Stayed here four nights ago, after an unplanned trip to Madrid from Barcelona, meaning we arrived at 9pm without a hotel room. My husband and I walked north from the Atocha RENFE station, looking for a hotel. After passing a couple of dodgy looking ones, we found this very nice hotel on the north-east corner of the large plaza 800 metres from the railway station, at the corner of Paseo del Prado and Calle de Atocha, above a McDonald's restaurant. We did not know it at the time, but it was just 200 metres south of the Prado Museum, which is further along the same street, on the other side of the road. It is also only two blocks north of the Raina Sofia art museum. We were so relieved to find a lovely double room with comfortable king single mattresses on a king base, and great pillows. Also pleasant service from the staff on the desk, who were happy to show us the room. There is free wi-fi for 30 mins in the reception area, as well as a bar, and a solitary computer for hire as well, which is fairly expensive but handy if you're desperate. The breakfast was also not not cheap, but was so good that it was worth every euro cent. It was late January, so the rooms may have been heavily discounted at 105 euros. There is a metro station (also called Atocha) just across the road from the hotel on the same plaza. That metro station is on line one, the pale blue line, and this line takes you directly north up through the centre of Madrid. A single ticket costs only 1.50 euros, also excellent value.

The hotel is ideally located between the 3 main art galleries and only a 15 minute walk from the lovely old city. The Atocha bus station is only a 5-minute walk and this is the final stop and starting point for the airport shuttle that is only 2 euros each way. Not much of a hotel bar if that's your thing but loads of tapas bars nearby. Staff speak good English and are very helpful.

We loved the location for this hotel - hop on a bus just outside the door or grab a bite at the Museo del Jamon just up the street. Train station is very close and the Prado is walking distance from the hotel. Many restaurants nearby and the Museo Reina Sofia is right around the corner. This is a big city and the Nacional is in one of many different neighborhoods - will try another neighborhood if we get back to Madrid but would recommend this if this is the area you're interested in. We especially looked forward to breakfast at a window table just to watch the city waking up and bustling off to work.

Did I say location? Located on Paseo del Prado near the three major museums in Madrid. Atoche train station is within a 5 minute walk and the Atoche Metro station is one block away.
Plenty of restaurants nearby as well as the Parque del Buen Retiro. Rooms at the NH are certainly small, but I had a roof top balcony with french doors that extended the space. Very clean and quiet for me. Staff was pleasant, too. Had difficulty with WIFI, as did others in the lobby. Quick reminder. Express bus from airport to Atoche train station is only 2 Euro. Best deal to move from airport to hotel.