Villa Real
Plaza de las Cortes 10, Madrid, 28014, Spain
Why We Like It
Though there’s nothing unsafe or truly terrible about Villa Real, we can’t pretend to be fans of a hotel that wrongly advertises itself as a luxury property. Shop around: Your money is likely better spent someplace else.
Fodor's Expert Review
It’s surprising that Villa Real continues to market itself as a five-star hotel, given that it has hardly changed a lick since it opened in 1996. Though front-desk staff are cordial and rooms are clean, the property—with its chintzy Victorian furniture and awkward split-level rooms—surely would have been gutted (or shuttered) long ago, were it not for its prime location across from the Prado Museum.
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Room
Outfitted with satiny comforters, striped curtains, and glass-topped tables, rooms are a time warp in the worst way, though they partially redeem themselves with comfortable mattresses and near-perfect soundproofing. Some Superior rooms and all suites feature outdoor balconies.
You Should Know Tea kettles and coffee makers are conspicuously absent in most rooms.
Bathroom
A continuation of the 90s aesthetic, bathrooms are marble-clad and feature standard-size bathtubs. His-and-her sinks and monogrammed robes are pleasant perks.
Lobby
Spacious yet austere, the marble-floored, wood-paneled lobby could use some carpeting and additional furniture. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon arrival is a nice distraction from the lackluster décor.
Gym
Unequipped for even basic training, the “gym” consists of two stationary bikes and a cross-training machine.
Dining
East 47 is a "modern" Spanish restaurant worth visiting for its sunny outdoor terrace. Caramelized onions and truffle oil—relics of bygone food trends—make appearances on the overpriced menu... naturally.
Drinking
What to order when surrounded by zebra-print textiles, decorative columns, and Andy Warhol prints? Why, a cosmo, of course. Or better yet, get your cocktail fix elsewhere.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
It’s less than a 10-minute walk to most of Madrid’s top attractions, but for excursions further afield, there are metro stations close by at Sevilla (Line 2), Antón Martín (Line 1), and Atocha (Line 1).
Restaurants
Venture outside the neighborhood for most of your meals—the hotel is surrounded by mediocre restaurants that cater to the tour-bus crowd. Taking a taxi to the nearby Salamanca district (9-minute taxi) is a good idea; there, you can have a sit-down meal that oozes old-school Spanish elegance at El Paraguas, or, alternatively, embark on a tapas crawl, hitting Los Gallos (cocktails and finger food), Cinco Jotas (premium jamón ibérico), and Ultramarinos Quintín (rawbar and flatbreads).
Bars
Pop into one of Hemingway’s old haunts called La Venencia (5-minute walk), a sherry-only bar that hasn’t changed a lick since the Spanish Civil War, from its no-tipping policy, to its salty waiters, to its chalked bar tabs. Follow your aperitivo with an exhilarating flamenco performance two minutes down the road at Cardamomo Tablao (buy tickets to the show in advance).
Quick Facts
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