Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor
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Hotel Details
Location
Madrid
Spain, Europe
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Expert Review: Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor
Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor, Madrid: A Michelin Key Selected Urban Oasis in the Heart of History
The Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor in Madrid stands out as a luxurious and elegant hotel, celebrated for its prime location, sophisticated design, and exceptional service. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it promises and largely delivers a memorable stay, blending historic charm with modern comfort and amenities.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its "one of a kind artistic and historic ambience" and describing it as a "world class property". Review platforms show high satisfaction, with Booking.com ratings of 9.8 for location, 9.5 for cleanliness, and 9.5 for staff. The sentiment highlights it as "elegant but not snooty" and a "beautiful, comfortable, convenient" choice for discerning travelers.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the hotel:
- Location: Undoubtedly the strongest selling point, the hotel boasts a "perfect location" right on Madrid's iconic Plaza Mayor, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums.
- Design & Ambience: Housed within two heritage buildings, the hotel beautifully marries 17th-century baroque architecture with sophisticated 21st-century decor. The design features references to Goya, Velázquez, and Islamic tradition, incorporating exposed brick walls, an inner courtyard, and a color palette inspired by the Golden Age of Madrid.
- Service: The staff consistently receives "stellar," "exceptional," and "very professional" feedback for their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness, often compared to the service found in 5-star establishments.
- Amenities: The hotel offers a range of excellent facilities, including a heated indoor spa pool surrounded by exposed brick walls, a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic city views, a full-service spa with a treatment room and sauna, a well-equipped gym, a library, and a rooftop bar.
3. Room Quality
The rooms are described as comfortable, well-appointed, and designed with a blend of style and history. Options range from Classic and Superior rooms to spacious Suites and Lofts, some offering "delightful little balconies" with views directly over Plaza Mayor. Key features include comfortable beds, excellent water pressure in marble bathrooms, sound-proof windows, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and complimentary Castelbel toiletries. While some reviews note that standard rooms can be "on the smaller side," they are generally considered perfectly workable, with suites offering ample space. Housekeeping is maintained to a high standard, with some guests even receiving complimentary upgrades and turndown service with chocolates.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor is highly regarded.
- Breakfast: A "lovely breakfast buffet" is served in a "glass-topped courtyard" or a beautifully decorated atrium, featuring a wide selection including eggs made to order and appreciated healthy options like chia pudding.
- Restaurants & Bars: The main restaurant, Café de la Plaza, offers Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, with seating available in the peaceful inner courtyard or on a terrace overlooking Plaza Mayor. There's also RIB - Casa de la Carnicería, specializing in organic beef. Guests have also noted the "nice dinner menu" and the availability of a lounge bar.
5. Service & Staff
The hotel staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their "exceptional" and "stellar" hospitality. Guests highlight their professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness, noting that the attention received feels welcome and never overbearing. Many reviews liken the service to that of a 5-star hotel, praising staff for handling questions politely and efficiently.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is arguably its most celebrated attribute. Situated directly on Plaza Mayor, it is in the "heart of the old town" and "Centro" district of Madrid.
- Nearby Attractions: Within mere steps or a short walk, guests can reach iconic landmarks such as Mercado San Miguel, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and Gran Via.
- Transport: The hotel is well-connected by public transport, with La Latina and Sol Metro stations only a 3-5 minute walk away. Bus stops are also conveniently located nearby. Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is approximately 13.8 to 25 km away.
7. Value & Pricing
While offering a luxury experience, the Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor is generally considered good value for money, especially for its prime location and amenities. Pricing can vary significantly based on dates and season, with rates seen from around $195. Suites, for instance, have been found at approximately $300 a night during high season, which is considered excellent for a suite in a top European city. However, some guests have noted that the value for money might not be as strong during peak times, such as between Christmas and New Year.
8. Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- Spa & Pool Temperature: Some guests have reported that the indoor pool and sauna in the spa area were not at the proper temperature, feeling cold or not up to expected standards, and that the spa lacked sufficient resting space. The rooftop pool has also been described as "quite chilly" by some.
- Room Views & Size: While many rooms offer stunning Plaza Mayor views, some rooms face inner courtyards or other parts of the building, resulting in a less desirable or "non-existing" view. Additionally, some standard rooms are noted as being "on the smaller side."
- Noise from Plaza Mayor: Rooms directly overlooking Plaza Mayor, while offering picturesque scenes, can be subject to noise from the bustling square, which might affect sensitive sleepers. Courtyard view rooms are suggested for those seeking more quiet.
- Hotel Layout: One minor complaint mentioned the hotel's winding, maze-like layout, leading to a long walk to some rooms, which could be tiring after a day of sightseeing.
- Construction: At times, ongoing construction in Plaza Mayor has been a minor disappointment for guests, impacting the immediate surroundings.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- •Hotel Layout**: One minor complaint mentioned the hotel's winding, maze-like layout, leading to a long walk to some rooms, which could be tiring after a day of sightseeing.
