Hotel Ateneo - Madrid

8.8

Great little hotel. Friendly staff. Great location

9.5

It is hard to imagine a hotel more conveniently located to so many of the attractions in central Madrid. Between the Gran Via and Plaza del Sol metro stations--and within relatively easy walking distance to many points of interest--this is highly recommended. An easy, 2-euro subway ride from the airport (about 45 minutes, two train changes). The staff was very welcoming and helpful. The room was modest, but clean and efficient, excellent value for the money, and the air conditioning (in July) worked very well. Having read other reviews here, I asked for a room facing the side street and didn't have any problems with noise. (True, the main street itself is quite noisy.) The hotel is on a well-lit, highly traveled, pedestrian-only street. A negative description in one of the major travel guides is off the mark. Yes, near the Gran Via station there are some prostitutes, but there are probably as many baby strollers during the day, people sitting at the outdoor restaurants and cafes until late at night, and a modern police station in the middle of the block. We spent four nights there for Madrid Gay Pride. The hotel was only steps from the Chueca district and had the added advantage of not being directly inside the cordoned-off craziness of Chueca itself.

7.6

The quality and space of room were good. So was the location in the city. But the breakfast service and quality of food were poor, especially as we had to pay extra for it. The coffee machine (self-service) was old and slow and the warm food lukewarm and not very apetising. Yogurts were cheep from agro-business, toaster inadequate and bread cheap. The bathroom was ok, but not parctical, as often in the south: inadequate light to shave, basin surrounded by glass easily dirty and wet, toilet-paper roll placed in an un practical place.

9.1

We had some noise from the hallway when the other guests came in and out, but it wasn’t that bad. We didn’t have any problem with noise form the street.

5.3

Convniently located within walking distance to museums, resturants, shopping and the metro. The hotel is on a street that is a red-light district between the hotel and Grand Via. All-in all the location is the best feature of the hotel.

7.8

I enjoyed my stay at the Ateneo. The reataurant next door does the best value breakfasts I found in Madrid. Very central at only a hundred metres or so from Sol. The only slight drawback is that at present there is building work at the rear of the hotel which was occaisionally noisy in the early hours of the morning.

8.1

the hotel is located in the centre of madrd , near two metro stop, it was very nice to see madrid in few day and to shopping, but the room was very noisy during rhe night

9.4

Good location to visit Madrid, very close to Sol and Gran Via. Very good value for money !

7.4

The location was superb, within walking distance to The Prado Museum, other museums, Palacial Real, Plaza Mayor, etc., etc. We walked everywhere. The staff was great, the room with balcony overlooking Madrid. The main drawback is the street noise. We wanted to leave our balcony door open for the lovely night breezes, but all-night partyers prevented that. Ask for an inside room or ignore the noise and just enjoy a beautiful city.

9.5

Excellent hotel in a convenient central location. Clean and comfortable with friendly and helpful staff. Only downside is the hotel street north to Gran Via seems to be the centre of the red light district, which can be an unpleasant area in the evening. If you need to take the Metro at night, head down to Puerto Del Sol to avoid it.

9.8

The best place to stay in Madrid, close to the metro station (100 m), close to the Puerta del Sol and Gran Via, among shops, pubs, tapas bars and quiet at night. Very helpful staff at the reception!

9.0

I wanna say it's really good.

8.1

Albego molto buono. Siamo stati in tre, con mia figlia di 16 anni, nella stessa camrea, ampia, pulita, spaziosa, con bagno ampio e comodo. Posizione OTTIMA: a 100 metri da Puerta del Sol. Un unico difetto (che però non fa venir meno il giudizio positivo): pur essendo a 30 (trenta) metri dalla Stazione della Polizia municipale di Madrid, la strada dell'Hotel (solo pedonale: altro punto a favore) a partire dal primo pomeriggio era "invasa" da ... numerose gentili signorine in adescamento di clienti. Ripero però zona pulita, sicura e vicinisima al centro ed alla Polizia. E poi ... basta scandere alla Puerta. Domy

9.0

perfectly located. easy to find and walk to from sol metro station (sol station easily reached via metro from the airport). free internet was so useful. the people at the front desk were very hospitable and nice. the street where the hotel is located has scattered night walkers at a certain time but there's never a problem as the police station is nearby. the big department store Corte Ingles is just a block away as well as other popular spanish stores including the Zara outlet called Lefties. all in all a good experience. the only problem we had was the lack of shower door, or even a curtain, in the bathroom...but everything else is great.will definitely stay there again. good value for money!

