Crowne Plaza Madrid Centre Retiro, an IHG Hotel — Hotel in Madrid

Although a bit far from the historic centre of Madrid the price of the Ayre Gran Hotel Colón was really, really good for this type of hotel (we paid 50€ per night). It's clean and modern like most business-type hotels but it's also great for families (small kids stay for free if they sleep in existing beds). The hotel is nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood but If you don't mind taking a short ride on the bus, bus number 20 stops close to the hotel (ask at reception) and if you're budget conscious the bus is the quickest and cheapest option to get to the centre from here.

However if you have no problem walking around 45 - 60 minutes to the old centre of Madrid then Here is my suggested walking itinerary (this way you won't even notice you've walked so far). Walk to the Parque de Retiro from the hotel (not far at all but part of the walk there is uphill). Stroll around and see the sights of the biggest park in Madrid (once owned by the King of Spain and donated to the city by the Royal Family). Take a picnic lunch if you have a backpack but don't forget to take WATER either way (hint: Madrid tap water is very, very drinkable as it comes from the mountains). After taking in the sights around the park (don't miss the Crystal Palace) stroll directly across the park from the Crystal Palace heading East to the Prado Museum and BAM! You're in the middle of the action now as making your way up to Plaza de Sol from the Prado is right where all the action is: shops, restaurants, cafes, historic buildings, museums etc.

Other tips: 1. Breakfast around the hotel at the neighbourhood cafes and restaurants is much cheaper than paying for breakfast at the hotel. In fact, the restaurants around the hotel are there for the residents and not really for tourists which means good food for good prices if you compare what you'll pay in the historic centre. There is an indoor neighbourhood market down the street a ways from the hotel (Galeria De Alimentacion La Estrella) where you can buy high quality fruit and meats for your picnic in Retiro or for a source of healthy snacks during your stay. Again, this is for the neighbours who live in the area so the price/quality ratio is high. 3. There is a restaurant directly in front of the Galeria De Alimentacion La Estrella where you can get a good Spanish breakfast for a good price (it's full of locals for a reason). Try the "tostada con tomate" or the "sandwhich mixto" (grilled ham and cheese) with coffee or tea which are typical...

This is the standard city hotel. A room area with around 25m2, air conditioning, 2 beds, a combined desk for your luggage and to work with your laptop, a standard closet. Five wall sockets, a hotel room safe, a small fridge with 2 free small waters upon your arrival. I like the fact that there are no minibar drinks so you can use it freely to put your stuff in. I'm on my 6th night over a 11 night stay. The location is also very good, since you're 100m of the Sainz de Baranda metro station that give you access to line 6 (the circular one) and 9. I'm here on a work trip and i've had no problem in finding places to have dinner within a 5 or 10 min walk. The room looks good despite the fact it's visible some signs of over usage. What I really don't like is the poor wifi. It's really bad. If you're on a work trip and really need a good connection and you don't have an unlimited data plan I would tell you to pick another hotel. If you're on hollidays and plan to keep up with your Netflix series while is too hot to go outside....forget it. With the wifi provided streaming is impossible. They should really improve the quality of the wifi and maybe add google chromecast to the rooms. I was in Hotel Vincci Soma for 3 weeks about a month ago and when you're travelling alone that little feature makes all the difference. Netflix, Spotify, access to your cable TV through your ISP app. Reading other reviews some complain about the poor bathroom lighting ...well that's a fact, but on the other hand if you are one of those guys that like to look himself in the mirror you'll love this bathroom :) One last word for the cleaning staff. It's not outstanding but it's perfectly fine. Can't evaluate the restaurant service because I didn't use it so far. P.S: I've read also some complaints about the staff not speaking portuguese although they advertise it. Believe me when I say that in Spain no one speaks portuguese. They can hardly speak english ;P Evaluation:...

This hotel is under rated. Let me begin by saying that I am from NY city and I am not use to European service and room sizes. However, this hotel far exceeded my expectations and I stood here for 12 nights. It is literally 2 blocks from the train station, 1 block from the bus that goes to puerta del sol, two blocks from countless eateries and a 10 minute walk to parke del retiro (a park that rivals or exceeds central park).The neighborhood is extremely safe and clean and at any time there are cabs in front waiting as you step out. It is minutes from everything and yet you feel as if you are in the suburbs. I took long walks at 3 am till 7 am and not a single worry in mind, in fact the locals are out till late. I am a frequent traveler and I must admit that I had one of the best times in my life here in Madrid rivaled only by Puerto Rico and I think Madrid beat out Puerto Rico and mostly due to this facility. It was my first time in Madrid but I promise it will not be the last. The rooms are a nice size and very clean. The restaurant in the facility was great but I recommend 52 Moncholis which is about a four city block walk on Ibiza street. Again if it is your first time in Madrid congratulations and get ready for a hell of a ride. BTW to all Americans remember that dinner starts at 8 pm and be prepared to enjoy a 4 hour dinner because they do not rush you at all in the restaurants and enjoy a few Tinto de veranos, those drinks are wonderful. One other thing, please maintain our american culture and tip regardless of what travel advisory suggest, the people are very appreciative when they are tipped. I really want to thank the staff of this facility for making my long stay a very...