NH Madrid Príncipe de Vergara

We didn’t try the breakfast package. Our street-facing room was comfortable, with a large bed and enough space for luggage and hanging clothes, but the walls weren’t soundproof and we could hear passing cars. The shower was roomy, and housekeeping did a marvelous job cleaning and providing what we needed. The refrigerator wasn’t working, but a staff member replaced it right away, great job. The gym downstairs was extremely dark. I couldn’t work out how to turn on the lights, so I used my phone to take pictures to see. On our last day, reception couldn’t find the ice packs we’d left in the freezer to keep our chocolates from melting in the heat on the way to another city. Our transport was waiting outside, so we had to leave without them. Aside from that, everything else with the staff went very well.

The all-beige look has no color or character, and the place felt tasteless overall. There wasn’t even a bottle of water or a USB connection in the room. I’m an Itanium member and got neither an upgrade nor a welcome gift. The gym hours are during the day, when guests are usually out; I don’t see why it can’t run 24/7 like other NH hotels, such as the one in Milan. It doesn’t suit business travelers.

The employees and the bathroom were the best parts for me. The room was okay, but bare in that monk-like way and had a persistent musty smell. I expected more from a hotel in this category, with things that make a guest feel welcome, like complimentary water and tea, a kettle, a proper smart TV, nicer decor, and free fast internet.

Good neighborhood, great staff, and a feel for local life nearby. The rooms are small but comfortable, and it seemed like there were very few American tourists. The place is somewhat minimalist and showing its age at the edges, but it was good value. Very European in feel. There’s no pool, and the showers are slippery, so be careful.