Imposing tower
with classical urbane interiors
Walking distance
to Retiro Park
Opposite Conde de
Casal Metro station
Contemporary bathrooms in all rooms and suites
Suites are polished with great views
Impressively
large and well-equipped gym
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Standard room decor is lackluster
Uninteresting surroundings
Set on busy roundabout
junction
The Hotel Claridge is an impressively towering, 15-floor upper-middle-range hotel set on a heavily trafficked roundabout in Madrid's Retiro district. The location isn't great with the city center a good metro ride away -- though the lovely Retiro Park is within walking distance. Rooms are perfectly adequate, but you need to shell out for a suite to get something truly special and lower-level rooms get some traffic noise (though bathrooms are pleasantly contemporary throughout). Nicely renovated interiors give the hotel a classy feel and the gym with exercise classes is certainly impressive. While rates are reasonable, tourists will likely find it just a little bit too out of the way.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Towering, tile-clad hotel with classically urbane early-20th-century interiors
Occupying a towering, almost monolithic, tile-clad building crowned and footed with bold signage, there's no missing the Hotel Claridge. It first opened its doors in 1967 but underwent a total renovation in 2012 as evidenced in its beautifully rendered interiors of warm wood, crosshatched mirrors, and smart velvet-upholstered furnishings. There is more than a nod to classic early 20th century American and British styling creating a sophisticated and urbane atmosphere, while a long, low-profile fireplace and subdued lighting create a moody and atmospheric vibe in the evening. A superbly renovated stairwell of polished marble and chrome winds up the hotel's 15 floors, those most no doubt opt for one of the two swift and almost noiseless elevators.
Location
Overlooking busy Conde de Casal roundabout a 10-minute walk from Retiro Park
The hotel is located on a large roundabout and busy junction by the name of Plaza del Conde de Casal in the Retiro district of Madrid. While there's not a huge amount in the immediate area in the way of bars and restaurants, the Conde de Casal Metro station is right opposite the hotel and is one stop from Pacífico which connects to the center of town in around 10 minutes. The entrance to Madrid's largest and prettiest park -- Parque del Retiro -- is just 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel's position also gives easy access by car from the M-30 highway exit just a block away, though the hotel has no parking on-site.
Rooms
Standard Rooms are perfectly pleasant though the Suites are significantly better.
While Standard Room decor is pleasant enough, with smart contemporary wood furnishings and original wall art, interiors don't quite deliver on the promise of the stylish reception area. Suites, however, mirror the elegant lobby styling with plush velvet furnishings and hints of classical early-20th century decor -- not to mention stunning top-floor views. Wi-Fi is free of charge and all rooms come with stocked minibars and climate control, however flat-screen TVs are a bit small considering their distance from the bed and there are no tea or coffee facilities. Bathrooms, though, are contemporary and clean with marble floors, wall-mounted hairdryers, and heated towel rails. Some lower rooms get some noise from the traffic, so light sleepers should ask for higher floor.
Features
Impressive gym facilities and Spanish market-themed menus
The hotel serves a hot and cold buffet breakfast in the basement (not included in the standard rate) while its ground floor restaurant serves an a la carte menu of dishes based on a Spanish market -- in-room dining can also be arranged via room service. Particularly impressive is the hotel gym, which is much more than your average hotel fitness rooms providing numerous cardio and weight machines, free weights, and even exercise classes.
