OK, friends, we need your help!! My neighbor, Beth, and I are going to Madrid and Portugal next month (sadly, this trip was not inspired by a bottle of wine). I currently have multiple places reserved for the first leg of two nights in Madrid, and we need to make a decision. On the list of must-haves:
- In a walkable, central area
- Kitchen or kitchenette
- Balcony (ok, more of a really-want-to-have)
- Character–you know how I love my unique accommodations!
The top three contenders are within a few blocks of each other in the central area. There are other cool neighborhoods nearby, all easily accessible. All are approximately $250 per night, which is reasonable for the location and amenities. Unfortunately, I can’t legally repost pictures from hotel or booking sites, so please read my descriptions, click the names to see the property listings, and drop your favorite in the comments! Time’s a’ wasting!!
Option 1: Apartamentos Huertas
This apartment is at the bottom right of the triangle on the map. It is an attic penthouse, the first apartment I found, and I love it for its charm. Look at the woodwork, especially on the doors! Perhaps this could be the next on my list of most unique places stayed? It appears to have two beds, which is ideal, but there is a lot that’s unclear in both the video and the pictures on Booking.com (Maisonette Suite). It has a balcony at the end of a hall which looks big enough to accommodate a paper doll or a stalk of asparagus. Natural lighting comes primarily from skylights. This apartment has a Booking.com rating of 8.7–“Excellent.”
- PROS
- Lots of character
- MAY have two beds
- Has balcony
- CONS
- Possible lack of natural light
- Teeny balcony
- Most likely to result in “Surprise!”
Option 2: “Impressive Penthouse in the Center of Madrid”
This penthouse apartment is at the top of the triangle in the map. I just found it yesterday and there is no cancellation policy. If we decide to go for it, we are “all in!” Look at all that natural light with those huge windows! And multiple terraces!! I’m a bit concerned about the construction cranes you see in the pictures, as they could be noisy. It also has two beds, but one is in a loft accessible from a ladder. Considering I have fallen down just walking on the street in 5 different cities in 4 different countries, this may be a bad idea. But look at those terraces!! This place has a VRBO rating of 8.8–“Excellent.”
- PROS
- TWO private terraces
- Definitely two beds
- Did I mention TWO private rooftop terraces??
- CONS
- Possible noise from construction
- Most likely to result in injury
Option 3: Blume Cruz Suites
The Blume Cruz Suites are at the left point of the triangle in the map above. The Superior Suite is like a studio with two beds next to each other. It has a balcony that looks comfortable overlooking the street, and some unique and weird stenciling on the walls. I’m confident this place would be comfortable, if a bit lacking character on the interior. It has a Booking.com rating of 9.1–“Wonderful.”
- PROS
- Two beds
- Comfortable balcony
- CONS
- Most lacking in internal character
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Please drop your choice in the comments now because we need to make a decision ASAP. Thanks for your help as we chase the best accommodations in Madrid!
My choice is # 3 . Balcony “ looking out over the street “ got my attention! How much time are you actually going to be in it!? You’ll be out and about during the day.
Definitely go for character. Risk of injury should be avoided.
Option 2! The natural light, two terraces, in the heart of the action. I didn’t see the “dangerous” loft bed…please don’t get injured. The couch looks comfy and y’all can alternate!
I love #2, those terraces are awesome and the apartment has character and is so roomy!!
I like #2 as it seems spacious with great outdoor areas
Option 3. You probably won’t be spending tons of time in the room 😊
I like the impressive Penthouse as 1st option. Second would be Option #1 with lots of character. They all sound amazing and hope you have a fabulous trip! Cant wait to read about in your blog😀
3. Sounds great. Who cares if it doesn’t have character. Won’t you be there mostly to sleep?
Option #2 is my favorite by far! The ladder challenge just adds to the adventure. The time spent taking in the city from the two(!) terraces will be well worth the extra effort.
Option 2 is the most beautiful, but the loft for sleeping is definitely not for me. I have to get up 1-2 times per night and going up and down the ladder is kind of a deal-breaker, even though I love the look of this one. I rented a place in Nashville with a bunkbed and it was awful to climb up the ladder, and neither the bed nor the ladder felt secure. No. No. No.
If I had to choose between 1 and 3, I would choose 3. I think that the pictures for 1 were taken with weird camera angles to make it look bigger and more accommodating. The pictures for number 3 look more authentic. It will be fine. It is not as alluring as 2, but I know that I could get up at night and not kill myself.
These are all really great options! Option 2 sounds fantastic and in the heart of it all! You really can’t go wrong! Looking forward to hearing the trip details and travel advice! Thank you for posting!
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