Madrid Hotels
 

My wife and I will be staying in Madrid in October and we're trying to decide between 3 hotels, the Villa Real, the Ritz, and the Westin Palace. My wife has been to Madrid before, but did not stay in a hotel and I've never been there. We chose these three mostly based on their location. I'm very interested in hearing any and all comments that might help me decide between them. There are some incredibly knowledgeable people on this list and your help will be immensely appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

We just got back from Madris and stayed at the Ritz. It is a very formal hotel. You must wear a coat a tie in the lobby after 11:00am. We did not know that but they didn't say anything. We just wondered why evertone was dressed up. The hotel is obviously very old. However the service is wonderful and we would stay there again. The Palace is across the street but Planet Hollywood is on the first floor. Hope this can help you.

Hi, We stayed at the Palace a couple of years ago, I am stunned to find out the Planet Hollywood is now on its first floor....please tell me more about it, Muchas gracias...

SteveL,

I've stayed at the Palace and the Villa Real, although it's been quite some time (probably in '93 for the Palace and '95 at the Villa Real).

The Palace has a fabulous lobby - the lounge with the huge stained glass skylight is one THE hangouts in Madrid. Our room was large & nice - no idea when the hotel was last refurbished though. There was a large shopping passage in part of the building which was basically self-contained (separate street entrance), so that's probably where the Planet Hollywood is - if that's the case, you won't notice that it's in your hotel at all.

The Villa Real is just around the corner and much more intimate. They have great top floor duplex suites with rooftop terraces - really enjoyed that. Again, no idea what condition the rooms are in at this time.

We had dinner at the Ritz one night and it definitely seemed more formal than the other 2 properties.

Hope this helps,
Andre

I knew that the Ritz in London was like that a few years ago (I was accosted by the doorman!), but I thought they'd relaxed things. I guess not. I like luxury, but I'm not much for stuffy, so I'm down to Villa Real and the Palace.

Unless I hear a definite negative about one of them (and the Planet Hollywood doesn't bother me), I'll probably let price decide.

I'd heard that the Palace can have poor service and I'd heard that the Villa Real can be noisy, but those were both isolated comments and I'm curious if anybody can confirm or refute them.

I really appreciate these and any future comments.

Steve,

FYI, the Ritz in London and the one in Madrid are not affiliated. The one in London is an independent property (with a marketing link to Ritz Carlton), while the one in Madrid is managed by Le Meridien.

Andre

Andre:

How interesting. One of my closest friends has worked for Ritz-Carlton for years (he started there when they were born in their current incarnation, but before Marriott bought them and he's with them now). I never knew that any Marketing link existed between Ritz (in London, Montreal, or anyplace else) and R-C. Is the Madrid Ritz the only Meridien Ritz and are London, Montreal, and Paris all together?

The "Ritz Hotel" in Madird is simply the Ritz. It is NOT a Ritz-Carlton (an entirely different chain of properties) and nevre has been. In my opinion if it WERE a Ritz-Carlton property it would be a lot better than it is.

Nobody ever said it was a Ritz-Carlton. In fact the opposite was made pretty clear.

As for benefitting from being part of R-C, I disagree. There was a time when R-C was quite special, but it is well below Four Seasons now and no match at all for Regency or Peninsula. As for the various Ritz hotels, e.g., London, Madrid, Paris, be they part of Meridien or not, they may not be for everybody, but I think that's the point. R-C comes too close to being for everybody.

Gee, sorry...I hope you have a great trip anyway.

I have stayed at both Palace and Villa Real.
First, the Planet Hollywood thing is totally not a consideration--it simply is on the same block, as is a Starbucks. If you don't stay there, do have drinks in the domed bar, and people watching is always the best.
I've stayed at the Villa Real 4 times. We've had one bad room and 3 good ones. by good, we had a balcony that we could open, but of course that also gives you some street noise when you're trying to sleep. I think of it as a 3 1/2 star, the Palace a 4 star, and the Ritz a 5 star.
The Villa Real is much smaller, has a little park right in front of it, and I've had good luck with last minute offers from them or from Orbitz (paid 216 Euro in November).
You'll be amazed, but even the Palace can be found on Orbitz or Expedia sometimes at a low rate. Rooms can vary in size, but it definitely is more elegant than Villa Real.

