Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection — Hotel in Madrid

I stayed at Casa de Las Artes early July for 5 days and really enjoyed it. I picked it because it was close to the museum triangle and Retiro Park, literary quarter and close enough of a walk to Plaza Mayor as well.

Amenities were wonderful, I loved using the pool in the afternoons, the pool, sauna and steam room were clean and well maintained. The restaurant and library were beautiful! I would usually see one or two people on their laptops working in the library. The hotel in general was pretty quiet and peaceful.

I booked Superior Room, on the 6th floor was quiet and spacious. You get three bottles of water, coffee machine for free. Minibar and fridge has lots of options. Toiletries are fully stocked- in addition to soap shampoo and lotion they give you toothbrush kit, a glass container with q tips, cotton pads and shower cap, there is even a clothes steamer in the closet drawer.

My booking came with breakfast, the buffet has decent options for both hot and cold items, and you get one complimentary item from their breakfast menu (omelette, waffles, eggs Benedict). It never got too busy during breakfast, at most 5 or 6 tables occupied.

Staff are super nice and helpful. The front desk helped me locate where to get a charger adapter when mine broke mid trip, the restaurant team got your breakfast and coffee fast. Housekeeping ladies were very sweet.

Overall really enjoyed my stay here,...

Quite disappointed I have to stay here several nights further, as I have come to dread entering the hotel. Aesthetically very nice, using a cool building. Room is well appointed, except the bathroom/shower which leaks. No air conditioning and air circulation is poor with window open—they are able to provide a fan on request.

Good amenities, but access to those amenities is limited. One night, the main floor was closed, prohibiting access to the wing with many of the rooms. There was no one around to explain what guests were to do. The next day in late afternoon and evening, they were painting the interior of the only elevator to that wing of rooms. Upkeep is important, but the timing and thoughtfulness to guests is highly questionable. It seems to be not the time to be a guest.

The staff needs a lot of work. Check in/front desk and door staff were curt, aloof, dismissive of certain customers while attentive to others. Appear to stereotype guests between decent vs dehumanizing treatment. They could learn from bell hops, cleaning staff, and restaurant staff, who were attentive and knowledgeable. This was experienced through several staff members of each cohort.

Attempted to discuss ways around these concerns, however front desk staff refused to provide contact information when...

I have been staying at Casa de las Artes for a few nights now and will remain for three more. While the hotel is undeniably beautiful, with its charming details and central location in Madrid, there are some significant issues that have impacted my overall experience.

First, the hotel boasts central air conditioning, but it has been turned off for the season despite outside temperatures reaching 22-23°C (full sun). My room faces south, and with the continuous sunlight, the temperature inside rises to an uncomfortable 24-26°C. Unfortunately, the hotel’s only solution was to suggest opening the windows. During the day, this does little to alleviate the heat, and at night, the street noise makes it impossible to sleep with them open.

For the price we are paying—staying in the Extra Deluxe Room City View—I find it unacceptable that there is no functional air conditioning available. Additionally, while the room is a bit more spacious than standard rooms, it still feels cramped, especially with limited storage options. The combination of heat and lack of space makes the room feel more like a sauna.

In conclusion, Casa de las Artes has potential with its new facilities and aesthetic appeal, but without basic comforts like climate control, the stay falls short, particularly at this...