Urban Sea Atocha 113

Housed in a traditional building in a bustling part of town, the Urban Sea Atocha 113 caters to those who prioritize location over services. A small rooftop terrace with lounge furniture, and a business center with two computers is all there is in the way of amenities, but guests the attention to detail, cleanliness, and friendly vibe all stand out here. The hotel is basic, but decor is contemporary and fresh throughout, with all-white interiors and bold pops of lime-green, red, black, and purple. Plus, the property has kept a few of the building’s original architectural features -- including some exposed brick walls and the main wooden stairs with wrought iron handrails -- which add local charm and character. There are a few similarly priced hotels in Madrid, but the Urban Sea Atocha 113 beats them all in terms of style and location. 

The hotel is located on Atocha Street, a busy thoroughfare connecting Atocha Station to Plaza Mayor and La Latina neighborhood. It's a bustling part of town, with dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops, and nights can be a little loud. However, its central location allows for easy walking access to most major attractions. Three of Madrid’s most important museums -- the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza -- are all within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, as is Retiro Park. Other major attractions, such as Plaza Mayor, Sol, the Royal Palace, and La Almudena Cathedral, can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. This location is also convenient for visitors taking high-speed trains to other parts of Spain, as Atocha Station is just a five-minute walk down the street. The airport is a 40-minute drive or 40-minute metro ride away. The 24-hour express buses to the airport stop a couple of blocks from the hotel. 

The hotel has 36 compact rooms, all designed in a contemporary style with all-white decor and minimalist lines. Wooden floors, white walls, and modern touches such as large textured headboards give rooms a fresh feel, while green, blue, red, or purple accent walls add some color. Rooms are basic, with shelves instead of nightstands and desks, and small clothes racks instead of closets, but all are equipped with amenities including flat-screen TVs with USB ports, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Safes are not available, though, and guests traveling with big suitcases may find storage space limited. Single and Standard Rooms are particularly tiny, with beds touching three walls in some cases. Open bathrooms add some visual space but lack privacy, with only frosted glass doors separating the toilet and shower cabins from the sleeping area. Exterior-facing rooms are generally a tad larger and have Juliet balconies, though noise can be an issue.

There is no full restaurant on-site, and not even breakfast is available at the hotel, but there is a small seating area off the lobby with a coffee machine, tea, cold water, and cookies, all available free of charge 24 hours a day. The rooftop terrace is small and features limited seating, but it is a pleasant spot for unwinding after a long day exploring the city. There is no bar service, though guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and food. The hotel also features two laptops in a small area off of the lobby that guests can use free of charge.