Hotel Abalu
Spain   Madrid   City Centre   Why Madrid?
Madrid Barajas 15km
View Map	10

Reviewed by Michael Soffe A VISION REALISED .............. Yet another wonderfully located Hotel, near the Gran Via and within walking distance of the trendy Chueca area. A couple of minutes walk takes you to the Noviciados Metro station (on Lines 2 and 10) and almost the same distance is the Plaza de Espana station (on Lines 1 and 10). This is a small, 10-bedroomed Hotel situated on the first floor of an old building (although not the most prepossessing edifice) on a small side street (Calle de la Pez), near to all amenities. Opened in 2005 by Carlos and his business partner, Antonio, it has already achieved an excellent reputation. They are a dynamic young team and have a great vision – plans for the future spa, cafeteria and more rooms are very exciting. They certainly did their research when planning Hotel Abalu and the result is very pleasing to the eye. Interior designer Luis Delgado has given the Hotel a striking contemporary feel. As it is on the first floor you will need to take the lift or the stairs to reach the small reception area. There is little use of colour except black, cream and white, stunning lighting and a spartan use of contemporary objects. Not your normal Hotel reception, you almost feel as if you are entering a Hi-tech bar or nightclub – but this is no normal Hotel. Carlos believes the success of the Hotel has been the exceptional level of personalised service. I and his clients agree with him. The receptionists think nothing of sitting with their clientele for ten or fifteen minutes explaining the sites of Madrid. They will even just have a chat. Carlos and Antonio are determined to maintain this “personal touch” as they expand, as they know it is pivotal to their continued success. The Spa, small cafeteria and five more bedrooms are presently being finished on the ground floor of the building. We will advise on their completion. The 10 bedrooms, whilst not the largest are beautifully decorated each one in a different manner. There is a Junior Suite, 6 Standard Doubles and 3 Twins. They too are contemporary in feel – I loved the screen-printed black and white face of a woman above one of the beds. Effective use of subdued lighting makes them romantic. The Junior Suite is the largest with a black slate Jacuzzi bath in the room. They are equipped with TV (no satellite s available as yet, but is coming soon), Wi-Fi internet access, heating, air-con, mini-bar and safe. All rooms have DVD players and films are available at no cost in reception. Many of the rooms are around a centre patio and therefore there are no views and natural light is limited. Do not let this put you off as the lighting is so stunning in the rooms!  Breakfasts are served in your room on request (although once the cafeteria is open on the ground floor they may be taken there). There is a small area in reception with a computer and internet access available for your use. An ideal Hotel for those who want a small intimate Hotel in a central location with highly personalised service. Excellent value for money.