Aparto Suites Muralto

Given its central location, competitive rates, and well-equipped studios and apartments, the Muralto attracts a mix of business travelers and families. The hotel is not fancy or stylish, but its simple style and down-to-earth vibe make it a good pick for those seeking a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to sleep with easy access to major attractions, financial areas, and the airport. A spacious lobby with big windows and a seating area, and a breakfast room that doubles as a meeting space are the only amenities, but the hotel manages to feel more homey that institutional. Brown-velvet couches and armchairs decorate the wood-paneled lobby, and although the building is a few decades old, red accents and laminate floors are contemporary touches that add some style. Though most guests are here just for a few days, the hotel also houses longer-stay visitors, and it has plenty of extras that guests can borrow, including kitchen utensils and adaptors. 

The hotel is located on a quiet street lined with residential and office buildings, cafes, and local businesses. The block is generally quiet, but the neighborhood is a popular shopping area, with a famous department store and tons of clothes and accessories shops. Although not in the heart of the city center, there are many major attractions within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, including the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater, La Almudena Cathedral, Debod Temple, and Parque del Oeste. Arguelles metro stop -- located two blocks away -- is served by three lines, offering easy access to historic sights located farther afield, including Retiro Park, and Prado and Reina Sofia museums. The hotel is about a 25-minute drive (or 45-minute metro ride) from the airport. Private airport transfers can be arranged at the front desk for a fee.

The hotel has 73 studios and apartments, the largest of which can sleep up to five adults. Decor is generic for the most part, consisting of basic wooden furniture and simple artwork on walls, but crimson accents in bedskirts and seating, and laminate floors add some appeal. Standard Apartments have windows overlooking a plain courtyard, but most other room categories have large windows that open onto unfurnished balconies or terraces with street views. Each apartment has a small kitchenette equipped with a sink, cooktop, microwave, and mini-fridge, and additional utensils can be requested free of charge. Regardless of size and category, all apartments come with the same solid amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (although only a few international channels are available), individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and safes. Bathrooms are clean and feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries.

There isn’t much in the way of amenities at Aparto Suites Muralto, as the property notably lacks a full restaurant and gym. The breakfast room, located in the mezzanine, serves a varied breakfast buffet (for a fee) that includes hot and cold options, as well as fresh fruit, juices, pastries, eggs, and gluten-free bread. The space doubles as a meeting room when needed, and audiovisual equipment such as projectors and 42-inch flat-screen TVs can be requested. The hotel also offers a few underground parking spots for a daily fee.