"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?When you fling open the shutters each morning to one of the city’s most important squares, it’s obvious this hotel is something special. There is no other hotel in town that inserts travelers directly into the heart of a landmark like this one. It is sure to be a tourist fave. What's the backstory?The interconnected buildings surrounding Plaza Mayor are made up of private residences, offices, and stores. Portuguese brand Pestana becomes the first full-service hotel to set up shop. Given the historical significance of the entire square, a lot of the building’s interior brick and stone architecture is protected. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?One of the 34 rooms facing the square is a must as almost all are blessed with small balconies overlooking the daytime hubbub of tourists and nighttime tranquility of Plaza Mayor with its famous Philip III statue at its center. Hallways are filled with Portuguese azulejo tiles paying homage to the brand’s heritage. Thoughtful touches like Portuguese Castelbel toiletries and bedside power outlets add to the experience. Tourists could not ask for a more quintessential Madrid view than this one. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Centuries-old walls are no obstacle for the free Wi-fi here. Interestingly, despite its excellent tourist position, business travelers are a focus here. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Underneath a sunny atrium, at the center of the building, is the main restaurant. Once a fire station, the newly added glass covering permits an airy space to enjoy meals. Breakfast is notably Spanish with slivers of Iberico ham and Manchego cheese sitting side by side with continental dishes. Later in the day, the space converts to RIB, the hotel’s popular steakhouse with fine cuts of beef and a long list of wine pairings and sophisticated cocktails. Despite the plethora of homogenous tourist cafes on the square’s periphery, the menu here is strong enough to draw locals, who might otherwise never set foot in Plaza Mayor. And the service?For a relative newcomer to town, the youthful staff is so polished you’d think they were veterans of their craft. What type of travelers will you find here?Guests pull double duty here: part road warrior, part guide book fan. Only the most researched among them will know the importance of requesting a room facing Plaza Mayor, however. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?Aside from hotels around the Golden Triangle of Art, this hotel is the most central for tourists. When you wake up in the morning, you have already begun sightseeing given the hotel’s address inside Plaza Mayor. Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and Almudena Cathedral or just a short stroll. Since the hotel is actually integrated into one of the city’s landmarks, we would say its neighborhood suits it well. Is there anything you'd change?Signage could be a bit better, especially for those that manage to drag bags across the square’s bumpy cobblestone. Many travelers think the main entrance is from within the square; it’s actually around the corner on a side street. Any other hotel features worth noting?If you want to see the red-tiled rooftops of this neighborhood, climb to the rooftop where a small plunge pool and sun terrace awaits. In the opposite direction, an indoor plunge beneath the basement’s brick arches gives guests a look at the bones of this historic building. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?A million times worth it for a room facing Plaza Mayor." - Ramsey Qubein
