JD H.
Yelp
This hipster feeling, industrial modern cum chic appearing hotel had a lot to like for me. For those looking to stay near Madrid City Center, this location is great. Just off of Gran Via, it is on a quiet neighborhood street with easy metro stop access at Gran Via (1 block away) and it is within easy walking distance of the cool areas of Puerto del Sol, Chueca, The Opera, and Callao. It is also about a 10 min walk to some of the best places to indulge in tavern/tapas related pleasures just to the east of Puerto del Sol.
The hotel interior is somewhat minimalist with cement and off white furniture tones and a lot of interesting metallic touches such as the metal storage lockers at reception where you can check in your baggage for safekeeping. The staff were also somewhat minimalist in attitude which I kind of liked. No one was falling over me to try to carry my bags or get me a drink. If I wanted or needed something, I had to ask for it and once I did, my request was promptly and courteously addressed. Service was exactly what I wanted and nothing over the top. Room prices are moderate to more expensive but the benefit of this trade off is that you are not getting some flea-infested hostel for your money.
I would recommend a higher floor, low numbered room which is towards the rear of the hotel. Otherwise, you will run the risk of fronting Calle Valverde which has a few late night bar spots that stay hopping until 4am and it can be pretty boisterous. I was in room 601 and it was as quiet as a church even with my window open.
I loved the large format bottles of high-end soaps, shampoos and lotion in the bathrooms (all Malin and Goetz products) and the minimalist tone to the rooms made them feel very clean and well-kept. Unfortunately, part of the minimalist motif meant that there was really no work desk or space (at least not in my room) so beware if you are there on business like I was because it is not conducive to activity that requires a desk.
The other improvement that I would recommend is that while appearing very modern, they have utilized the half shower/bath glass partition that is so popular throughout Europe. I simply do not get this concept. Because it does not cover the entire shower, it is impossible to take a shower without getting water all over the place. It is a complete design flaw that seems to have persisted for decades. How Europe can be responsible for engineering some of the worlds finest precision luxury vehicles and then overlook the simple design of a shower barrier is beyond me.
The location alone would bring me back on my next trip to Madrid. Now if I could only fit into skinny jeans and learn how to take a shower with no overspray, my life at the 7 Islas would be perfect!