Petit Palace Tres Cruces

Petit Palace Tres Cruces is a clean, contemporary, low-frills hotel ideal for guests who want to explore the city. The four-story building has a flat, brick-red facade finished with rows of wrought iron Juliet balconies. The lobby is nice but not remarkable, with brown tiled floors, white walls, and square pleather couches and armchairs in black and white. A kids' corner features a blackboard wall and some toys. The breakfast room has a modern rustic/lodge vibe with a wood beam detail, large tree murals, and drum-shaped pendant lights in orange. All-in-all, the decor is tasteful and modern but comes second to functionality. With a great location and choices of double or family-sized rooms, this is ideal for tourists, including couples, families, and small friend groups.

Petit Palace Tres Cruces is in the lively shopping area of Sol, less than a block from Gran Via (two-minute walk). Gran Via is one of the most iconic avenues in Madrid, with beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture, designer boutiques, hotels -- and lots of traffic. The location is ideal for those who want to explore the sights on foot and take in Madrid's lively yet laid-back ambiance. Landmarks reachable on foot include Puerta del Sol (six-minute walk), Plaza de Cibeles (11-minute walk), the grand Palacio de Comunicaciones (12-minute walk), and Puerta de Alcala and Retiro Park (16-minute walk). Chueca, the hopping gay neighborhood, full of intimate restaurants, bars, and cool shops is also nearby, about a five-minute walk. For sights farther out, the Gran Via subway stop is a two-minute walk. Madrid-Barajas Airport is about an hour away via public transit or as little as 15 minutes by car, without traffic.

Guest rooms are sparsely decorated but clean and contemporary with powder-blue walls, white bedding, and light wood laminate floors and furniture. Entry-level rooms can feel small, but Family Rooms, which can accommodate four guests, are far roomier. Modern, compact bathrooms have stylish vessel sinks and hydro-massage showers, but some guests complain that frosted glass bathroom doors don't offer enough privacy. Rooms have AC, desks, and wardrobes with electronic safes and lightly stocked minibars (but no coffee/tea service). Rooms also included small flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus  iPads are available to borrow free upon request. Bathrooms have hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Rooms facing the street have Juliet balconies, though guests occasionally complain about street noise, so light sleepers may want to consider a room facing the courtyard. 

This hotel is geared toward tourists who plan to spend more time outside of the hotel than in it. As such, there's no full-service restaurant or bar, for example, though there are plenty nearby and the hotel offers afternoon and evening room service. The property also has a stylish breakfast room where a pretty good daily buffet is served, but it's not included with the room rate. The only other common spaces are the lobby and a tiny courtyard. The hotel is family friendly with cribs, babysitting available (extra fee), and a play area in the lobby. Pets stay free. The front desk is open 24-hours and staff can arrange laundry service, ticket assistance, or luggage storage. Free bike rentals are available on-site. There's no on-site parking, but discounted parking can be arranged through the hotel. Wi-Fi is free, and the hotel has computers for guest use in the lobby, plus iPads are available free upon request for in-room use.