What It’s Like to Stay at Hotel Sardinero Madrid
Tucked into the stately streets of Madrid’s Chamberí district, Hotel Sardinero Madrid feels like a hidden gem that blends history with calm, understated charm. The building was designed in 1914 by the architect Ignacio de Aldama Elorz for Juan Bautista Topete and completed in 1916. With its neoclassical style, elegant façade, and distinctive corner tower, it has become an iconic feature of Plaza de Alonso Martínez.
Over the years, the structure has served a range of purposes – from elegant apartments to office spaces -reflecting the changing character of the city. A major renovation in 2006 carefully restored the building’s original charm while updating its interior to meet modern hospitality standards.
Today, Hotel Sardinero Madrid combines historical elegance with sleek, contemporary comfort. As we arrived at the hotel, the grandeur of its architecture immediately caught our attention. The intricate stonework, tall windows, and grand entrance offer a strong first impression – you really do feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of Madrid’s history.
What Hotel Sardinero Madrid Offers
Hotel Sardinero Madrid strikes a balance between stylish simplicity and comfort. Here’s what you can expect during your stay:
- Spacious, modern rooms with plenty of natural light
- A peaceful lounge area perfect for working or relaxing
- On-site breakfast service with Spanish and international options
- A small but well-equipped gym
- Proximity to some of Madrid’s best restaurants, cafés, and cultural hotspots
One of the little touches we appreciated was the peaceful lounge downstairs, called The Library. After a long day of walking, we found ourselves sinking into one of the sofas with glasses of white wine for a quiet nightcap – a perfect way to unwind without even leaving the hotel.
Our Honest Review: Is it really worth staying here?
Absolutely! This actually wasn’t our first time staying at Hotel Sardinero Madrid. We first discovered it last year when we booked the Tower Suite, and it left such a lasting impression that we knew we had to return. This time around, we opted for a Deluxe Room – and once again, it didn’t disappoint.
Let’s start with the Tower Suite. It was a genuinely pleasurable experience. The suite itself is split across multiple levels, with the tower space acting as a cosy, elevated retreat. We spent our afternoons sunbathing on the private terrace, books in hand, soaking in the view of the rooftops and the rhythm of the city. Up in the actual tower, we were able to relax with a film in the evenings – a surprisingly lush touch that felt both private and indulgent.
Everything in the suite was immaculately presented, from the plush linens to the well-stocked minibar. The toiletries were top-notch too – fragrant, high-end, and beautifully packaged. It’s those small touches that turn a good stay into a great one.
This time, our Deluxe Room was located on the fourth floor, offering lovely rooftop views over Madrid’s classic architecture. It was bright, beautifully clean, and had a cosy, calming décor that made it easy to settle straight in.
While unpacking, we noticed thoughtful little details – like plenty of wardrobe space, a coffee machine, and good quality toiletries. Small things, but they always make a stay feel a little more luxurious.
We had asked for a late check-out since our train back to Valencia wasn’t until late afternoon. The staff happily extended our check-out by an extra hour, subject to availability of course, but we were delighted to have a little extra time to relax. When we finally checked out, they stored our luggage at reception so we could enjoy a final stroll and lunch without dragging our bags around the city – a simple service, but so valuable for travellers.
Hotel Sardinero Madrid Facilities
Here’s what the hotel offers when it comes to facilities:
- Reception: 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff
- Gym: Compact but practical, with treadmills, a rowing machine, and weights
- The Library: A cosy space for reading, relaxing, or sipping a quiet drink
- Breakfast Room: Serving a continental-style breakfast with Spanish highlights
- Meeting Rooms: Available for business travellers
During our stay, we made good use of The Library space in the evenings. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for an hour with a glass of wine, planning the next day’s adventures or simply watching the world go by through the tall windows.
Inside the Rooms: From Deluxe to the Tower Suite
As mentioned earlier, this trip we stayed in a Deluxe Room, but on a previous visit, we stayed in the Tower Suite. Here’s a quick guide based on our experiences:
Standard Rooms:
- Comfortable double bed
- Desk space for working
- Modern bathrooms with walk-in showers
- Free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, and flat-screen TV
Deluxe Rooms:
- More spacious layouts
- Larger bathrooms with more premium fixtures
- Some offering better views
Suites (including the Tower Suite):
- Separate living areas
- Balconies or corner windows with city views
- More space to spread out, ideal for longer stays
We loved the Tower Suite for its sheer space and views, but for a short city break, the Deluxe Room had everything we needed – from a super comfy bed to a powerful shower and excellent soundproofing. We slept so soundly each night that we were up early and ready to hit the streets of Madrid without any grogginess.
Hotel Sardinero Madrid Location and Surroundings
The hotel is located in Chamberí, one of Madrid’s most elegant and authentic districts. It’s a local favourite, known for its stately buildings, wide tree-lined streets, and relaxed yet refined vibe. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas, Chamberí feels residential and lived-in – but still offers easy access to the action.
