Hotel Vía Castellana

Previously the Abba Castilla Plaza Hotel, this property reopened as the Hotel Via Castellana in 2014. It's unchanged beyond swapping out the sign and updating guest room decor. Echoing the architecture of the neighboring KIO Towers, the facade is a typical '90s mix of mirrored glass with red trim -- a design continued in the rather striking reception area with tall wood-grain paneling. A pair of elevators service the L-shaped hotel's nine floors. While certainly a little dated, interiors are well-maintained and clean throughout. Business guests unsurprisingly make up the majority of the clientele, though the hotel is also used by tourists who'd rather stay away from the city center and travelers on extended layovers. 

The Hotel Via Castellana has a hard-to-beat location for those in town for work -- right in the heart of the financial district and across the street from the Intercambiador de Plaza de Castilla, a major public transportation hub that makes moving around Madrid easy, cheap, and fast. It is also set right on one of the busiest arterial roads that runs directly into the city center that, while also convenient for access, means lots of traffic and noise as soon as you step outside the hotel. The area, while hopping and crowded during the day, empties out at night and on weekends. The dining scene is typical of a business area, and restaurants range from fast food joints to small local eateries to upscale spots. A five-minute drive south, in the area around Santiago Bernabeu stadium (home to Real Madrid soccer team), visitors will find a wide array of stores, restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife Thursdays through Sunday -- but still few tourist attractions. Major sights are an average of 20 minutes via public transportation. The hotel offers easy access to the fair grounds at IFEMA and the Convention Center (a 10-minute drive), but those who want to see the sights might prefer a more central location. Madrid-Barajas Airport is an easy 15-minute drive, or 30 to 35 minutes by public transport.

The hotel has 228 rooms, all of which were updated in 2014 with a smart business-like look combining wood veneer floors, burgundy fabrics, and herringbone wallpaper. Large windows ensure plenty of natural light, and good soundproofing means rooms are quiet despite the busy road below -- opening windows for air, however, means inevitable traffic noise. Rooms start at a rather cramped 180 square feet (17 square meters) though most average a comfortable 270 square feet (25 square meters) with suites doubling that. All windows face the Paseo de la Castellana with most providing views of the iconic Kio Towers.In-room amenities include smart TVs, minibars, and safes, with upgraded rooms and suites also adding coffee- and tea-making facilities. All rooms are air-conditioned, though some guests complain they can feel stuffy in summer months. Free in-room Wi-Fi can also be inconsistent. Marble-clad bathrooms are clean and fairly modern with shower/tub combos, good hairdryers, and hotel-brand toiletries. 

For being advertised as an upscale property, Hotel Via Castellana doesn't offer a great deal in the way of facilities. Breakfast is served buffet-style in a colorful, though slightly dated, dining room and comprises of the usual mix of pastries, cheese, cold cuts, cereals, as well as a few hot items such as eggs, bacon, and sausages. The buffet is not included in room rates, though the price is reasonable for what you get. There's also a small bar-restaurant just off the lobby, serving light meals and snacks until late. Secure parking is available on-site for a daily fee, and nine meeting rooms can cater for up to 200 people. The hotel has no spa or health facilities, lacking even a basic fitness room.