7.1

The Hotel is just a few steps from Puerta del Sol, the very heart of Madrid. My single room was not very large, but i spend a very little time inside. Breakfast (not included) very good, but a little bit expensive. The only flaw was the noise from outside in the night (although double-glazing): Madrid is a town that never sleeps! Metro, bus, metropolitan and mid-distance trains are cheap, clean and on time. I've loved everything in this easy-to-live, crazy, big town.

7.4

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans cet hôtel. Il est idéalement situé 5 minutes du vieux Madrid, 10 minutes àpieds du Palais Royal et 10 minutes du Prado L'accueil est parfait, ils sont vraiment tres accueillant et le petit déjeuner en supplément à 9€ par personne taxes comprises est trés convenable Un seul hic, bien qu'a coté d'un poste de police les dames de petites vertues exercent le plus vieux métier du monde dés 8h du matn et le quartier est trés bruyant du vendredi soir au dimanche après midi Les Madrilènes sortent le week end et parlent très fort sous les fenêtres toute la nuit( couffre feu vers 6h30 du matin) donc hotel a fréquenté du dimanche soir au jeudi soir si l'on souhaite dormir

6.3

We were up on the 4th floor in the eaves so the room had a sloping ceiling which I banged my head on more than once! Only a small high window which meant the room was quite dark. But it was more than adequate for our requirements, the beds were comfortable, and the bathroom was a decent size with a good shower and nice towels. The immediate vacinity was a touch seedy, but not threatening at all. But it was very convenient for the Plaza del Sol and therefore most of the tourist attractions. Overall very happy with the hotel for the money.

8.8

The hotel is not in the red light district as indicated by some reviewers and some travel guides. The hotel staff provided excellent recommendations for lunch at reasonable prices.

10

The service was great and the staff very helpful and very kind. The front desk staff was very knowledgeable and it made everything easy. The location is perfect, minutes away from everything.I was traveling alone with my son and it is a very safe and comfortable hotel, I even when back for another night at the end of my trip and it was excellent again. I would always use this hotel and tell all my friends .

8.3

The breakfast is very expensive : 9 euros. The relationship between price/quality is poor. It is a buffet but not good at all. It is better to have breakfast in another place.

6.0

Location close to sights. Friday and Saturday night stay had very loud party noise all night until about 6 in the morning. Rooms fine and staff helpful.

8.6

Excellent location by Puerta Del Sol for sightseeing & going out at night, nice & spacious room & bathroom, very quiet stay in room 301 thanks to the rear view on the courtyard.

9.7

I stayed in this hotel last year and was very surprised when the receptionist remembered me, it was a nice touch, he said that he never remembered names but he remembered faces. The staff are very friendly and the hotel is in a great city centre location.

9.9

We loved it, centrally located perfect for a weekend visit. Room was great no outside noises had a lovely sleep! Will come back...

6.9

Friendly and helpful staff. Hotel close to main tourist attractions. Close to the hotel many prostitutes waiting for costumer in the street.

9.9

We had the triple room for two people. It gave us more space to tosss our luggage. The hotel is central to everything and served us well as we trekked out for museums, restaurants and other points of interest. Easy access to shopping, transportation and all sights. Only about 4 blocks to Plaza Mayor, and the whole Cava area tapas crawl. Do check out the Museo the Jamon...great spot for inexpensive, yet very good food. Will definitely stay again.

7.5

Excellent location in the heart of the city -everything is within walking distance (or easily reachable with subway). Service-minded and friendly personnel. Triple room was quite small. Some nights were quite restless because of the noise coming from outside.

9.0

very clean, quiet and functional room (but stuffy because of no air conditioning), friendly and helpful staff, excellent location, excellent breakfast

7.9

Friendly and convenient. We would be pleased to return.

7.1

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9.9

The staff was very helpfull, the room was large, clean and quiet and everything was within walking distance. The prostitutets in the street never presented a problem and we all (three women in our 20's) felt perfectly safe and happy throughout our stay at Ateneo. All in all a great place to stay, which I can highly recommend.

