Hotel Puerta America

Hotel Puerta America in Madrid stands as a unique architectural marvel, a Michelin Key Selected property renowned for its groundbreaking design where each floor is conceived by a different world-famous architect. This distinctive approach creates a diverse and immersive experience for guests, though opinions on the overall stay can be mixed, ranging from enthusiastic praise for its innovation to critiques regarding maintenance and some aspects of service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Puerta America leans towards positive, often described as "very good" to "excellent" on various platforms, with scores typically in the 8.1 to 8.8 range out of 10. Guests frequently commend its original design and unique atmosphere. However, some reviews also express disappointment regarding outdated facilities and service issues.

2. Key Highlights

The primary highlight of Hotel Puerta America is undoubtedly its innovative design and architecture. The facade, designed by Jean Nouvel, features vibrant PVC blinds adorned with poetry, while inside, each of the 12 floors and public spaces is a distinct creation by renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Arata Isozaki, and Marc Newson, offering guests an exploratory journey through various styles. The panoramic lifts are often noted as a unique touch, allowing guests to view the foyers of each floor. Other appreciated amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with a poolside bar, a rooftop bar (Skynight) offering spectacular city views, and an on-site fitness center.

3. Room Quality

Room quality is a central aspect of the Hotel Puerta America experience, defined by its incredible diversity. Guests can choose from floors designed by different architects, each offering a distinct concept. For example, Zaha Hadid's rooms on the first floor are described as fluid, futuristic, and molded from black, white, or orange plastic, creating a sci-fi aesthetic. Other floors present minimalist, sinuous, or high-tech styles. Many guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the comfortable beds and high-quality bedding. However, some feedback indicates issues with wear and tear, such as stained carpets, dust, broken fixtures, and the overall aging of certain room elements. Common complaints include a lack of certain in-room amenities expected of a five-star property, such as kettles or coffee makers, slippers, bathrobes, and often limited or empty minibars. Lighting controls can also be overly complicated, and electrical outlets scarce.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a notable dining experience. The buffet breakfast is consistently praised by many guests as "excellent" for its quality, variety, and delicious options. The refined in-house restaurant, Lagrimas Negras, serves modern versions of traditional Spanish cuisine for lunch and dinner. Additionally, The Observatory on the top floor offers exquisite seafood and one of Europe's largest vertical gardens, while Karrara Terrasse provides seasonal cuisine on the ground floor. The various bars, including the Lobby & Bistro and the Marmo Bar, contribute to the hotel's vibrant atmosphere.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on the service and staff is largely positive. Guests frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Many reviews highlight the staff's willingness to assist with requests and their welcoming demeanor, with some even recounting instances of staff going above and beyond to help guests. However, some negative feedback exists concerning the handling of specific issues like room changes or maintenance.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Puerta America is situated on Avenida de América, in the Chamartín district. Its location is generally well-regarded for its excellent accessibility to public transport, with metro stations (like Cartagena Metro Station) just a few minutes' walk away, providing convenient access to the city center and other attractions. It also offers easy and quick access to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport. While not in the immediate city center, it's considered a sight in itself and is a short walk from the exclusive Salamanca neighborhood. Paseo de la Castellana and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium are also within a reasonable walking distance or a short metro ride.

7. Value & Pricing

Rates for Hotel Puerta America can vary, with prices starting from approximately $80 for a Deluxe room and ranging up to $323 for a Junior Suite. The average room rate is around $197, which is slightly higher than the average in Madrid but offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and luxury. While some guests find it to be good value for the price, considering the innovative design and experience, others note that while many enjoyed their stay, there are areas for improvement, suggesting the value proposition might depend on individual expectations and the specific room experienced.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its unique appeal, several recurring criticisms emerge from guest reviews:

• Outdated Facilities and Wear & Tear: The hotel, opened in 2005, shows signs of aging in certain areas, with reports of deteriorating conditions, stained carpets, and broken fixtures.
• In-Room Amenities: Guests frequently complain about the lack of amenities typically found in five-star hotels, such as kettles, coffee makers, slippers, bathrobes, and a limited minibar. Complicated lighting controls and a scarcity of conveniently located electrical outlets are also noted.
• Service Inconsistencies: While staff are generally praised, some guests have reported issues with service, particularly in the handling of room changes or maintenance requests. One disturbing privacy violation incident was also mentioned in a review.
• Pool Availability and Temperature: The seasonal outdoor pool is often reported as closed during certain months (typically from September 15 to June 15) or for maintenance, and some guests found it cold when available.
• Breakfast Variety: Some guests felt the breakfast, while generally good, lacked sufficient variety for a hotel of its category.
• Parking Costs: On-site parking is available but mentioned as expensive, with occasional issues with the payment system.

Sources

1. kayak.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. wanderlog.com
6. michelin.com
7. puertamericahotel.com
8. trivago.co.uk
9. expedia.com
10. hotels.com
11. booking.com
12. agoda.com
13. google.com