Strategic Paseo del Prado location, near top museums and more
Stylish rooms revamped in 2015, some with private terraces
All have contemporary style, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs and minibars
Upper-category ones come with Nespresso machines and bathrobes
Classic restaurant and bar serving a Spanish-influenced and drinks
High-quality breakfast buffet with a lavish selection
Small on-site fitness room with a handful of modern fitness machines
Work-related features include a business center and meeting rooms
Free Wi-Fi and newspapers in the lobby
Some guests complain of street noise
Rooms not facing the street look onto a brick wall
Breakfast and parking cost extra
Fitness room is small with limited equipment
The historic Nacional is a 206-room, four-pearl property that puts guests within walking distance of many must-see attractions -- including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado. Proximity to the Atocha train and metro station makes its location even more convenient. Built in the 1920's and now run by the NH Hotel Group (a Madrid-based chain), the Nacional has a stunning lobby that preserves many original elements, plus well-equipped guest rooms (refreshed in 2015) decorated in a calming contemporary style; some include terraces overlooking the Botanical Garden. A restaurant/bar with a Spanish-inspired menu, five meeting rooms, and a small fitness center are other features here. A tempting breakfast buffet (typical of NH hotels) is available at extra charge. For a family-friendly alternative nearby, try the Hotel Villa Real.
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Scene
An imposing -- but unpretentious -- refurbished option in the heart of the city
Designed by renowned Spanish architect Modesto López Otero, this elegant landmark hotel has a creamy stone facade that gives it obvious curb appeal -- but it’s a beauty inside as well as out. After all, the interior common areas retain many original 1920's features. The lobby, for instance, boasts a sweeping staircase, ornate columns, decorative ceiling moldings and luxe marble flooring, all of which are balanced by tasteful modern touches that keep it from feeling like a fussy "grande dame." The resulting style and quality of finishes, coupled with an enviable location near the Atocha Station in Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, means the NH Nacional appeals equally to vacationers and business travelers.
Location
Ideally located on the Paseo del Prado, within Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art
Situated on the prestigious Paseo del Prado, this landmark hotel overlooks the gorgeous Botanical Garden. Because it occupies a prime position in the so-called Golden Triangle of Art, three major museums (the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia) are just a quick walk away. Guests can also reach a pair of famous squares (Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor) in under 10 minutes. This part of the city happens to be rife with restaurants, retail shops and entertainment options, too. But guests who wish to go farther afield need only head for the nearby Atocha Station, a public transportation hub, to take advantage of Madrid’s efficient metro system. Local commuter trains, as well as high-speed ones linking the capital to other important Spanish destinations, can be boarded at the same station. - Three-minute walk to Atocha train and metro station
Rooms
Revamped rooms offer contemporary style and modern conveniences.
Benefiting from a 2015 makeover, the hotel’s handsome guest rooms range from tiny Standard Singles to spacious Junior Suites with a separate living area and sofa bed. Most accommodations, though, are Standard Doubles or Superior Doubles: the main difference between them being amenities rather than size. (Both cover 258 square feet, but the latter boast extras like Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and better views). Regardless of category, all include hardwood floors, air-conditioning, minibars, digital safes, large flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, plus up-to-date tiled bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combinations. All also share a common decor. Rooms are outfitted with stark white desks and signature NH Sleep Better beds that are covered with crisp white linens; huge upholstered headboards soften the clean lines, while contemporary wingback chairs in bright turquoise add punch to the soothing neutral palette. Blown up black-and-white photos of Madrid scenes inject a further element of urban style. Note that rooms with terraces (some offering garden views) can be chosen at every price point.
Features
A restaurant and meeting rooms lead the list of amenities
As you would expect, this NH location is loaded with features, starting with a lovely lobby restaurant where original 1920's features are offset by casually elegant contemporary furniture. The menu is distinctly Spanish, and light options (a fine selection of tapas among them) are served at the adjoining bar. Guest can also enjoy a big buffet breakfast for an added fee, then work off the extra calories in the tiny fitness room -- it's just three cardio machines and free weights, but the facilities are up-to-date and a mirrored wall keeps the space bright and cheery. The hotel scores bonus points for having a small business center, five modern meeting rooms, a garden-view reception space, plus a team of in-house caterers and event planners. Other perks include dry cleaning/laundry services, paid parking, free newspapers in lobby and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Junior Suite
Premium Room
Standard Room
Superior Room
United States
