Quatro Puerta del Sol Hotel

The Quatro Puerta del Sol is housed in a cute triangular building that was originally a library and later the headquarters of an insurance company. Built in the early 20th century, the structure is elegant but stark, with a traditional plain facade and a small entrance covered by a small frosted glass platform. Interiors have been renovated and most of the original details are gone. However, some of the building’s features are protected for their historic significance and cannot be altered, including the small double wooden main door that some guests may find a little bit uncomfortable or inconvenient when carrying bags. The lobby is the only space where some of the original architectural details can still be seen, such as ceiling moldings, woodwork on walls and ceilings, and neoclassical pillars. The rest of the reception area has a more generic feel, with a few comfy carob-brown couches and metal retro lamps, but large windows all along the walls make the space sunny and appealing. There is a large construction site right opposite the building, but noise doesn’t start until later in the morning when most guests are out exploring the city. 

The hotel is located on the corner of a busy street channeling traffic away from pedestrian Puerta del Sol, and the atmosphere can be a little loud and hectic during rush hour. There are tons of restaurants, tapas bars, and shops in the immediate vicinity, and most major attractions can be found within an easy walk of the hotel. Puerta del Sol is just a couple of blocks down the street, while Plaza Mayor and San Miguel Market as less than a 10-minute walk away. The Prado and Thyssen Bornemisza museums, the Royal Palace, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, and the Retiro Park are all less than a 15-minute walk away, and bustling Santa Ana Square, heart of the nightlife scene in Huertas neighborhood, is just up the street. Other nightlife areas such as Chueca, La Latina, and Malasaña can be reached on foot in less than 20 minutes. There are two metro stations within a three-minute walk of the hotel, including Sol, which is a major transportation hub with access to regional trains, three metro lines, and several buses. The airport is a 25-minute drive, or 35-minute metro ride away.

The hotel has 62 rooms, all exterior-facing and equipped with double glazed windows. Rooms come in all shapes and sizes (common in historic buildings), and while some are a little cramped and have an uncommon layout, others are spacious and airy. All have contemporary decor with a smart black, white, and red color scheme, and handsome wooden floors. The dark wooden furniture with clean lines is a little generic, but black-and-white photos of Madrid landmarks, and large padded headboards add some style. All units are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and free safes; Superior Rooms feature extras such as robes and slippers. Top-floors units have terraces or balconies, and the hotel’s only Junior Suite has a separate seating area that can be turned into another double room.Bathrooms are spacious and clean, with marble shower/tub combos, ample counter space, and wall-mounted hairdryers. They are separated for the bedroom by frosted glass doors, which may not provide enough privacy for some guests. All units are soundproofed, but light sleepers may want to request a room on a higher floor. 

The Quatro Puerta del Sol is a small hotel with none of the amenities found in larger hotels, such as a fitness center, a full restaurant, or a spa. The only amenity there is on-site is a lovely, sunny breakfast room serving a varied buffet offering good value for money. The spread includes coffee, tea, juices, breads, pastries, fruit, meats and cheese, as well as hot items such as eggs. Those leaving the hotel before the breakfast service begins are given a picnic bag with a few small bites to eat on the go. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.