There are great restaurants and tapas bars nearby, ranging from traditional Spanish taverns to modern bistros. We stopped for croquetas and vermouth at a neighbourhood bar just two minutes from the hotel – a perfect little detour before heading out.
You’re also close to some fantastic markets like Mercado de Chamberí, where you can grab local produce or try fresh seafood tapas at one of the market bars. And for coffee lovers, there are plenty of independent cafés dotted around the area.
The hotel is only a 3-minute walk from Alonso Martínez metro station, which connects you to three key lines (4, 5, and 10), making it super easy to get around the city. We also walked to districts like Malasaña, Chueca, and even Salamanca without much effort – each one offering its own vibe and set of experiences.
One morning, we grabbed takeaway coffees from a nearby café and wandered through the streets of Chamberí – no plans, no rush. Those slower, local moments really made our trip special.
View location on Google Maps.
Hotel Sardinero Madrid Website and Instagram
If you want a closer look, you can find them online:
- Website: hotelsardinero.com
- Instagram: @hotelsardinero
Their Instagram is updated regularly and gives a true-to-life glimpse of the rooms and shared spaces – what you see really is what you get.
Hotel Sardinero Madrid Opening Times
The hotel operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can check in from 2:00 PM, with check-out by 12:00 PM.
The reception is staffed around the clock and the team speaks both English and Spanish, which made communication easy and smooth. Since this was our second stay, they actually recognised us during check-in – a small but appreciated touch. It instantly made things feel more personal and relaxed.
The check-in process itself was quick and completely fuss-free. After a long journey, it was a real pleasure to arrive, be greeted warmly, and head straight up to our room without any delays or paperwork hassle.
As we found during our trip, it’s always worth asking about a late check-out. If they can accommodate you, it’s a stress-free way to enjoy those final few hours without rushing.
How to Get to Hotel Sardinero Madrid
Getting here is easy:
- From Madrid-Barajas Airport: About 20–25 minutes by taxi, or around 40 minutes on the metro.
- Closest Metro Station: Alonso Martínez Station. The hotel is literally a 3-minute walk from this station.
- Train Connections: Atocha Station is a 15-minute taxi ride if you’re arriving by Renfe.
We used the metro from the airport, and it was simple and affordable – just two quick line changes and a short walk to the hotel. Definitely a good option if you’re travelling light.
On a couple of occasions, we also used the metro from Chamartín Station, and it was just as straightforward. Using our Madrid Public Transport card made everything seamless – just tap in, hop on, and you’re on your way. The network is clean, reliable, and well-signed, even for first-time visitors.
If you prefer to take a taxi to other parts of the city, it’s also very easy. You can simply ask the friendly reception staff to call one for you, or hail one just outside the hotel. We did both during our stay and never had to wait long.
Top Places to Visit Near Hotel Sardinero Madrid
Staying at Hotel Sardinero Madrid puts you in prime position to explore some of the city’s top sights – all within walking distance or a short metro ride away. Here are a few of our favourite nearby spots:
- Retiro Park: Just a 20-minute walk or quick metro trip away, this vast green space is Madrid’s most famous park. On sunny days, we took a relaxed stroll through its tree-lined paths, rented a rowboat on the lake, and even sat beneath the shade with a book from our Tower Suite stay. It’s a must-visit if you enjoy being outdoors.
- Museo del Prado: Art lovers should not miss the Prado Museum, home to an incredible collection of Spanish and European masterpieces. It’s about 25 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by metro.
- Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol: These iconic central squares are within a 15-minute walk and give you a taste of classic Madrid architecture, people-watching, and great cafés.
- Malasaña: A cool and trendy neighbourhood with quirky shops, vintage stores, and top-tier tapas spots. We loved spending our evenings here – it’s only a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- Gran Vía: For fashion, food, and nightlife, Madrid’s most famous boulevard is just 10 minutes away. We popped over one afternoon to do some shopping, then returned later that evening for rooftop drinks with a view.
In Summary
If you’re wondering where to stay in Madrid city centre and want a stylish, well-located hotel that offers excellent value, Hotel Sardinero Madrid ticks all the boxes. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip like ours, you’ll find warm service, comfortable rooms, and a perfect starting point for discovering everything this vibrant city has to offer.
The surrounding area of Chamberí is full of charm, local life, and some fantastic spots for coffee, food, and evening strolls. The rooms, whether you’re in the Tower Suite or a Deluxe Room – are quiet, well-equipped, and genuinely comfortable.
From the seamless check-in to the helpful reception team and those quiet moments in The Library with a glass of wine, it all feels thoughtful and relaxed – a place that gets the balance just right.
If you’re ever in Madrid, this is a hotel we’d come back to in a heartbeat. And we will.
