Argüelles / Plaza de España

Motel One Madrid-Plaza de Espana

★★★★★

Motel One has built its reputation on a simple formula: compact, design-led rooms with high-quality beds and showers, a stylish lounge bar instead of a full restaurant, and prices well below the city average. Its Madrid hotel, at Calle de Tutor 1, applies that formula with a Spanish twist. The lounge, called the One Lounge, is themed around Madrid's joie de vivre, with flamenco-red velvet armchairs and a laid-back atmosphere, and the bar has large panoramic windows over the street; it serves drinks all day and is a pleasant place to meet before going out. Breakfast is served every morning. Rooms are small but clever, with good beds, rain showers, smart TVs and air conditioning, and the signature turquoise-and-design details of the brand. The location, on a quiet street in the Argüelles neighbourhood just west of Plaza de España, is a real asset. The Plaza de España and Ventura Rodríguez metro stations are each about three minutes' walk away, the Temple of Debod and its sunset terrace are a short stroll, and the Gran Vía begins at the plaza, so you can walk to the theatre district, Malasaña and the Royal Palace in ten to fifteen minutes. The surrounding streets are residential and full of local bars, bakeries and inexpensive restaurants, a nice contrast to the tourist centre. For travellers who spend their days out exploring and want a clean, comfortable, stylish room to come back to, Motel One offers some of the best value in central Madrid.

Who it suits: budget-conscious travellers, solo visitors, couples and friends on a city break who prioritise location and design over space and facilities. It is not ideal for families needing larger rooms, or for those who want a pool, spa or full restaurant. Business travellers on a budget appreciate the efficient, consistent format.

Living in it: rooms are compact, so pack light, but they are well designed with storage and good lighting. Higher floors are brighter. The One Lounge is the social heart of the hotel and makes a good spot for a drink before or after dinner; breakfast is a good-value buffet. Staff are helpful with local tips. Because the hotel is in a residential area, the streets are quieter at night than the centre, which helps with sleep.

Value: rates sit at the lower end of the Madrid market for a quality hotel, and stay competitive even in busy periods, though they rise for big events. Madrid does not currently charge a tourist tax, which keeps the total down. The value case is simple: a stylish, comfortable room near Plaza de España, the Temple of Debod and the Gran Vía for a fraction of the price of a big hotel. Choose it if you want to spend your money on museums, tapas and day trips rather than on your room. It is also a short walk to the Príncipe Pío station for trains toward El Escorial.