It is called the "Hotel Ritz". at least that's what my bill says and as others have said not a RC. However, it is right across the street from the Palace and we walked by the Palace several times and the Planet Hollywood was right on thr bottom.

Interesting info from Aleta.

Steve,

Ritz hotels can be found in Europe in: Barcelona, London, Paris and Madrid.

The Ritzes in London and Paris are independently managed properties, with the one in Paris being owned by the Al-Fayed family (they own Harrods as well). The one in Madrid is managed by Le Meridien, while the one in Barcelona is managed by HUSA (a spanish chain).

In Montreal, there's only a Ritz-Carlton, AFAIK.

Hope this helps,
Andre

Thanks to all. Very helpful info.

Regarding the Montreal Ritz, apparently, R-C took it over when I wasn't watching. It wasn't originally part of the deal when the Atlanta group that sold out to Marriott bought the name, which included the Boston property and maybe D.C. (not sure about NYC). They built all the other ones they have now (about 50) and they do have a marketing agreement with the London Ritz. In Barcelona, there is a R-C (Hotel Arts) as well as a Ritz that is not associated with R-C.

We stayed at Palace two years ago. Plannet Hollywood is not in their building but it is on the same block. Their rooms are very nice and decorated with taste. The service was outstanding.

Just returned yesterday from a trip to Madrid and spent 5 nights at the The Wellington Hotel, another 5 star hotel. It's right off of Retiro Park and just a short distance to the Prado. Rates were much better than any of the 3 you mention. We had lovely rooms with great breakfasts for $125 euros/night.

stayed at the villa real last year and really enjoyed it - staff were v friendly, located inbetween prado and the centre and just round the corner form some trad tapas bar

would definitely go back

If you read Fodors rants and raves you'll see another person complained that Planet Hollywood was on the first floor of the Palace.

Toto:

Do you know how close to the Prado (in minutes walking) the Wellington is?

Also, does anybody have a feel for how close the Orfila and Adler are to the Prado (in minutes walking)?

Thanks.

We stayed at the Palace a couple of years ago.. wonderful.. HOWEVER.. also planning on going back this year Sep/Oct. Will not stay at Ritz.. haven't had a chance to look at the Villa Real.. Has anybody knowledge of the Husa Princesa or the Wellington.. both of which have five stars in the same vicinity as the Palace??? Showing as considerably less $$$. Incidentally, you don't even know Planet Hollywood is there until you walk past it - Do not consider it as part of the hotel.

Has anyone used an internet co-Expedia, etc. for booking hotels ?? TU

Stevel:

The Prado is a good walk from the Wellington, longer if it's a hot day. But a cab is maybe 4 Euros and it takes you to the front door. For the money you save, the Wellington is a better value with cabs included. Nice staff, small rooms located in a quieter, upscale neighborhood.

I think Westin Palace's location is worth the extra money. You won't have to take taxis anywhere (except, maybe if you want to visit the local clubs at night). Prado is right next door and so is Reina Victoria.

Well, I don't know what all we happy people have done for SteveL.. do know you have helped us make up our minds.. we are going back to the Palace!! It was marvellous when we stayed there and the money we would save at a different one doesn't mean enough to count (I buy lottery tickets, also!!).. La Barraca is one of our most favorite restaurants - Excellent Paella, good service, reasonable prices..

Skaye and SteveL,

I have booked hotels through Expedia a couple times without a problem. Make sure you read the cancelation deadline and policy.

Both the Orfila and the Adler are about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the Prado.
I like the Adlers location better, very nice upscale neighbourhood with lots of good shopping and dining nearby. This is the Barrio de Salamanca that Maribel used to live in and always raves about.

Actually, this has been a great help and I appreciate it. I was close to picking the Villa Real, mostly because it seemed like a great hotel and, although very different from the Palace, just as good quality for a bit less money. But, now I'm giving very serious thought to the Orfila and Adler. They sound extremely nice. I'll post our decision when we've decided (soon, I hope). I haven't ruled out the Palace either.

