Arrival/Check-In: I was navigating the Metro from the airport and was slightly concerned about finding my way to the hotel from the Gregorio Marañón station, especially given the early-morning hour and my groggy state from my overnight flight. To my pleasant surprise, I walked up the station steps and the hotel stood before me. Given the pre-dawn time, the lobby was quiet and empty. Reception directed me to the fifth-floor Royal Club for a private check-in.

Guest Quarters: Royal Club guests enjoy a number of perks in addition to the exclusive check-in. Other benefits included a welcome tray of Cava and snacks, complimentary breakfast daily, afternoon snacks and beverages, complimentary WiFi and one complimentary shoe shine.

I was traveling with one of my best friends, and our suite was more than ample for both of us and all our stuff. Upon entering a small foyer, we turned left into a living area with a couch, an armchair and a coffee table. A desk was tucked in the corner, and a rotating TV sat atop a dresser, separating the living area from the beds. Two double beds next to each other and flanked by nightstands provided a peaceful night’s sleep. A closet/dressing area was tucked off the bedroom. The large marble bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower.

Thankfully, we had early check-in as we were about four hours out from anything being open in Madrid. After an overnight flight, we were happy to collapse in the inviting beds for a few hours of sleep before starting our day.

Services/Amenities: I had a jam-packed schedule, so aside from the complimentary breakfast and afternoon snacks offered at Royal Club, which were quite good, I did not have the opportunity to dine at the property. However, there are plenty of on-site options, including Restaurante Arco, serving a breakfast buffet; El Jardín del Miguel Ángel’s alfresco dining; the lobby bar; and Restaurant M29.

The fitness center, pool and spa are amenities to make time for, as five minutes into a workout or a swim one could easily forget one is at a hotel. State-of-the-art equipment and offerings and ample space easily rival any membership gym.

The Royal Club’s concierge/check-in staff were exceedingly helpful, assisting with dinner reservations and offering suggestions whenever we inquired. Additionally, they were always quick with a greeting whenever we entered or exited. I can say the same for the staff encountered in the hotel’s main lobby.

The Experience: Located next to a Metro station, the Occidental San Miguel Ángel is the perfect place to stay in Madrid — conveniently located for accessibility but away from all the overcrowding and hoopla found in the city center, with a bit more peace and quiet. From here, my trip to the Spanish capital was simply perfect.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Occidental San Miguel Ángel Madrid

Miguel Ángel 29-31
28010, Madrid, Spain
tel 34 91 442 00 22
occidentalhotels.com