Elba Madrid Alcalá

Formerly a Holiday Inn, the upper-middle-range Elba Madrid Alcala doesn’t look like much from the outside: it’s boxy and has a plain concrete facade. Stepping through its revolving glass door, though, the lobby feels appealing, welcoming, and modern, with an eye-catching backlit wall behind the front desk, bossa nova being piped at a reasonable volume, a small fireplace, and a cozy library area with plush couches and long shelves decorated with cute ornaments. The huge rear garden is also a pleasant surprise. The hotel leans more towards the corporate end of the market, and the vibe is business-like, especially during the week. It also draws travelers who want to stay within easy access of the airport, as can be seen from the flight information screens by the elevators and the free airport shuttle service provided 365 days. The hotel also attracts leisure travelers happy to be away from central Madrid, and those seeking lower rates for a not-so-central location.

There’s lots to like about this property -- for the price, amenities are great and rooms are overall better than at most other comparably priced hotels in the city center -- but travelers seeking something closer to attractions in this price range may want to consider Hotel One Shot 23 or the Urban Sea Atocha 113, though both options are more basic in terms of amenities. For a little bit more money, the Maydrit Hotel is a solid alternative for those wanting to stay even closer to the airport, featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a stylish restaurant, and free 24-hour shuttle service to all terminals. 

The hotel is located on Alcala, a busy street running all the way from the heart of the city center to almost the airport. While the neighborhood isn’t particularly exciting -- it’s a residential area with mostly local businesses and chain clothing stores -- it offers easy access to central Madrid, with two metro stops within a five-minute walk of the hotel and several buses that run straight to the heart of the action within two blocks. The metro ride to most major attractions, including Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum, takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport, and there is free shuttle service to all terminals from early in the morning until late at night, year-round. 

The hotel has 261 rooms spread over four floors. The fourth floor had been fully renovated and the third one was partly done when we visited in October 2018. Most other rooms had been updated in 2013, which means decor styles vary. Rooms updated in 2018 are stylish and contemporary, with huge floor-to-ceiling photos of Spanish landmarks behind the bed, sleek furniture in white hues with black finishes, a few pops of orange, and laminate floors. Non-renovated units range between classic (think wooden furniture, red carpets, and brown curtains) and more modern, with large white headboards, cube-like nightstands, and black reading lights. Though not all rooms will be fully renovated, the most dated elements (including carpets) are expected to be gone by the end of 2019. 

Standard amenities are good for the price, and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and minibars, as well as safes and flat-screen TVs with international channels. Executive Rooms and suites come with a few additional perks, such as Nespresso machines, robes, slippers, pillow menus, and free bottled water. Shower/tub combos have been replaced with walk-in showers in floors three and four, while the rest of the rooms will keep the original setup. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms, and additional ones can be requested at the front desk. 

Guests can choose from two options for breakfast (neither of which is included in the standard rate): a large buffet with hot and cold options and fresh orange juice in the main restaurant, or smaller, a la carte items such as pastries, hot drinks, and toast in the cafe off the lobby. The buffet gets good reviews for taste and quality, but many guests find that it doesn’t change enough over the days. A la carte lunch is also served in the main restaurant, while dinner can be ordered either at the cafe or from the room service menu (not available overnight). There is also a cute glass-enclosed lounge outside the main building, with Chesterfield couches and a bar, where smoking is allowed indoors.

The gym is compact but well-equipped, and the convention center offers a range of meeting rooms of different sizes, some of which can be divided into two or three for smaller events. The garden can be rented for outdoor events as well. Underground parking is available for a fee.