Madrid hotel recommendation for a week in May

We stayed here in May 2015 and really liked it:

https://www.jardinesdesabatini.com/en/

A popular hotel noted on this forum is Hotel Europa right at the Puerta Del Sol. We’ve enjoyed it the few times we stayed there. Earlier this year a couple of our friends stayed at Hotel Francisco I and enjoyed it.

We stayed at Hotel Europa. We enjoyed the central location, and the vibe of Puerta del Sol. We had a lovely room, comfortable bed & on a top floor with a balcony. We enjoyed coming back to our room to listen to the music & dancing. It was nice way to relax after a busy day. After closing the window it was completely soundproof. We appreciated that it was quiet at bedtime. Our favorite restaurant for regional meals and wine included was La Sanabresa. It’s a favorite neighborhood restaurant frequented by the locals & family owned. Open for lunch and dinner. We ate there twice in 2016. Enjoy your planning! Edited to add: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjwoL-72Ib8AhUSJ30KHWmhAs44HhAWegQIARAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsomethingelsetoeat.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F09%2Fla-sanabresa.html&usg=AOvVaw0wiVxi9R7nBNq0lFKH1xq5

We stayed just off Gran Via at The Principal. It is an historic building with a fresh, modern interior.
Walking distance to Retiro Park, Prado, Thyssen Museums. The room we requested in the rear was quiet. We found it from an article in the NYT.

Thank you everyone for your recommendations. I dont really trust websites with reviews so Im grateful that this site offers real people's reviews. I'll check the hotels that have been mentioned. If anybody else is reading this and has other suggestions, please let me know. Thanks again.

Booking.com reviews can only be left by folks who have actually stayed at the property

I can echo ChristineH’s take on Booking.com recommendations. We’ve been pleased with our choices. I use multiple resources when researching recommendations. In addition to Booking.com many of my best recommendations come from friends, relatives, this forum!, blogs…

I liked the Europa, and also the Hotel Moderno a couple of blocks away, on the edge of Puerto del Sol. Its breakfast was better than the Europa's, its location almost as good.

Hi again,
yes I've used booking.com before for a hotel in the US. The reviews were correct too. But lately I've come to think that a lot of reviews are put out by competitors or bots. I'll keep checking but everyone's input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You can't leave a review on booking.com without having stayed at the property.

Hotel Petit Palace Posada del Piene. We stayed 5 nights in November. Oldest hotel in Madrid with an interesting history. Very friendly and helpful staff. Recommend rooms x05 or x04. Nicely updated rooms with high tech showers that compare to a power car wash. Free use of hotel bikes if you dare riding in Madrid. Decent breakfast included. Great location.

Jessica,
I checked both of the hotels you are researching and they look perfect choices. It's hard to see what the balconies look like but I really like those two hotels. I've read the best time to book a hotel is between one and two months out to get the best deals. Please could you keep me informed of your decision and between us maybe we can make a good choice. The other hotel that was recently mentioned looked a bit old and the rooms with balconies were apparently sold out. Thanks again all.

BTW, as I will be in Spain for two months I'll post updates to stays, food, and what worked for a travelling, retired couple, that travels in the mid price range, very slowly.