Kimkim favorite

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid, Madrid

Luxurious Plaza Mayor hotel with plush rooms, a spa, indoor/outdoor pools, a library, and terrace dining

Overview

Stay directly on Plaza Mayor at this Pestana hotel, part of the famous square's perimeter. The building is over 400 years old, but the hotel itself opened in 2019; today, it features restored 17th-century architecture and 21st-century amenities. The hotel's 90 rooms are comfy, but you can upgrade to a larger unit for more space. Request a room that overlooks the plaza to enjoy the iconic scene any time you want, but you'll also find a large library lounge with an exceptional view, plus an outdoor terrace on the square reserved for guests. You'll also enjoy a rooftop terrace and pool, plus a beautiful inner courtyard and lobby lounge.

Pros
  • This hotel on Plaza Mayor features a large lounge overlooking the square.
  • Even the most standard rooms have private balconies.
  • Enjoy breakfast and other meals at the on-site restaurant, which features an atmospheric inner-courtyard terrace. 
  • You'll have access to the seasonal rooftop pool and sun deck, plus an indoor pool that is open all year (connected to the hotel's spa). 
Cons
  • Plaza Mayor is a busy tourist hotspot, so it can get a little noisy outside the hotel, especially during holidays and football matches. 
  • Because the pools are on the smaller side, they can get crowded. 

Kimkim's Take

Ash
Ash Merscher kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, June 2022 (Learn more)

Authenticity

Though a fire destroyed the original building, the hotel's structure dates to 1631. Set directly on the square as one of its borders, the hotel does a good job maintaining its history while still offering modern comforts. For example, you can enjoy swimming in the indoor pool housed in the old coal cellar and features preserved arches and buttresses from the original construction.

Location

Pestana Plaza Mayor is right on Plaza Mayor. One side of the hotel covers part of the famous square's perimeter with a private terrace on the plaza. Because of this exceptional location, you'll be in Madrid's energetic Old Town center and within walking distance of sites such as the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel, Puerta del Sol, and Catedral de la Almudena.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Even the standard rooms feel bright and colorful and feature private (unfurnished) balconies. Amenities include Nespresso machines, blackout curtains, and fine Italian linens. For more space, choose a superior room or a higher category, and to make the most of the location, opt for a unit facing Plaza Mayor. Suites have perks like soaking tubs, sofas, and exposed brick walls. 

Amenities

The hotel has many attractive common spaces. Have breakfast in the airy inner courtyard, which feels like a garden terrace. Then head to the spa with its indoor pool, soaking among preserved arches and buttresses. If you prefer to swim outside, there's a rooftop pool and lounge overlooking the historic skyline. The hotel has a gym with treadmills and ellipticals. The hotel is mostly accessible and features elevators and wide hallways. 

Family-Friendliness

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid is a family-friendly hotel, and children up to 12 stay for free. Families might be most comfortable in the hotel's Suites. The hotel doesn't have kid-specific activities, but the indoor and outdoor pools are popular with all ages. The breakfast buffet offers some kid-friendly options, and the grounds are stroller-friendly.

Other Highlights

Café De La Plaza is the hotel's Catalan-style restaurant and bar; the space features a glass-ceilinged patio and an open terrace with great views of Madrid and its architecture. Breakfast is served buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are served a la carte. The bar features beer, wine, and cocktails.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34-910052822
Hotel address icon Calle Imperial, 8
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

5 total ratings, 4 with reviews
4.8 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.8
Location
5.0
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
S
Sandra B.
Madisonville, TX | Reviewed on May 15, 2023
Super, great place to stay. They were so helpful and friendly yet so professional as well. Loved our room for the three of us and the breakfast was so nice. Read more

Super, great place to stay. They were so helpful and friendly yet so professional as well. Loved our room for the three of us and the breakfast was so nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved every aspect of the hotel!
Stayed in May 2023
Susan
Susan M.
Boardman, OR | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023
Incredible hospitality. Read more

Incredible hospitality.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect central location for exploring Madrid
Staff
The staff were so friendly and always available to address your needs and questions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2023
D
Dan W.
Mountain View, CA | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022
Great location on the Plaza Mayor (get a room with view of the Plaza). Rooms are charming but small. Read more

Great location on the Plaza Mayor (get a room with view of the Plaza). Rooms are charming but small.

Authenticity & Character
Location
view of the lovely, active plaza, but not too noisy
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2022
Gregory
Gregory J.
Tampa, FL | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2022
Great location! Read more

Great location!

Tips for future travelers

Please give more details on where to park.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2022