The Radisson RED brand is one of the newest in the Radisson Rewards family, and it is making a splash in each of the markets where it opens. Radisson RED Madrid is among them. A heavy focus on design and playful decor gives each property a unique character that appeals to both business and leisure travelers. With so many great hotels in the Spanish capital to choose from (including the Radisson Blu Madrid Prado just around the corner), here are five reasons why Radisson RED Madrid should be on your radar.
The location
Just around the corner from Atocha train station, this is one of the most convenient hotels for those looking to make day trips via train or who are arriving to Madrid by rail. Located along Calle de Atocha, guests can turn right out of the front door to head uphill to central Madrid. In about ten minutes, guests will find themselves in Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor or Gran Via’s shopping streets.
Turn left out of the front door, and you are along one of the city’s main boulevards. In less than five minutes, you are at the front door of the Prado Museum. On either side of the hotel, the other two famous museums in the Golden Triangle of Art (Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum) are a short stroll away.
The design
Radisson RED is a youthful brand full of energy and interesting design. The main entrance is wrapped in pink and purple flowers as if you are entering an Alice in Wonderland hideaway. Once inside, it looks more like a clubby lounge than hotel.
That’s because the reception desk is tucked far away in the back. Instead, you see plenty of comfy seating, natural light streaming in from the atrium ceiling, the restaurant to one side and the bar and lounge on the other. Walk farther inside, and there is a row of vintage video games, which sit next to a glass wall of wines on display.
Reception takes place at individual pods. Neon and colorful artwork abound, and the lobby is often the space for local exhibitions. During my visit, a striking collection of colorful and vintage flamenco dresses were set up around the space.
The food
The Basque restaurant faces a wall of windows looking out towards the street. Menu items lean heavily into the diverse cuisine of northern Spain, but there are also international favorites, too.
Breakfast is one of the busiest meals of the day here, and an ample buffet (complete with chocolate fondue station and all the corresponding dipping requirements like marshmallows and strawberries) sets the tone. Radisson Rewards VIP elite status members enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
Fresh fruit, a long table of pastries, fresh churros, eggs made to order, a Bloody Mary station, gluten-free table and yogurt bar round out the options. On the top floor of the hotel is a panoramic terrace and bar for sunset views.
The lounge stays busy from morning to night with people sipping coffee while working on laptops or enjoying wine or cocktail tastings later in the day. If the calories become worrisome, there is a basement gym open at all hours. Even better, the city’s enormous Retiro Park is just outside the front door.
The rooms
The same conversation-starting artwork found in public areas appears on each elevator landing and in guest hallways. Contemporary décor is the norm with hardwood floors and plush beds the main focus. Windows open for fresh air, and top-floor rooms have furnished balconies that look out towards the city’s rooftops.
Spacious work desks have rows of power outlets, including the latest USB options. Sliding closets provide ample storage space, and bright bathrooms feature trendy above-counter sinks and hotel-branded toiletries in large pump bottles. Glass shower stalls have rainfall shower heads and gigantic terrycloth towels.
Family rooms and suites with larger sitting areas both come with sofa beds. Rooms on higher floors are a common upgrade, especially for those with Radisson Rewards elite status.
The extras
I was particularly impressed by a series of differentiating factors that sets this hotel apart from other hotels in Madrid. For starters, there is a generous selection of refreshments available throughout the day. Near reception, bowls of candy and apples are always on offer along with scented water.
Each morning, guests will find complimentary pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and tea available just outside the elevator in the main lounge. This touch makes a hugely positive impression on guests, especially those in a hurry to catch a meeting, tour or train.
On each guest room floor, distilled water filters offer a place to refill cold or hot water in the large glass bottles in each room. In addition, the minibars have several boxes of water for guests to enjoy when they are out exploring the city.
