On an old street between Gran Vía and the Royal Palace, the Ambassador occupies the renovated 19th-century palace of the Dukes of Granada. The facade (restored in 2007), a magnificent front door, and a graceful three-story staircase recall the building's aristocratic past. The rest has been transformed into elegant, somewhat soulless lodgings favored by executives. Large guest rooms have sitting areas, wooden floors, and mahogany furnishings. The greenhouse restaurant, filled with plants and songbirds, is especially pleasant on cold days. Pros: Grand building, central location, the better rooms have big balconies with good views. Cons: Some rooms need to be revamped.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip