Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton [In-depth Review]

I’m a big fan of Madrid. In fact, I’m a massive fan of Spain in general.

So, given that I never need an excuse to visit, I thought I’d swing by Madrid on my way to Barcelona and fly Iberia’s A350 from Heathrow to Madrid.

For this particular trip, I thought I’d stay a few nights in Madrid rather than just whiz through like I usually do.

I wanted to stay somewhere review-worthy, so when I stumbled across the Atocha Hotel Madrid and learned it was the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton property in Europe (having just opened in June 2021), it was a no-brainer that this would be where I’d stay.

Hotel Location

The name gives this hotel’s location away.

Located on Calle de Atocha, Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha main train station (Puerta de Atocha is to Madrid what Penn Station is to Manhattan).

I liked that the building’s façade stands inconspicuously between pharmacies and local stores, in keeping with its boutique roots.

By night, the hotel is lit just enough to help you locate it if you’re arriving late.

For extra security and peace of mind at night, there’s also a set of gates that can only be opened by the key of a hotel guest or by buzzing to reception.

Booking

Quite frankly, I was astonished by the prices of the rooms for the hotel.

Granted, the hotel is not slap-bang in the center of the action that comes with staying in Puerta del Sol, Chueca, or Malasaña, but I felt by no means that I was on the outskirts.

The El Atochal Penthouse suite is one of the best rooms in the hotel. The freestanding tub in the open-plan, loft-style room is just one of the features that make it so great.

For 3 nights in late September 2021 at the end of the summer season, I paid just $269 per night, which I booked in an instant in case it was some kind of mistake rate.

I booked an Honors Semi-Flex rate that did not include breakfast. No matter — as a perk of Hilton Honors Gold status, I was able to add it to my room every day without charge.

I have a feeling I lucked out with such a low rate. I’ve just checked the rates for the same room mid-week in March 2022 and it would cost considerably more at €328 (~$370) per night.

Alternatively, you could use points to book, though it’s not a good value. The Atochal Penthouse Suite will set you back an eye-watering 140,000 Honors Points per night — that’s the cash equivalent of $700 per night per our points valuations.

Hot Tip: Be sure to make your hotel bookings directly through the website of the hotel or hotel chain. This is a way of guaranteeing you’re eligible for the benefits linked to your loyalty status and that you’ll receive the points for your stay.

Checking In

I arrived at the hotel just before midnight, so I didn’t have to wait at all to be checked in.

I was right to expect no upgrade — I had bagged myself one of the best rooms in the house, after all (and for an absolute bargain I might add).

There’s also a cozy, modern seating area at reception should there be a line.

Amenities

Given the hotel’s newness, amenities were few and far between.

Fitness Options

There’s currently no gym, which is a bit of a letdown for those who like to keep fit while away. However, by way of a concept I’ve not previously seen, Atocha Hotel Madrid offers a King Five Feet to Fitness room that comprises a bike, pull up and stretch station, exercise mats, and medicine balls.

Tapestry Room

Downstairs by reception, the Tapestry Room is available to reserve for business meetings and the like.

Courtyard

There might not be a pool, but at least there’s outside space.

Turn right at reception to make the most of the modern courtyard. It made for a quiet place to work during the day and a cozy spot for a cocktail (or 2) by night.

Given the height of the buildings surrounding the courtyard, I don’t recall there being much direct sunlight.

I can imagine in the summer that’s a blessing in disguise, given the heat of the Madrid sun that cooks the city.

COVID-19 Protocols

In all the travels I’ve done during the pandemic, having to wear gloves at the breakfast buffet was a first for me.

To be honest, I didn’t mind it. And it does make sense given that any number of guests will use the same tongs and serving spoons.

Everything else you’d expect, like sanitizing stations and social distancing reminders, was also present throughout the hotel.

The Room

Room 403 — El Atochal Penthouse — is found by taking the elevator up to the fourth floor and hanging a right.

Welcome to room 403.

The Bedroom

The door of the room opens up into a small kitchen area complete with a dining table. Madrid restaurants are too good to miss, so I made use of the table as a desk during my stay.

The bright walls, light, and dark furnishings combined well with the use of more industrial-style materials, like the clothes storage area.

The cozy king bed was in the far left corner of the room.

The bedspread and wall hangings gave me chilled-out beach vibes.

The industrial-style bedside wall lamps made it onto my house decoration mood board.

At the end of the bed was a huge flat-screen TV attached to one of the room’s supporting posts.

Instead of a wardrobe, there was a storage and hanging area for clothes fashioned also by incorporating the room’s support posts. An interesting design feature for sure, though I’m not sure it would be everyone’s preference to have their clothes hanging gathering dust.

The open-plan space also comprised a small kitchenette.

I wrongly assumed that the small two-ring hob meant that the kitchen would have all the essentials required of functioning cooking space.

Instead, the cupboards were lacking in any kind of cooking utensils. It was no issue for me at all, as I wasn’t planning on making food in my room.

It just seems a bit of a waste of space if all that can be used is the fridge and sink.

The fake kitchenette made up for its lack of cooking utensils with its very useful (and essential) espresso machine and hot drink making area.

Not only were the coffee pods by Toscaf — a Spanish coffee supplier — and not Nespresso (largely overrated in my honest option), but the capsules were biodegradable. Love the investment in Spanish business and the environment here.

The stirrers and take-away coffee cups were also recyclable.

I liked that there were 2 master switches for the room, including one by the bed for when you dive under the sheets and realize you’ve left a light on somewhere.

And a master switch by the door so that you can save electricity by being sure that everything is turned off when you leave the room — another step in the right direction towards greener hotel stays.

Power outlets were plentiful around the room, including both USB and standard European ports by the bed. Yes, I’m fully aware my adaptor is ancient but it serves me well still (even though it does take up precious packing space).

As far as rooms with a view go, I liked the El Atochal Penthouse’s understated view of the lush green trees and cute Madrileño architecture across the street from the hotel.

These wicker chairs between the main living area and the bathroom were also cute.

And with that, it’s time to move on to the bathroom…

The Bathroom

I don’t even really like baths, but I’d be lying if I said this bathtub wasn’t one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in this room.

There’s just something so sexy about a freestanding bath in a hotel suite.

The pleasing aesthetic continued into the bathroom area.

Under the sleek white sink were a set of towels, 2 robes, and a hairdryer.

Here’s a shot of the bath basking in the afternoon sunlight.

One evening I did indeed make the most of the tub.

As well as the luxury bathing amenities, which were a lovely extra perk.

I appreciated that said amenities required their very own wicker display basket and weren’t just laid out willy-nilly.

I unpacked the contents like I would each item from a Christmas stocking.

There were 2 variants of loofah, a pumice stone for the feet, as well as a chunky circular bar of soap and 2 sachets of lotions.

The Lab Room sachets were a deluxe body and deluxe face cream.

Taking the attention away from the tub for a moment, the rest of the bathroom area is also worth writing home about.

The toilet room featured the most colorful and decorative design of the whole suite — an intricate floral number that almost felt wasted in the tiny toilet cubicle.

I was weirdly drawn to this wallpaper…

The spacious shower room featured the same matte black fittings as the rest of the room. I appreciated the consistency.

I enjoyed the aromas of The Lab Room shower lotions, shampoos, and gels. Most notable of all, however, is that despite this being a penthouse suite in a Hilton-owned property, the in-shower amenities were refillable rather than disposable miniatures.

It’s refreshing and did not take away from my stay at all.

You guessed it, the showerhead was matte black. Both the pressure and temperature were great.

Here’s another one of the bathroom area for you. I say bathroom “area” because the whole suite had an open floorplan. The only privacy in the bathroom was behind the shower or toilet room doors.

More amenities could be found at the sink.

Consistently aesthetically pleasing and consistently environmentally conscious. The vanity kit, shower caps, and dental kit were all encased in cardboard rather than plastic. Great work, Atocha Hotel Madrid.

Not forgetting the fruity-scented hand soap — also by The Lab Room, and also not in plastic packaging.

Food and Beverage

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Without eating (and copious amounts of coffee), I simply do not function.

I’m pleased to confirm that the breakfast served up in the Atocha 107 (the hotel’s only restaurant) at the Atocha Madrid Hotel hit the spot — for the most part.

As I mentioned earlier, breakfast wasn’t included in my rate, but I was eligible to eat for free every morning due to my Hilton Honors Gold status.

There were only ever a handful of guests in the restaurant each morning, which meant I could snag this little table for 2 in the corner by the window.

This is how the tables are set up for dinner in the evening.

I only ever saw 2 people dining at the restaurant in the evening as I passed by, so you’ll likely get a spot without any problem.

The restaurant’s bar acts as a center point to the room.

Here’s another of the restaurant at breakfast for you to get a better feel for the place.

Breakfast

Now it’s time to talk about the food.

I’ll get the not-so-nice part out of the way first.

I’m rather partial to a sausage or 2 while in Spain, but these particular salchichas were rather unappetizing.

I realize that Spanish cuisine involves a lot of olive oil, which could explain the greasy-looking sausages. For me, though, it was a bit too off-putting.

The greasy theme continued with the beans and bacon. Needless to say, I passed on these, too.

On my second morning, the situation had improved, at least for the bacon and beans.

It wouldn’t be a breakfast buffet without a selection of bread…

…and, of course, spreads.

And it wouldn’t be a Spanish breakfast buffet without olive oil. It’s just a shame it was served up in mini disposable bottles rather than a regular bottle to share. I understand that reducing contact is still a high priority while we continue to navigate the pandemic, but gloves were mandatory at the Atocha Hotel Madrid, and guests were using the same serving utensils to plate up their food.

If you’re wondering what the bowl of tomato soup-esque liquid is, it’s so can you make your own “pa amb tomaquet” — a popular Spanish tapas-style dish originating in Catalunya.

I didn’t notice any garlic cloves, but the usual first step is to scrape them on your toasted bread, followed by squeezing juicy salad tomatoes (or in this case, the bowl of pre-juiced tomatoes), and then a drizzle of olive oil to finish.

Continuing with the Spanish theme, there was a helping of “tortilla española” — or Spanish potato omelet — which can be eaten hot or cold.

Another breakfast buffet classic, a selection of cheese and cold cuts were there for the taking.

For those who like to start their day with a sweet treat, there was a variety of pastries, cookies, and cakes.

The sweet treat selection varied each day.

Churros for breakfast? Why not? I’m personally not a huge fan, but I know these would be the go-to breakfast treat for many.

For balance, there was also a variety of fresh and canned fruits. From apples to watermelon and fruit salad to canned pears.

And finally, cereal and natural yogurt were also on offer.

For breakfast beverages, there were fresh juices, water, and milk on ice.

I know you’re all dying to know what I ate each morning.

I started things off with a little bowl of fruit: sliced fresh nectarine (I think), and what I’m sure were canned pears.

For mains, I went for DIY eggs on toast. The scrambled eggs were available on request — as was the coffee.

The first morning when I was seated, I asked if I could have “un café doble” (a double espress0), to be told that I would be served regular drip coffee first before I was allowed to have a double espresso.

I thought that was strange but then came to the conclusion that the member of staff in charge of breakfast was rather militant in her running of the service, as a few minutes later she told me that I had to be seated to order my eggs and that I wasn’t able to request them as I passed her walking to the buffet.

It was really delicious if I do say so myself.

And for consistency, I also had the same on my second morning — this time with cheese.

Welcome Drink

At check-in, I was given a welcome drink token which could be redeemed for a soft drink, wine, beer, or one of the delicious house sangrias pictured below.

Sangria wouldn’t usually be my go-to, but when in Spain…

Before I move on, I must mention that I don’t recall there being a room service menu in the room, or in fact, an option for room service at all.

Service

I often find service in Spain to be rather lackluster. I put it down to there being no-tipping culture and that, more often than not, as a waiter or bartender, you’re likely to earn a salary rather than be paid hourly. At least I was when I did a summer working at a hotel rooftop bar.

That said, there was nothing wrong with the service I received at the Atocha Hotel Madrid — far from it. I’d be more inclined to say that there was nothing really special to comment about it. I’ll remember this hotel for the room — that’s for sure — but not for the encounters I had with the staff.

I usually like to use this section to give special thanks to the hotel staff who went over and above during my stay, but on this occasion, I didn’t interact with any staff members enough to even get their name, which is rare for me.

Hot Tip: For other options, check out these boutique hotels in Madrid.

Final Thoughts

Would I stay at the Atocha Hotel Madrid again? Absolutely.

I found the price I paid to stay in the hotel’s penthouse suite to be excellent value for money.

I liked the location, and the buffet breakfast selection would suit even the hardest of people to please.

I’d rather stay in a hotel with a gym, so if I were to head back to Madrid soon and the gym at the Atocha Hotel Madrid was still not finished, I’d probably stay somewhere else.

I enjoyed my time in Madrid, and the Atocha Hotel Madrid had an undeniable part to play in that.

My friend Chelsea also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with me in the hotel as you can see from the photo below…

I’d for sure be interested to check out other Tapestry Collection hotels in Europe, too. The Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon in Paris is now open and will be followed by The Samuel Ryder Hotel St. Albans in the U.K. (opening December 20, 2021), the Se Catedral Hotel Porto (opening February 14, 2022), and then Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees in Paris (opening April 11, 2022).