Radisson RED Madrid is the most youthful hotel in this set, on Calle de Atocha 123 beside the Reina Sofia museum. Its property class is listed as 4, with 260 rooms. The Reina Sofia is a two-minute walk, the Prado five, El Retiro six and Atocha station seven, while Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are about thirteen and fifteen minutes on foot. That puts you at the southern end of the Golden Triangle, among the museums, with the Retiro and the Lavapies neighbourhood close by. On site are BASQUE by Eneko Atxa, a Basque-themed restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the Oso rojo restaurant, a rooftop bar called RED by Martini overlooking the Reina Sofia, and a bar lounge and snack bar. A rooftop terrace and garden, a gym, free WiFi in all rooms, covered self-parking, an electric car charging station, childcare services and free infant beds are listed. No pool is listed. Pets are welcome, dogs and cats, at a fee per pet per stay.
Who it suits
Younger travellers, couples and families who want a lively, modern hotel at a more approachable level than the five-star palaces. Art lovers will value the immediate access to the Reina Sofia and Picasso's Guernica, and rooftop-bar fans will enjoy the view over the museum. It is also a good choice for visitors arriving by train, since Atocha is a short walk. Those who prefer a classical, hushed atmosphere may find it more energetic than they want.
Living in it
The buffet breakfast is charged per person, so decide whether to take it or have a coffee in a nearby cafe. Covered parking is charged per night, a rollaway bed per night, and late check-out has a fee subject to availability. The rooftop is the social hub in warm weather. The southern end of the Paseo del Arte is livelier than the area around the Palace and Plaza de las Cortes, and the Lavapies and Atocha streets give you plenty of dining choices.
Value
The design-led approach and the location make it a sensible choice among the hotels near the museums, particularly if you use the rooftop and the gym rather than paying for a spa. It is less formal than the grand hotels, but the location is hard to match. Book early for weekends and exhibitions, and check for rates that include breakfast.
For a good rhythm, start with the Reina Sofia in the morning, break for lunch in the Lavapies streets and finish with a drink on the rooftop as the light changes over the museum. It is also an easy base for rail excursions from Atocha station, which is a few minutes away on foot.
Why stay here
- ✓260 rooms
- ✓Reina Sofia two minutes on foot
- ✓BASQUE by Eneko Atxa restaurant
- ✓Rooftop bar RED by Martini
- ✓Rooftop terrace and garden
- ✓Gym
- ✓Covered self-parking
- ✓Pet-friendly
Good questions
How close is it to the Reina Sofia?+
About a two-minute walk. The Prado is five minutes away and Atocha station about seven.
Does it have a rooftop?+
Yes. The hotel lists a rooftop terrace and garden and a rooftop bar, RED by Martini, overlooking the Reina Sofia.
Are pets allowed?+
Yes, dogs and cats are accepted for a fee per pet per stay. Service animals are exempt.
