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Room Mate Alba, Madrid

Charming boutique hotel in Madrid's Barrio de Las Letras, offering modern rooms, a speakeasy bar, and an extended breakfast buffet

Overview

Sleep in the most historic neighborhood in Madrid, the Literary Quarter, where you'll find an endless list of traditional tapas bars and restaurants. Room Mate Alba, opened in 2020, features a traditional Spanish facade exterior and a newly renovated, modern interior with antique charm and Art Deco stylings. The hotel offers exceptional value with beautiful rooms, a cozy lobby, and an extensive breakfast buffet. It's within walking distance of nearly everything, including Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and El Retiro Park.

Pros
  • You can easily walk to the city's main sites, including Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, El Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace.
  • The hotel serves an extensive breakfast buffet from 7 am to noon.
  • The fitness center is open 24/7. 
  • Relax in the cozy lobby lounge with sofas, large chairs, art, or the inner courtyard garden. 
  • The staff can provide a list of places to see, shop, and eat in the area.
Cons
  • The hotel doesn't have a restaurant (only a breakfast buffet).
  • There's no rooftop terrace on the property.
  • The hotel doesn't have a pool or spa.

Kimkim's Take

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

Authenticity

Staying in the Literary Quarter is quite the experience, especially on Calle de las Huertas, one of the best pedestrian streets in Madrid. You can enjoy a proper tapear (tapas walk) without leaving the street, as Las Huertas has some of the city's most traditional tapas bars. 

Location

Room Mate Alba has an exceptional location in the most historic part of the city (the Literary Quarter) with its abundance of tapas bars and shops. It's also within walking distance of numerous cultural sites. The hotel is nearly equidistant between El Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor, with Puerta del Sol just five minutes away. You'll also be a few blocks from Antón Martín Market, a great local spot. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Though this is a standard hotel option, the rooms at Mate Alba offer some luxury. Expect comfy beds, bold colors, and decorative tiling in spacious bathrooms. Standard amenities include minibars, rainfall showerheads, and striking black furniture with gold accents. Book a suite for extra comfort and space.

Amenities

The hotel's gym is open 24/7, offering exercise machines and free weights. Room Mate Alba is accessible and offers rooms for travelers with mobility limitations. The hotel doesn't have a rooftop terrace, spa, or pool, but there's a courtyard patio and a lounge with sofas where guests can relax.

Family-Friendliness

Kids up to age 11 stay for free at this hotel, and additional cots and cribs can be requested for younger children. Larger families will need to book several rooms, as all units host up to two people. Because of this, the hotel is more popular with couples than families. The hotel is stroller-friendly. 

Other Highlights

Enjoy a large and varied breakfast buffet in the morning, which lasts from 7 am until noon (ideal for those wanting to sleep in). Breakfast is served in the hotel's central courtyard and features a wide variety of Spanish and international dishes. The hotel also has a speakeasy-style bar open daily from 5 pm to midnight.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34 913995777
Hotel address icon Calle de las Huertas 16
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

2 total ratings, 1 with review
4.5 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.5
Location
4.5
Staff
4.5
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.5
A
Azadeh J.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 09, 2023
Great hotel! Really cool style and very helpful and friendly staff. Read more

Great hotel! Really cool style and very helpful and friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2023