Riu Plaza España

Comfortable beds, water bottle every day, coffee in the rooms, and the best breakfast at a hotel I have ever seen on my life!

Pretty much EVERYTHING!! Friendly and attentive staff, great location near to plenty of shops and bars, a short walk from the royal palace and within easy access to the incredibly efficient metro system. The hotel itself was easy to get around with a clever elevator system and use of key cards. The room was big, well laid out and had a huge bathroom with rainfall shower. The bed was massive and very comfortable. The fridge was ok but small. Great view over plaza de España. Breakfast was amazing! Buffet style, with hot and cold options, more than I could get through! Plenty of coffee. Rooftop bar is impressive, incredible views and glass floors for those braving the photos. The pool was small but had plenty of beds and it’s about timing, beat the excessive heat and it’s like a plunge pool to cool off in. Staff everywhere! There is a restaurant onsite but we didn’t use it. Too many options outside. Reception staff were very helpful, pointing out ways to get around and even providing me a map which included metro routes and points of interest. There is a secure luggage storage area for checking in and out, which we used. If they sorted the prices of drinks etc and had a better evening/ restaurant option I think they would be a 5*

From arrival to departure the staff were amazing. Everyone we met were friendly and helpful. We used customer services on a couple of occasions for tips on restaurants and found them really knowledgeable and keen to help. The lift system in the hotel runs smoothly so I am surprised that previous reviewers have said they had issues. Breakfast was exceptional, from hot choices of various sausages, bacon, numerous types of eggs and omelettes, tomatoes and beans. There was a large selection of fruit and yoghurts, cereals, pastries, pancakes (with the largest container of Nutella that I have ever seen😋), breads and churros. There was also a vast choice of cold and hot drinks, including, various coffee, teas, smoothies, juices and champagne. There were take away cups by a coffee machine too. Breakfast was available until 10.30 and 11 weekends which was lovely as often hotel breakfast can end very early. As guests of the hotel we had free access to the 360 bar with amazing photo opportunities across the city. We went up there every evening for drinks before heading off for our meal. The queues for the viewing platform were always long at night as non residents can pay to go up, but we went up at 11am the day we arrived and were able to get photos with ease. As residents, we were given preferential access and were always found seats. Our room was very comfortable with a King size bed, hairdryer, plenty of toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body cream. There were two large well lit mirrors in the room too which is something I find lacking in some hotels. There was a tv, but we only watched some news. There was also an ironing board, iron and fridge. Coffee, tea and water were provided in the room and more available by calling customer services if required. The location of the hotel was just perfect, being central to most places and there was a metro right outside to get to those places further a field.

The location is great, some great little bars around the back. Rooms comfortable and the views from the roof are fantastic. Best thing was we arrived at about 11:00 after an early flight and we were allowed an early check without a charge which was excellent as we were both very tired

The hotel was large and full due to the Madrid Pride Celebrations. However the hotel didn’t feel crowded and all amenities were accessible. Breakfast was good and in our four nights of stay there was no queuing to be seated. The breakfast staff were very efficient at directing guests to tables and ensuring hot drinks were delivered promptly. The pool was very busy but we managed to find sun beds either around the pool or the adjacent terrace. Unfortunately the hotel does not provide free drinking water around the pool - this should be offered given the really high temperature. At the price point of the hotel and star rating, I found this disappointing and very much penny-pinching. The roof top bar was very good and had excellent views over the Plaza España. It was busy on both occasions we went. We had a room with a large furnished terrace overlooking the Plaza España which was very busy and atmospheric due to the Pride stage below. The room was big, excellently furnished with a very impressive bathroom. Servicing of the room was excellent. Overall a very good, busy, city hotel. It was made excellent by the staff in all areas of the hotel - friendly, efficient polite and couldn’t do enough to make your stay special. Thank you.