Olga: Thank you very much.. will book through Expedia since they have the Continental flights which are convenient for us (Phoenix, AZ).. and the Palace.. the prices they quote are excellent.. better than going to the airline and the hotel direct. Any restaurants?? After all, we cannot eat at La Barraca every night?? Or can we?? Thanks again for letting me get in on Steve's question..

We decided on Villa Real. I'll post again when I get back (trip is in October).

Thanks for all the help!

If you have Starwood points, you may be able to stay atThe Westin Palace for 50% off the rack rate. That is what we are doing in October. It's a good deal for a 5-star hotel - even though there is a Planet Hollywood nearby.

Hi We stayed at the Palace for 4 nights July 13-17. We had a lovely huge well decorated and comfortable room overlooking the Neptune fountains-gorgeous. The Rotunda where you dine is not be missed. The location of this hotel is excellent as you can walk every where the Prado is across the street, as is the Ritz and the Thyssen is next door. The park near th
Villa Real is undergoing ronovation and homeless men sleep in cartons there. Old Madrid is a 5 minute walk and is El Retiro Park We are very serios sight seers and fond that this hotel suited us just fine

Strange. Villa Real and the Palace are right next to each other, so if there is a park next door to Villa Real it is next door to the Palace as well. Also, if the Palace is convenient to something, then so is Villa Real.

Just returned and we were quite happy with Villa Real. Perfect location; helpful, friendly staff; and nice room. Relatively quiet with nice view of the Plaza de la Cortes. I would stay there again.

Just returned from The Palace and were very happy. We had a beautiful room overlooking the Neptune Fountain. The lobby of great. Prices very high for breakfast and room service so we wound up having coffee at the Starbucks around the corner from the hotel.

The Villa Real certainly was just as convenient and looked lovely.

Madrid was much grander than I had expected. A very pleasant city which I hope to return to.

Hi DMG,
we are holding at the Palace for midNovember; appreciated your notes.
Did you find any "specials" when booking, other than the Starwood 50% off rack rates? Thanks for sharing.

Sorry but I know of any other specials at The Palace. You may want to check the Starwood website since they "guarantee" the lowest rates.

SteveL: We stayed at the Palace - booked everything through Expedia (thank you another poster) it turned out very well.. exactly as they promised.. it's funny if you read back on the "pans" about Starbucks and Planet Hollywood.. I "screwed" up and didn't have the wonderful buffet breakfast included (which is expensive if it isn't). We trotted down to Starbucks (mostly me trotting since it was my error!) for coffee/tea and croissants!! Plus another day it was bucketing down with rain so we umbrella-ed up and ran round the corner to Planet Hollywood!! It was different to say the least (we are both mature++!) but at least we didn't get too wet.

I'm sorry that I neglected to mention how great Spain was!

First though, I understand that you can get great rates at the Palace via www.bancotel.com. Not all days are always avaialble at their rates (you buy coupons and then redeem them at the hotel), but their web site is very clear on what is and isn't available. We did walk through the Palace and we thought it was lovely. Definitely more bustling than the Villa Real, but we were happy without the bustle. Both, along with the Ritz, are in what I would consider the numero uno primo location (was that Spanish or Italian?).

Madrid is a beautiful, fun, and safe city. Although large, it is very, very friendly. I did not run into anybody who was not willing to communicate despite occasional language barriers (about half the time, it seemed, people spoke English). My wife knows Spanish quite well, but still preferred me to talk to cab drivers, etc. (I have no idea why) and most of them spoke very little English, but we communicated just fine.

There is so much to see and do in and near Madrid. Highlights for us were the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, Retiro Park, and a side-trip to Toledo (my favorite day).

I'm a Starbucks person here in the states, but in Europe I enjoy trying other coffee places (cafe cortado is uniquely Spanish and really grew on me). Also, cerveza is a really useful word and can pretty much carry you anyplace.

Note, however, that I'm both an adventurous eater and I have a Master's in Zoology with an emphasis in invertebrate zoology and there were items for sale in the grocery store that I could not place taxonomically! More than any country I've been to thus far in Europe, the food in Spain was the most foreign. It's excellent, but you do need to be adventurous.

I have one extremely strong food recommendation, however. In a word, olives! The olives in Spain defy description; they are so incredibly good and there is such fantastic variety.