10

Our room was very modern & nice, the bathroom was beautiful with a clear glass sink. The lobby was pretty and my daughter enjoyed the free internet room. The breakfast buffets were wonderful with everything you could imagine to eat. The front desk people were very friendly and helpful.

6.8

the location is very convinent, the staffs are helpful and friendly.

8.0

Albergo molto ben posizionato la strada è completamente pedonabile, esci e sei in pieno centro di Madrid, Metropolitana a 100 m, svariati posti per far colazione o mangiare a prezzi ridicoli, personale gentilissimo, accesso internet disponibile dalla reception...

8.8

L'Hotel Ateneo in mezzo alla puerta do Sol e alla Gran Via, ma silenzioso comodo, dotato di grandi letti paradisiaci in stanze spaziose e moderne è un a base ideale per visitare Madrid. Il personale è gentile e competente, internet gratuito presso la hall. La prima colazione a buffet semplicemente fantastica. io ho avuto una tripla che non sempre, anzi quasi mai è comoda, e questa lo era.

9.9

Its a excelllente place, near of the downtown city, metro, bus, very safe to walk.

7.8

We booked a double room and it had a extra small entrance room, which meant there was a lot more space. The Hotel is very central and modern but not sterile. We had a room that faced a small courtyard and it was so quiet it felt like we weren't in the middle of a big city at all, yet we were! It's not a glamorous hotel but it ticks all the boxes for clean, central, professional management etc. I have recommended it to my friends.

9.0

Lo consiglio vivamente. Ottima posizione, a due passi da Puerta del Sol, stanze enormi, aria condizionata, bagno pulitissimo. La colazione è a pagamento (6 euro) ma ne vale la pena, c'è di tutto. Le stanze sono molto silenziose (la mia affacciava sull'interno), pur essendo l'hotel ubicato in una zona centralissima. Ci tornerò

8.3

In general, my stay was pleasant except one point. Surroundings are noisy a little by night but shoping area is lovely, esp Gran Via.

4.7

Quite central hotel but in a very busy street. Impossible to sleep till late at night.

2.8

Zona centrale ma rumorosa e mal frequentata. Pulizia delle stanze approssimativa. La doccia non funzionava e nonostante le mie segnalazioni l'hanno riparata solo alla fine del soggiorno

9.9

The location is very central so we could walk everywhere. We were skeptical after reading some of the reviews regarding the location but we couldn't have been happier. The room was extremely large and clean. We requested an interior room to minimize street noise and it worked out great. The buffet was a great deal. We were very pleased with our stay.

6.6

Dodgy enough location - a lot of prostitutes on the particular street the hotel is on. Apparently they move streets relatively regularly but not the nicest thing to walk out your front door too. Upside is that the hotel is right in the center (5 mins to Plaza Mayor).

9.7

Location, location, location! Excellent reception from Alejandro at the desk. Modern, clean, sleek. Good Value. In-house breakfast great way to fuel up for the day. Close to 2 Metro stops - Sol & Gran Via. Calle de la Montera no problema! Well groomed "girls" up the street, Police Department a few steps away down the street. Have no fear.

9.4

perfect location.... we had an inside room which was very quiet

8.8

Excellent hotel for the price in central location. I had thought the breakfast was included in the price but at €6 for a buffet breakfast it was great value. Reception staff very friendly and helpful.

9.1

cleaness, helpfulness and kindness are words that well describe Ateneo hotel and its employees. Full correspondance between web pages and the hotel. We recommend this accomodation for every kind of voyagers.

9.1

The best part of this hotel is the location, it is truly unbeatable for the price. Yes you do see quite a bit of young women "working" the street but it never bothered us. If you are light sleeper, I recommend you ask for an interior room since the hotel is located on a busy street. The staff were all very nice and the free internet in the lobby was great. I would definitely stay here again.

7.1

I stayed in a really noisy room, if you're staying over the weekend ask for a room that is not facing the street. Couldn't sleep a whole hour during the weekend night, even though I was using ear plugs!

8.1

The Hotel is near to the metro Sol and Gran Via, it's full of life and shops and so on, but if you have a room on the street there is noise till 4 a.m. Anyway it's cleaned, practical and very easy to reach at any time with any public transport. It's perfect for a short stay.

