ME Madrid Reina Victoria

There’s a lot to like here, from the rooftop bar for evening tapas and drinks to the first-floor restaurant where you can have breakfast. Our room had a generous minibar, a flat-screen Bose-like sound system that also played in the bathroom, a gorgeous marble bathroom, a rain shower head with spa-like 8 headed shower sprays, a multidimensional mirror, and a magnifying mirror. The hotel is in a great spot, close to everything, and the staff were gracious. They took time to explain the hotel and offer help with whatever we needed. I thought some of the other reviews were unreasonable. We’ve been to nearly every country in Europe, and smaller rooms are what you should expect when traveling there. This is a luxury hotel. For bigger, super luxurious hotels, you should plan on spending more than 800 euro a night. At 200-500 euro a night for a four star hotel, this one has a lot to offer. Hospitality in Europe is an art, and people take pride in spending as much time with you as you need, even if others have to wait. When it’s your turn, they’ll be just as gracious and address your needs. We could use more of that in the world, not less.

The rooftop view was spectacular, easily one of the best in the city. But the service there left us frustrated. We’d requested a table for 8 people and were first seated at one meant for 4. Only after we ordered more expensive drinks did we get a larger table that could fit everyone. It felt like staff had made assumptions about us based on our first order. Customers should be treated respectfully and served properly from the start, whatever they order. At the front desk, the staff were kind and helpful despite being rushed during a shift change. They made sure we were looked after and helped us secure rooms for the night, which made a very good first impression. The rooms were tidy, clean, and well-kept, though finding clothing in the closet that wasn’t ours was unsettling and brought down the otherwise high standard of cleanliness. ME Reina Victoria was a comfortable stay with great amenities, but there’s room to improve how equally valued guests feel.

The room’s exterior paint was badly peeling, and although I know the hotel can’t control the construction site outside, looking over one while paying for a superior balcony and panoramic view was disappointing. I expected a tub to soak in, but was told at arrival it would cost an extra $1000. There are better options nearby. We called three times to get ice since there are no ice machines, and it finally arrived after 1.5 hours. There was no hot water kettle for tea, and the cup coffee maker only makes mini espresso. There’s no smart TV for streaming either. Really? It’s 2025…..

Nicole, the concierge and Aura Host, made our stay special. She booked our high-speed train to Barcelona, wrote a note to go with our tickets, and left another sweet welcome-back note for our return. When we got back to Madrid, our luggage was waiting along with chilled champagne and fresh strawberries. She really rolled out the red carpet. The rooms were sleek and stylish, and the staff were warm and welcoming. The hotel is right in the middle of everything, with trendy restaurants, nightlife, and charming shops just steps away. As a New Yorker, it gave me major Village vibes. From check-in on, ME Madrid Reina Victoria felt like a thoughtful, luxurious dream. We left impressed, feeling spoiled, and already planning to come back.