Hello! We are a family of 12 traveling in Spain this summer, our parents who are in their early 70's are continuing on to Madrid for 2 nights after the rest of us leave so we wanted to treat them to a nice hotel. We were hoping a 4-5 star hotel around $170-$200 a night if possible. On tripadvisor Barcelo Emperatriz which is a 5 star was recommended but I am concerned it is a bit far from the sights? We are getting them a tour guide so I'm wondering if being centrally located is a must in that case. I have also made a reservation at NH Collection Paseo del Prado. We are open to any other 4 or 5 star hotels as well. None of us have been to Madrid before so any recommendations or guidance would be most appreciated, Thank you!!
Posted by
11570 posts
We recently had a wonderful experience at The Principal, off of Gran Via, new design hotel in a vintage building. Central location. Walkable to the museums.
Posted by
54 posts
Hi. We recently stayed at Catalonia las Cortes and loved it. It's a very central lively location but a away from the throngs. It's a traditional Spanish hotel with lovely rooms and great service. It's in my favorite neighborhood in Madrid. My husband and I are similarly aged to your parents. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
368 posts
Hotel Atlantico on Gran Via is nice. We enjoyed 2 dinners at Casa 9 restaurant around the corner on Calle de la Reina.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
You are correct, the Barcelo is away from any of the sights. The NH is in a much better location for seeing Retiro Park, Reina Sofia museum and the Prado, but not that close to the Plaza Mayor/Puerta del Sol area that is where most tourists tend to go. If they have no trouble getting around, it’s about a 15 minutes walk to the Puerta del Sol. Since you’re arranging a tour they will have seen the highlights, so they will have one day to wander. In Madrid we always stay at Hotel Europa because we like the location. The NH will be quieter in the evening, and away from the hords of tourists, because of where it’s at. There is a nice (higher end) tourist shop right around the corner from that hotel. It has mannequins on balconies of historic people and is worth going to just to check it out.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is not 4 or 5 stars but the Hotel Europa just off Plaza Del Sol - dead center - is a very nice hotel at a great location. A four or five star hotel does not mean that it is better or nicer hotel. It just has more amenities that may or may not be useful to your parents. Star rating are based on the level of amenities available at the hotel. Not a quality factor. A five star in that price range will be located well out of the city center.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you everyone! Thank you also for the suggestion for Hotel Europa!! I would not have considered. I made a reservation there with a puerta del sol view & breakfast & cancelled the Barcelo. I'm holding onto the Paseo del Prado while I continue my search but after reading the high recommendations for Europa in terms of location I think I'll tell my siblings that's the one :) Still open to other suggestions for nicer amenities for hotels & further feedback, thank you so much for the responses. So happy I used this forum!