5.7

Although centrally located and a very helpful staff (and free email), the hotel needs a make over. Lack of hot water in morning NOT helpful on a December morning. Staff very helpful in arranging hotel to airport transit, and recommendation for a restaurant. Nearby street walkers an interesting touch.

8.9

Great Location. Close to everything. Red District just up the road more charming than a problem. Front desk staff outstanding. Excellent value breakfast

6.3

Bell'albergo,pulito,buona posizine....ma,lo sconsiglio alle famiglie. La strada difronte all'albergo è frequentata da signore della notte

8.1

the hotel was in a great locatio, within walking distance of everything we wanted to see. We had a room for 3 and it was perfect and the staff were very helpful with everything.

8.0

The afternoon desk staff were very helpful. Unfortunately, the phone system in the rooms was broken and we could not dial out and Iberia had lost our luggage. So I spent hours on the phone at the front desk and they were very friendly and chatted while I was on hold

7.7

Hotel rooms was great. Very central, which meant lots of noise outside till the early hours. That's the trrade off I suppose.

8.3

Great location, walking distance from Sol metro stop. Great shopping and restaurants nearby! There was construcion going on to the rear of the hotel, but it was not too noisy.

9.0

This hotel is well located in Old Madrid on a very lively block bordering on a "red light" district. Balconies overlook the street and it is lot's of fun if you don't mind the noise of night time activities. We were there on the weekend of a national holiday, so everyone was out partying. The front desk staff was extremely helpful with restaurant recommendations and helping to arrange our pick up for the airport. Excellent breakfast for 6 Euros. The cafe right in front of the hotel was also very good.

7.9

Als ich das Hotel auf der Webseite auswählte war der Preis 86 Euros, als ich wenige Tage später buchte, kostete es 107 Euros. - Der lichtdichte Rouleau des Fensters war defekt, der Internetanschluss verschwand in der Wand und die Telefonleitung war tot, im Bad hingen die Drähte aus der Wand. Auf meine Reklamation half der Concierge sofort, die Internetverbindung herzustellen und Tageslicht ins Zimmer zu bringen. Von da an fühlte ich mich wohl. Den kostenlosen Internetanschluss habe ich sehr geschätzt. Das Zimmer war geräumig und ruhig (kleiner Innenhof).

9.7

overall i dont really have a bad thing to say about the ateneo and would without a doubt stay again!!!

8.9

good place to stay close to everything

9.4

I asked for a twin bed room, non smoking and was very pleased with our room. Nice room and nice bath. Nice beds. And the breakfast at this hotel is incredible for just 6 Euros. It's true the hotel is near the "red light district" but the girls don't bother you and if you walk 2 blocks away, you're in the prime area. I'd definitely stay there again.

8.6

Very nice room with balcony overlooking street and square. Very welcoming, breakfast was very good.

9.0

This hotel is my favourite in Madrid. I like it in all aspects.

8.0

The hotel is nice inside, the rooms are clean and ours was quiet. Staff was attentive, and breakfast was good. The stretch of street towards Gran Via is not very inviting (but not dangerous at all, just a bit sleazy looking, many prostitutes), but this in no way constituted any impediment. The stretch towards Puerta del Sol is ok. The location is excellent. I would go back there.

9.6

The location is exellent, in the middle of the city, so is possible walking all around without the metro. So, it is in the shopping area.

8.9

WE specified a non-smoking room and that's what we got. It looked on to an interior courtyard and was amazingly quiet! Although the hotel is in a street which is part of a red light area that causes no problems whatsoever and in fact the location is ideal otherwise. It's near two metro stations (Gran Via and Sol) and within easy walking distance of lots of the main galleries, shoping and eating areas. We will definitely stay here again.

8.5

Good place to stay in the midle of Madrid's city center.

9.6

This is a perfect centrally located hotel, the room was much larger than expected. Lovely cafe next door for early morning coffee/late night beer. Tax is always extra in hotel prices in Spain - it's not much but it should be mentioned. I would use this hotel again.

6.8

Fine hotel. Was given a street facing room, which was very very noisy. If you need to sleep, avoid; but not everyone goes to Madrid for a good night's sleep!

