Senator Gran Via 70 Spa Hotel

The hotel's vibrant, marquee-style facade on the Gran Via gives way to a lobby that looks in need of an update. The floral-patterned embroidered furniture feels old and out of place, the uncovered floor is bare, and the giant flat-screen TV on one wall seems like an afterthought. Adjacent to the lobby is the small on-site restaurant, replete with mirrored pillars surrounded by the grayish palette used for floors and walls. The most impressive feature about the hotel's interior is a staircase that runs adjacent to the property’s floor-to-ceiling windows, offering impressive city views. Unassuming street landscape art rounds out the scene.

Ideally located for tourists in one of the liveliest areas of the city, next to the famous Plaza de España, the Senator Gran Via is just steps from two metro stations and a bit more than a 10-minute walk (in different directions) to the Royal Palace of Madrid and Puerta del Sol. Known for its major commercial streets, the locale is full of theaters, restaurants, bars, and shopping. And there are several buses that run directly outside the hotel, making city exploration easy. Madrid-Barajas Airport is a bit more than a 20-minute drive northeast, or about a 40-minute ride via metro.

The 168 guest units at the Senator Gran Via can range in size from doubles to triples to rooms designed especially for families. Rooms are clean and comfortable enough but in need of upgrading. In some units, laminate wood is warped and split and floors are scratched. But there are still welcome perks to be found: Even though the hotel is on the busy Gran Via, rooms stay quiet due to double windows. All rooms also come with coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars with free non-alcoholic drinks. Neutral-hued bathrooms are basic with shower/tub combos and granite countertops. Bathrobes are available upon request. Some rooms have twin beds pushed together to make a double.

Senator Gran Via 70 Spa Hotel, as its name suggests, has an on-location spa with plenty of ways to relax: The offerings here include a Turkish bath, heated swimming pools, an ice cave, a hot tub, and a relaxation room. Towels and flip-flops are recommended and on sale for an additional cost. A roof-top hot tub, while small, is best enjoyed at night for excellent city views. The most unexpected feature of the hotel is La Chocita del Loro Theatre, a venue with traditional night-club style seating that’s well-known throughout the city for its comedic live shows. For business travelers, a conference room is available with audiovisual equipment while all guests can partake of the on-site breakfast (for a fee), which has everything from coffee and juice to made-to-order omelets. There are extra fees for use of the spa, premium Wi-Fi, and parking.