Saludos!
Any recommendations for lodging in Madrid that allows early check-in? In early May, my husband and I will be on our way to do the Camino de Santiago, but we want to stop in Madrid for 1-2 nights and visit the Museo de Reina Sofía. Our plane arrives in Madrid at 6am and we would like to rest at a lodging for part of the day before sightseeing. I’d appreciate any suggestions.
Posted by
new york
1399 posts
There was a recent thread about this. The take-away is that the only way to insure check-in during early morning is to book the night before.
Having said that, my own recent story is this:
I arrived Barcelona before 7am two weeks ago. I had fretted what to would do with myself until check in time, especially as it was pouring rain.
This is what I did before arriving:
Wrote an e-mail begging for an early check in, about a week prior.
Wrote a second, follow-up reminder the day before my arrival, requesting the same.
I arrived at my hotel, fearing the worst, about 8:15am or so.
The front desk actually APOLOGIZED to me because my room was not ready, but the guest services manager ushered me into the dining room and. invited me to take breakfast while I waited, promising they were readying the room right then.
I lingered in the breakfast room and, well before 10am, I was advised that my room was ready.
You will up your chances for early check-in, without booking the night prior, if you book with one of the third-party entities that offer "early check-in and late checkout, upon availability," as well as "upgrade, upon availability," plus a few other perks like what amount to a free dinner at the hotel......
I was also upgraded.
These entities, sadly , do not work with budget hotels.
So in a few words, nothing is guaranteed, but you up your chances greatly by taking those steps.
Posted by
USA
150 posts
Since your flight lands so early, and you will need as much rest as you can before the Camino, I would book the night before.
Alert the hotel you will be arriving early in the morning next day so you are not marked as no-show. That way, you have a room waiting for you when you check-in.
If you try for "early check-in", it is usually not guaranteed and you may end up waiting in the lobby until 1 or 2pm.
Posted by
Chicago
4165 posts
I just got home from Madrid. As others have mentioned, book the room for an extra night. Just be sure to let the hotel know you are arriving the morning after your reservation starts.
You might find my just posted trip report helpful.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/we-love-spain-a-trip-report
Posted by
new york
1399 posts
Carrie you did a marvelous job with your report.
I mentioned above how I was able to have an early check in plus a complementary breakfast buffet two weeks ago.
You could follow up on those tips.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California
4 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions!