Hotel Francisco I, Madrid

Pros

• With such a prime location in the city's historic center, you can get nearly anywhere on foot. Five minutes in all directions will lead you to sites like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Gran Vía.
• You'll enjoy breakfast in the inner courtyard, which is open-air with a glass ceiling and feels a bit like a sunroom. 
• The lobby lounge features comfy seating and a bar serving coffee and drinks.
• On each floor, you'll find small little lounges to enjoy.
• Some rooms include a private terrace with outdoor furniture, and family rooms feature four beds and a retracting door to separate sleeping areas.

Cons

• The hotel doesn't have a restaurant or any other food service besides breakfast, though you'll be among several pedestrian streets lined with eateries.
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Authenticity

Location

Almost directly between the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol, the hotel sits on Calle del Arenal, a popular pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and tapas bars. Next door is the Church of Saint Genesius, and just around the corner is the one and only Chocolatería San Ginés, a must-stop for chocolate and churros. You'll also be within walking distance of sites like Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are bright and colorful, with some featuring historic elements like exposed brick, wood-beamed ceilings, arched windows, and iron balconies. Suites and family rooms offer a bit more space and seating areas, and deluxe top-floor rooms have private terraces. With some of the more standard options, the bathrooms feel outdated.

Other Highlights

Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet downstairs or opt for "breakfast in bed" with a morning delivery to your room. You'll find a spacious lounge with a bar on the ground floor, plus a few little lounges hidden in the corners of each floor. If you'd like to sleep in, you can checkout as late as 2:00 pm as long as there's availability.