Madrid hotel opinion
 

I'm wondering if anyone has insights or experience with Hotel Liabeny or Hotel Emperador? They have availability and are in our price range, but I searched the forum and neither seems to be a popular option.

I'm also considering INNSiDE by Melia (Gran Via) or Radisson Red, which are just outside of my budget, but manageable if either is a better option.

Unfortunately, I'm late in planning and there are limited options for other 4-star hotels in my price range.

I've actually stayed at the Liabeny but my experience won't help much since I was there more than 20 years ago! BUT: I had been at the Ritz on a complimentary visit, and when my "free" stay was complete and I wanted to linger longer in Madrid, the Ritz suggested the Liabeny as a good option for my price range. BUT, as. I remember it was in the middle of the nation around Sol and not an area I would choose today, although it would be convenient for sightseeing. It still gets good reviews. If this is your first visit to the city it might be very good option as long as you are ok with street crowds, especially on weekend nights. But Maribel will surely know more.

Ii don't think that those "star" categories mean all that much...there are hostels with few stars that are excellent.

Neither is one that I would personally consider, especially the Liabeny's being so close to the very, very busy at all hours Puerta del Sol with its teeming street crowds.

I simply stay way clear of the always bustling, always crowded (and to me a bit tacky) Gran Vía, so I wouldn't consider any of the hotels there (with the exception of the nice Principal which is at the bottom, eastern end and tucked around the corner).
The Gran Vía is Madrid´s "Broadway" of sorts, lined with theaters, fast food emporia of every brand, sports memorabilia stores, many chain hotels, clothing chains like Zara, roof top bars, tourist souvenir shops and a constant stream of humanity. Those who prefer a hotel in the middle of NYC´s Times Square-Broadway area would be happy, most likely, on the Gran Vía, but it´s just not for me (just my candid opinion).

I know the Radisson Red and it´s definitely a step above in style, but again, Atocha is a busy thoroughfare, but the Red sits just a few steps to the west from the colorful, atmospheric Barrio de Santa Cruz with everything a first time visitor might need, including some nice places to hang out or to dine. And it's very handy for visiting the museums of the Art Triangle.

Have you checked out Petit Palace Alcala? Tiny 2 person elevator but the views, rooms, and breakfast were fantastic. Very close to Gran Via subway station and a good enough distance from Puerta del Sol.

Oops, I meant "Barrio de Las Letras" in post 3. Huge duh! I had Barrio de Santa Cruz on my mind as I'm planning my trip to Sevilla and thinking about your other question!

Las Letras neighborhood map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...G2lzBlvQ77iSvY

in the Barrio de las Letras, is the 4-star Mercure Madrid Centro, an Accor group hotel, on Lope de Vega within your budget? It has a (very) slightly lower rating on booking.com than the Radisson RED but is in the heart of this colorful neighborhood that is very "friendly" and convenient to first timers to Madrid for many reasons, as Revulgo's map will show you.

Thank you, everyone for your ideas and input. The map Revulgo shared is quite helpful to orient me to the city. I hadn't come across the Mercure in my initial search, but I will explore that and the Petit Palace to see if either works for our dates and budget.

Thank you again. I may trouble you again tomorrow for Barcelona and Lisbon hotel opinions :)

Ive stayed at the Liabeny once and its totally acceptable. I go to Madrid often and have not stayed there again because I like better the Barrio Las Letras, near Plaza Santa Ana. But because of pricing I'm planning to stay at the Liabeny again in June

Hi there just wondering if i could specifically readdress this now that i been some time later. Where did you end up and what was your assessment? Forgive me if you posted a complete trip Report I'm just getting my feet wet a a here.

We ended up picking INNSiDE by Melia. It is a very nice hotel, and the room for three people was clean, spacious, and comfortable. The location is excellent in terms of access to public transport and walking distance to many tourist attractions. It is right on the Gran Via, which was very busy all the time and loud well into the night. I think it was a good choice for my first visit to Madrid in terms of allowing quick access to most major tourist sites, but I would probably choose a different hotel if I returned to the city.

Thank you Cathy16!