Retiro / Goya

Novotel Madrid Center

★★★★★

Novotel Madrid Center is the choice for families who want space, modern facilities and the Retiro as their back garden, rather than a room in the narrow streets of the old town. The hotel stands at Calle de O'Donnell 53, in the residential Retiro district on the eastern side of the park, about six hundred metres, or a ten-minute walk, from its gates. That location is its great strength for families: mornings rowing on the Great Pond, afternoons at the playgrounds and puppet shows, and the Prado and the other museums of the Paseo del Prado a pleasant walk across the park. The neighbourhood is local and calm, with cafés, bakeries and supermarkets used by Madrileños rather than tourists, and it is well connected by metro and bus to the rest of the city. Novotel is the Accor group's family-oriented brand, and the hotel follows the formula: modern, practical rooms, many of which can take two adults and two children using free extra beds, as well as dedicated family rooms. Facilities include a swimming pool, a newly renovated and expanded rooftop terrace with views over the city skyline, a fitness centre and an on-site car park, which is unusual in central Madrid and a real asset for families travelling by car or planning day trips. The EAT BAR by Novotel serves locally inspired dishes and has a large video wall for sports. The hotel also handles business travellers and events, so it is efficient and well staffed throughout the week.

Who it suits: families with young children who value space, a pool and a park nearby; travellers arriving by car who need parking; and visitors who prefer a quiet residential area to the bustle of Sol and the Gran Vía. It is less ideal for those who want to step out into the old town at night, as the Plaza Mayor and Sol are a metro ride or a taxi away rather than a short stroll, and for travellers who want historic character.

Living in it: request a room with extra beds when booking if travelling with children, and check whether the pool is open during your stay, as outdoor pools in Madrid typically operate in the warmer months. Use the Retiro every day: it is the best playground in the city. The Goya and O'Donnell metro stations nearby connect quickly to Sol and the main sights. The Salamanca district, with its shops and restaurants, is a short walk to the north, and the WiZink Center arena is close by for concerts and events.

Value: rates are mid-range, often lower than comparable hotels in the old centre, and the family room policy makes it good value for four. Madrid does not currently charge a tourist tax. Choose it for a comfortable, family-friendly base next to the Retiro, with a pool, a rooftop and parking. Couples without children may prefer something more central, but for families who want room to breathe, it is hard to beat.