Hotel Arosa

Hotel Arosa occupies the top half of an ornate piece of superbly maintained Beaux-Arts style architecture -- while not untypical of the area it remains one of the finer examples of its kind. The entrance is via a discreet door on a side road that leads to a small lobby area clad in neo-classical marble and gilt-patterned coving illuminated by an extravagant cut-glass chandelier. After checking in at the jarringly modern reception desk guests have a choice of two elevators -- comically small and hexagonal in shape -- to whisk them to the third floor there the hotel proper begins. Guests then emerge into an impressively spacious and surprisingly peaceful lounge area decorated largely in classical styling reminiscent of an 18th-century salon -- though interspersed with plenty of contemporary as well as antique furnishings. First and foremost a tourist hotel, the property particularly caters to Japanese travelers with the whole of the eighth floor smartly decorated in gray slate with Japanese symbols and traditional futon beds.

Located right on Gran Vía -- one of Madrid's busiest and most central streets -- the location couldn't be any more in the bustling heart of the city. The surrounding area is awash with restaurant, bars, and shopping and is one of the liveliest streets in Spain, if not Europe, during both the day and night. While there are plenty of attractions within walking distance -- such as the Royal Palace and Plaza Major -- there are several Metro stops within a five-minute walk, including the major transport hub of the Puerto del Sol that connects throughout the city. 

The hotel has 126 rooms, most of which are decorated in a pretty standard chain hotel fashion, with simple modern furnishings, wooden floors, and patterned fabrics. Room on the Japanese level, however, are smarter with dark-wood finish and traditional futon and tatami mat beds. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and air-conditioning though it only runs in the summer. While flat-screen TVs are provided in most rooms, some still have old-style tube TVs. Some rooms have French windows that open to lovely furnished balconies that overlook Gran Vía, however these can't be booked in advance. Rooms that face the road can get some traffic noise, and there have been reports of some having poor internal sound insulation. 

The hotel serves an extensive buffet breakfast each morning -- which includes rice and miso soup for Japanese guests -- though is not included in the standard rate. There is no restaurant on-site, though there is a snack bar open through the day, but it is closed for renovations as of January 2017. Guests can get discounts in some selected nearby eateries, . Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there are two Internet terminals, a small library, and a bright fitness room for guests' use.