter, so my advice would be to consider a midweek stay if possible.
One other thing I noticed was that some areas of the hotel are beginning to need a bit of TLC. There were paint scuffs on woodwork, and the downstairs public toilets were disappointing — tatty, with a broken sink and a missing door lock. They simply looked neglected compared to the rest of the hotel and the rooms. It’s a shame because the hotel itself is very good overall, and these are the sort of small maintenance issues that just need someone to stay on top of them."
