We were very pleased with our experience of this slightly faded but very functional hotel- near to the train and buses as well as a comfortable walking distance to town , plus a good value breakfast cafe just a few doors up. the staff were extremely helpful and were keen to practice their English! a recommendation would be to ask for a room at the back of the hotel as this has a spectacular view of the palace (the best photo opportunity we came across!)

We just got back from Madrid. Hotel advertizes itself as " in constant renovation" - well, expect noise of construction every 9 am! Staff at reception was extremely unhelpful and there is NO single iron in whole hotel - why would you need one, right !!!????? Worse if you have a car - THERE IS NO PARKING !!! Even if they say so while you are booking, dont believe it! Everything changes upon arrival, expect surprices .. and no help! Good luck!

We stayed at the Principe Pio hotel during the last leg of our honeymoon. The room itself was adequate, nothing fancy, you basically get what you pay for. We chose it because the price seemed reasonable and it seemed like a good location. My biggest complaint was that the "non-smoking" room smelled overwhelmingly like a "smoking" room. We had to sleep with our windows open every night but, since we faced the street, we were treated to noxious fumes from the passing buses. That being said, the location was perfect. It is right next to the Palace and it is close to all the sights. It is also nicely situated between two metro stops, which makes getting around easy, particularly to the Prado. Overall, the hotel was functional and the staff was pleasant. It met our basic need (a place to sleep) but did nothing to surpass our expectations. Another reviewer mentioned that they had since begun renovation. I'd be willing to give the place a try again (if the room rates stay about the same) to see if the hotel has improved.

I just got back from Madrid 3/10/05 and i was very pleased with my stay at this hotel. The hotel staff where extremly friendly and helpful and spoke English very well. My room was always cleaned and never dirty. It is going through a renavation...looking like it is halfway done. When it is complete it is going to be beautiful. Great location...right at the Plaza de Espana...major Metro stop and a 5 min walk up the block to Gran Via which is equal to Broadway in New York City. If I went back to Madrid I would be more than happy to stay there again:)