Holiday Inn Express Madrid-Alcorcón by IHG

The rooms are small, and in winter the heater stays on, leaving the room hot unless you open the window. That’s the worst part. Parking is available, but only for small cars. I rented a van and couldn’t park it. On the plus side, the staff are attentive, breakfast is good, and they clean the room, make the bed, and replace the towels every day.

Breakfast was mostly cold options, things like cheese, meat, yogurt, cereal, and bread. The beds were on the firm side, but I asked and they were able to make my family’s beds softer. When one of my aunts realized she’d left her toiletries bag at the other hotel, the staff gave her a small toiletries kit to get through the rest of the trip. I was relieved to have a place to stay with our group during the Madrid trip. The rooms feel dated, and I didn’t make much use of the amenities, but I was grateful to be there and could ask reception whenever I needed something. Compared with other places I’d stayed in Europe, I missed having a kettle, a bath, and fresh water. There’s no fridge, though there is a microwave in the lobby. One note: this was the only hotel that had us fill in a form with passport and other information at check-in, as well as scan our passports.

The room was fine, and public transport is conveniently close. But the night reception staff were no help. As international travelers, we felt unwelcome, like we were a nuisance. During the winter holidays, with pharmacies closed, I asked for a little salt to gargle with for a severe sore throat. The response was dismissive and reluctant. A vending machine also took my money without giving me the item. An impatient woman said I’d be refunded within two days, but that never happened. I’d spend my lodging money somewhere else.

The rooms are a little old, but clean and comfortable, so the place works well enough. Metro and Renfe trains connect you to the main stations. Just be aware that a zone 1-only travel pass can’t be used here.