Innside by Meliá Madrid Gran Vía

I’m back for my second stay, and the experience was outstanding again. The hotel sits right in the heart of Madrid on Gran Vía, with major sights, shops, theaters, and lots of good restaurants all within walking distance. Staff were friendly, professional, and ready to help, which made the stay even more enjoyable. The room was clean, comfortable, and had everything needed for a relaxing visit. I’d absolutely recommend it and would happily stay again.

The room was a nice size and clean. I also liked the complimentary water and drinks throughout the stay, and having a yoga mat in the room was a thoughtful touch.

I visit Madrid twice a year, sometimes more, and I’ve never been treated as badly as I was at the reception of the Innside by Meliá hotel. On May 1st, a national holiday, I asked whether the rooftop restaurant, Le Tavernier, was open for lunch. A receptionist told me it opened at 13:00. Since it was 12:50, I asked if we could wait in the lobby. He rudely said the lobby was only for hotel customers and told us to wait out on the street. Ten minutes later I came back, and he gave me a flyer saying the rooftop didn’t open until 16:00. When I said that was why I’d asked, he said it wasn’t his responsibility to know the restaurant’s hours. Then he made xenophobic comments, including “Aprende, esto no es Brasil” (“Learn, this is not Brazil”). I’m Portuguese, but even if I were Brazilian, that would not justify the remark. Being a foreigner doesn’t give him the right to speak to guests like that. Once he realized I was Portuguese, he repeated the comment, again treating my nationality as something negative. It was truly disappointing and unacceptable. How can a four-star hotel in the center of a European capital employ rude, xenophobic staff? I won’t consider this hotel for future visits to Madrid. There are plenty of other four-star hotels nearby, including the one just down the street where I’m staying now, where the staff are consistently welcoming and professional.

The hotel is excellent and very well situated. Rooms are large, and you might get a very good view if you're lucky. Check-in was easy, the room had all the amenities, and the staff were friendly. No b.s.