9.1

Travelling alone

7.1

The stay at the property was good, however I was not given a non-smoking room, as requested and because of availability, I was not able to move to a non-smoking room until the next day.

7.8

Hotel Ateneo is ideal for the leisure traveler that does not intend to spend much time in the hotel room; location is excellent but the rooms are small. They are also very clean, and I found my single room to be very well suited to my trip, particularly given the price. I would have no problem recommending the Ateneo.

7.2

Excellent location if you don't mind walking in the red light district. Plentiful breakfast buffet with a good variety of options.

9.8

OK as with most budget hotels in Europe the room was small, but it was very clean and modern and the in-house use of internet (lobby) and the data-ports in the room were a huge benefit. Additionally, the hotel is in the middle of everything in Sol (right near public transport, shopping, and tons of restaurants. The daily breakfast for 6 euros is worth it, especially for those travelling on a budget (and it's pretty tasty.) The staff speak English and a few other languages and are very helpful when asked questions. This is the best hotel I have found with Venere, and I have used the service for six international cities. On a side note, I forgot a package at the hotel on my last day including cameras and paintings I had purchased as souvenirs, the hotel kept it for me and I sent them a self address stamped envelop and they mailed my belongings back to me! Terrific service!!!!

8.4

This is the second time that I've stayed at the Ateneo. I came back because I found it friendly and service-oriented the first time I stayed. The location can't be beat and the staff are helpful.

9.2

Very pleased with the hotel. HUGE room by European standards, clean, modern, free high-speed internet in the lobby, very close to Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, area maybe a bit dodgy very late at night but overall we are happy to recommend this hotel

7.0

In our double room there was a spacing of 20cm between the bed and the wall on one side and the same between the bed and the desk on the other side. The room is certainly much too small for 2 persons. We requested in advance by e-mail to the hotel a very quiet room and we got such. However, we have got no reply from the hotel to my e-mail in which I asked if they can offer us a room sound proof and I had to contact the hotel by phone to learn if it is possible. In our view the hotel price is much higher (difference of some EUR 30) than in Italian hotels of the same category in touristic sites (e.g. Rome, Venice, Florence) except Milano. Excluding the above inconveniences we really enjoyed our stay in Ateneo.

5.4

Very noisy during the weekend if you get a room facing the street. The staff did not manage to order a taxi. The taxi company cancelled the hotels request so we had to walk up to Gran Via, through the red light district, to get a taxi to the airport. Horrible breakfast on sunday, the waiter did not clean the tables and did not refill bread, cheese, ham++. But the hotel is centrally located and clean.

2.0

The room was an attic type with a sloping ceiling. My head would hit the ceiling when going to bed. The shuttle service to and from the airpport as advertised on their web page was non existant. It was a very noisy room and certainly wasn't worth the tarrif.

5.0

Air-condition did not work. Which is about the most important thing you want to have in a Hotel in Madrid in summer.

7.9

we'll be back

8.9

Pretty Much a great central location, The lady at the front desk was helpful in booking some Flaminco dancing for us, and showing us the main places to visit on the map of Madrid. Would recommend to other travellers.

7.1

Newly renovated hotel, ideal for the one night stay/no frills we required. Only slightly let down by being at the southernmost end of the cities red light district but not a problem whilst we were there. Would not have a problem staying there again.

8.6

Ataneo is two hundred metres north of the Sol metro on a relatively quiet and mostly pedestrianised road. It has been recently and nicely refurbished with double glazed french windows in the bedrooms and quiet controlable air conditioning. For a city centre location it is reasonably quiet (the sound of revellers will break through the double glazing until dawn over the weekend, but that's life)very conveniently located, good value for money, and just as diplayed on the web site. Highly recommended and we will certainly go back again. The cafe / bar next door is fine too if you don't fancy a walk at the end of a long day.

5.0

they dont change towell often, dont offer soap more than one, they put an extra charge for security box, the closet's doors were boken and they did not fix, the towell holder was broken to. The localization of the hotel on city is very bad in RED ZONE

6.9

I had a nice stay

6.1

Googd location, very central, the only problem was a very bad smell in the bathroom that never went away.

