Ideal location for leisure travelers in one of the most popular tourist locations of the city
Within walking distance to various public transportation options
Bright and clean rooms with flat-screen TVs and bathtubs
Rooftop terrace with pool (open seasonally) offers great views of bustling Gran Vía below
Excellent breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, meats, and cheeses
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Impressive hotel facade stands out on the street
Quiet interior courtyard gives guests a place to relax outside rooms
Breakfast can be delivered to rooms
Rooms are on the small side
Wi-Fi service is spotty and Internet package upgrades cost extra
Room decor is a bit dated and could use a refresh
Street noise is an issue in some rooms
Charge for breakfast and no on-site restaurant
Senator Gran Vía 21 is a solid pick for leisure travelers who want a value-friendly, three-pearl hotel in the center of the action in Madrid. The property is located on one of the city's main streets and within a short walk to public transportation, tons of shops and restaurants, and some of the city's most popular attractions. But those who prefer bells and whistles may want to look elsewhere: While the hotel does have a lovely, small rooftop pool (open seasonally) with great views of Gran Vía, and a breakfast buffet, it doesn't offer much more in the way of amenities. Rooms are clean and classically decorated, but they offer limited space. Also, some look a bit dated.
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Scene
An impressive facade, but lackluster decor inside
Senator Gran Vía 21 has a stunning, classical facade that is perhaps its most impressive feature, as the interior has limited common areas that are decorated in a fairly generic style. The hotel's entrance is comprised of a pair of glass doors that open onto a tiny reception area. There is a red-and-gold reception desk and beyond it is a small cluster of chairs. While the decor is generally nondescript, there is a beautiful winding staircase that lends an element of old-world charm. At the center of the hotel is a quiet interior courtyard whose walls feature rows upon rows of windows adorned with hanging plants. Two glass elevators climb up and down the walls, offering guests a panoramic view of the courtyard below. This public space does not have much in the way of additional design elements, aside from a small fountain adjacent to one of the elevators.
Location
Situated on Madrid's Gran Vía with plenty of action a short walk away
Given its location on Madrid's Gran Vía in the main tourist area of the city, the hotel is near plenty of action. It's a five-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, and a 15-minute walk from the Royal Palace. Museums and theaters are also a quick walk away, as are metro and bus stations. There's a plethora of restaurants and bars nearby on the busy street where the hotel is located, including a McDonald's just across the way. However, there's also a noticeable amount of prostitutes and a heavy police presence along the pedestrian walk where the hotel is located. On-site parking isn't available, though there is a public lot nearby.
Rooms
Classically decorated but small rooms that are beginning to show their age
The 136 rooms at Senator Gran Vía 21 Hotel are enough to keep guests comfortable, but they're small and starting to show their age. Bright yellow paint, matching wallpaper, white linens, and parquet floors dominate the decor. Rooms are clean, but on the small side. All have flat-screen TVs, CD players, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning. However, there have been reports of the cooling units not working in some rooms, so it's worth checking upon arrival. Most rooms also come equipped with fuchsia armchairs and minibars with free non-alcoholic drinks. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, single sinks, and green tile. Hairdryers are attached to the wall and toiletries are presented on a white tray. Rooms facing Gran Vía are subject to noise from the street below.
Features
The standout amenity is a small rooftop swimming pool with views of the city
The property's most popular feature is its small rooftop swimming pool with views of the city, though it's only open seasonally. The hotel also offers a buffet breakfast daily with both hot and cold food items and organic orange juice -- but it's not included with the room rate. The hotel has free spotty Wi-Fi service. Guests can upgrade to the premium Internet package, but it comes at a fee. There's also an airport shuttle to the hotel for an extra cost.
