The hype
Incredible views and breakfast, but the elevators are a nightmare and the rooms are noisy.
Riu Plaza Espana
$150-280/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate Madrid Instagram shot and don't mind sacrificing peace and quiet to get it.
Why People Love It
- The 360º rooftop views are genuinely world-class
- Dead-center location on Gran Vía
- Guests get free (and usually priority) access to the rooftop bar
Quick Take: It’s less a hotel and more a vertical theme park for tourists who want to say they stayed in the Edificio España.
Reviewed by @120906lhg: I braved the crowds on the 27th floor for this view and my heart was racing on that glass walkway. The 360-degree lights of Madrid are incredible at night. Pro tip: bring a jacket because the wind up here is no joke, but the photos are 100% worth the wait.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'VIP' feeling evaporates when you're standing in a 20-minute line just to get to the breakfast buffet.
- You live for the 'gram (the glass walkway is a magnet)
- You want to be in the absolute center of the action
- You enjoy the energy of a mega-resort in a city center
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally efficient daily service, though high turnover means occasional missed dust or trash.
- Bathroom hygiene: Visually clean, but frequent reports of 'sewage smells' from drains suggest plumbing maintenance issues.
- Maintenance: Modern and shiny on the surface, but elevators and AC units are prone to glitches.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel grade—clean but some guests find the sheets 'scratchy' and pillows thin.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of signature perfume; hallways can smell musty; bathrooms occasionally smell of sewer gas.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooftop bar bass (floors 23-25)
- Neighbor noise (thin walls/connecting doors)
- Gran Vía sirens and traffic
Before you book
Good to know
- Guests skip the long line for the rooftop bar (look for the 'Hotel Guests' lane).
- Breakfast is a zoo after 9:00 AM; go at 7:30 AM to actually enjoy it.
- The pool is more for dipping than swimming and fills up instantly.
What to pack
- High-fidelity earplugs (Loop or similar)
- European power adapter (outlets are standard EU Type F)
- Patience for the elevators
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Room with Terrace (worth the upgrade for private outdoor space)
- Floors 15-20 (high enough for views, low enough to avoid rooftop noise)
Rooms to avoid
- Floors 24-25 (directly under the nightclub/bar)
- Rooms near the elevator bank (constant dinging and chatter)
- Lower floors facing Gran Vía (traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on floors 15-20, strictly AWAY from the elevators. Please ensure the room is NOT directly under the 26th-floor bar/kitchen to avoid impact noise. A view of Plaza de España is preferred over Gran Vía to minimize street noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the rooftop bar free for guests?
Yes, access is free for guests (saving you €5-10), and you usually get to skip the general public line.
Is the pool open year-round?
No. It is seasonal (June to September) and unheated. It is also very small for the size of the hotel.
Can I open the windows?
Mostly no. Windows are often locked for safety, which can make rooms stuffy if the AC struggles (a common complaint).
Is it noisy?
Yes. It is one of the noisiest luxury hotels in Madrid due to its location and construction.
How much is parking?
Approx. €32.50 per day. It's a tight garage; let them know your car size in advance.
Is breakfast included?
Not in the base rate. It costs ~€30/person if added later, so book a rate that includes it if you plan to eat there.
Insider Tips
- ✨
If the bathroom smells like sewage, run water in the bidet and shower immediately—the traps dry out quickly in this building.
- ✨
Use the 'Rooftop Express Pass' lane if you are a guest; do not wait in the line wrapping around the block.
- ✨
The 'Glass Walkway' is terrifyingly crowded at sunset; go at 11 AM right when it opens for a solo shot.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'sewage smell' in bathrooms is a recurring complaint due to plumbing venting issues.
💡You might wait 15 minutes for an elevator during check-out time (11 AM - 12 PM).
💡The 'double beds' are often two twins pushed together that slide apart.
💡The rooftop glass walkway is smaller than it looks in photos and vibrates when crowded.
💡Housekeeping sometimes skips refilling the complimentary water after the first night.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riu Plaza Espana is located and what's nearby.