9.1

hotle was situated in fantastic location for tubes and local facilaties had a really good stay. We had a good quite room on the front with the extra window on the balcony which kept out the extra noise i think it is also a fair price for the hotel i have stayed in worse and payed a lot more. rooms where very basic but addiquite and clean could do with a few little repairs here and there but on the whole very good if i was to go back to Madrid i would stay there agian. it was a great location for gay areas and great for all the trendy shops.

8.8

L'albergo è situato in un'ottima posizione, a pochi passi dalla centralissima Plaza del Sol e Plaza Mayor. La strada è molto frequentata sia di giorno che di notte, soprattutto da ragazze che sostano sui marciapiedi. Ottimo rapporto qualità prezzo e camere pulite, possibilità di accedere ad internet gratuitamente dalla hall. Consigliato.

8.7

E' un Hotel molto carino e curato... unicà peccà... di notte non è silenzioso... ma se andate a Madrid vorrete divertirvi è lo scotto da pagare in qualunque hotel andrete per essere veramente al centro è quello di sentire continuamente gente che si diverte!!! Consigliatissimo per il personale... sempre disponibile!

7.6

Everything was fine except the loudness, although w the windows closed it wasnt bad

7.1

The location is great, just between Sol and Grand Via. The hotel itself is clean, modern and comfortable, but it lacks personality. It is just another business hotel. The recepcionists tended to be a bit stiff, though service-minded and english-speaking. The hotel is recommendable for its comfort and location, but I am not sure we would stay there again next time we are in Madrid.

9.0

I had asked for a quiet room and that is what I got. I had a room at the end of a long and winding corridor. There were only two rooms near my room and they were vacant. No shouting in neighbouring rooms, no banging of the garderobe doors, no echoing steps on the corridor!

9.7

As the other comments say - this is ideal location for short break - reception staff very helpful and friendly - hotel is clean and we did not encounter any noise problems - I was 26 weeks pregnant when we stayed there and requested a room at the back which was not a problem. There was more space in the room than other hotels of similar quality that we stayed in before, it was clean and warm. Really you dont need anything more than this hotel offers and as its so central , great value for money - only five mins walk from metro which we got without any difficulty from airport. Would stay here again and recommend any readers to do likewise. Enjoy oh but on a separate issue bring a dictionery with you as NO one speaks English and NO menus are translated so if you want to know what to order a dictionery would be highly useful even in the tapas bars.

8.2

If the nightly presence of some prostitutes and suspectable fellows along Calle de la Montera doesn't bother you (and it shouldn't, indeed), the location of the hotel is one of the best you can choose. You're at very short walking distance from Puerta del Sol, Gran Via and the corresponding metro stations. Plaza Mayor and Prado Museum are just a bit farther, but you will be able to reach them with a 5-10 minutes walk. Our room and bathroom was quite large and rather clean. It wasn't noisy at all, because it was in the back. The only negative feature was the wash-basin: the tap was too short and made it difficult even to wash your hands (we advise to substitute it with a different model). When we got up late in the morning (or even in the afternoon), the room was tidied up after we had gone out (and that's not so common). Public area is not very large, but you can find some armchairs and ADSL internet service. Breakfast was not included in the price, but who normally has it in the hotel in big cities? Employees are kind especially when you ask for information about public places or habits. I would probably stay again in this hotel if I came back to Madrid.

8.5

Just what we wanted - well placed and no problems with noise or location. We had to change the arrival day over the phone (no problem); I had my wallet stolen on the metro and Ateneo helped sort me. A couple of little quirks with the hot water which they sorted. From the little balcony on the tree-lined street (quiet in early January) we could see the festivities in Sol. Good value for money.

5.2

une des chambres a dû être changée à l'arrivée parce que la serrure ne fermait pas; les chaussures des occupants précédents étaient restées oubliées dans la chambre. Dans une autre chambre, le grand lit était fait avec des petits draps; elle était aussi très bruyante parce qu'un mur donnait sur le restaurant voisin.Une erreur sur la facture a été faite et nosu avosn dû renvoyer un chèque ensuite

8.0

My stay was comfortable and it was a great location, only two blocks from the Puerta del Sol. The "Red Light" district was not a problem. I would recommend this stay to someone else.

9.9

Anything was definitely fine. Great location. Two metro stations (Sol and Gran Via) in the whereabouts. Only some housekeepers have the bad habit of breaking into the room in the morning time without notice. So watch out the door!