I stayed here on business with colleagues

The entrance is reasonably impressive and the lobby/reception area strikes a good impression. However I do agree that it is rather tired

The Melia has no walk in shower and the bath grout/sealer was stained and worn. Indeed the shower in the bath had been so badly fitted it pointed slightly to the right and it was difficult not to get water on the floor. Internet was charged and - worst of all - there was no facllity to make a cup of coffee in the room. When I asked about this I was told that this is not the UK and "Spain is different". If I was in a poor mood through missing my morning coffee that made it worse - 140 Euro a night and no cup of coffee on wake-up

There was an ironing board - thats something at least - as I always appreciate the chance to smooth out suit-case crumpled shirts when I can. The safe was also big-enough for my laptop which is also a good thing

But - for me this hotel does not understand the Business traveller - and as there are plenty of Hotels in Madrid - I'll be finding another for my return

The hotel has good conference facilities, which is why I stayed here. The hotel itself is very tired, with dirty wallpaper and tired decor. The room was a good size for Europe though, with a big bathroom, good closet, really big in-room safe, and comfy bed. Have to pay to use the internet or to print at the business centre, and the gym is also very new and clean. Bought the room with daily breakfast included, and the breakfast buffet was huge and food was good. Overall staff were nice as well, the rooms are just in need of an update. Location is not central, but is within a 5-minute walk of a subway station that will take you directly to Sol station in the heart of the old city. A few restos near hotel, too, but mostly a business-y area.

I just had the pleasure to stay two nights at the Melia Castilla Hotel as part of a conference visit. Having visited more than a few similar places through my work over the years, I am delighted to share the Melia Castilla evolved as one of the real stars for mid-sized conferences.

First, the hotel is highly accessible, being located only half an hour taxi away from the airport. Yet is has a inner city location. The initial impression was that the interior is perhaps a bit aged, indicating the hotel is not in the luxury league where everything has to be (or at least look) brand new. For the purpose of a good business trip, however, and certainly for a smaller conference, the hotel is still elegant from top to toe and absolutely superb in its category. It is also a pleasure to note that the high professionalism of the staff I met harmonised with the same high standards.

Details which caught my attention included the excellent cleanliness everywhere, quiet (although small) rooms - in which you can even open the window to ventilate. However beware of traffic noise outside. The great breakfast buffet especially the meats and fruits section, and availability of elegant armchairs and couches in public areas.

From a meeting point of view the plenary room for some 500 people was sophisticated and well equipped - all seats had microphones and own spotlights. The overall basement architecture (i.e. the meeting area) had the same elegance as the rest of the hotel, including top service. I personally liked the compartmentalisation of the meeting area, making it interesting and enjoyable to walk around between meeting rooms. Best of all, after the conference day you just take the lift up to your room. Anyone who has been to major congresses, with sometimes miles to walk from their hotels, will love this asset. Last but not least, there are multiple stylish board rooms in well secluded sections for confidential and undisturbed team meetings. Again, if you have experienced team rooms in venues with background noise from next door ongoing lectures, you will really appreciate this place. It is highly recommended.

This hotel is well deserving of a top rating. I travel to Madrid at least 4 times a year on business and every time I stay at any of the Melia hotels, I get top notch service and amenities. I also enjoy its superb location within walking distance to the metro, a great variety of restaurants, and little local tapas bars. The staff is well trained and very friendly to accommodate and/or answer any question you may have regarding the city, customs, etc. I also enjoy the Breakfast buffet in the main lobby to star my busy day with a great variety of food. I will recommend this hotel chain to friends and business partners!