Westin Palace,Madrid.

[drron]

Presently staying at this hotel.Booked a standard room initially and on SPG noted a few weeks back that this had been upgraded to executive floor with free internet and breakfast.
At check in at the Gold/Platinum line the agent said the hotel was full especially the exec floor.I had visions of upgrade disappearing.He finally said I have a nice renovated corner room for you.It is on the first floor but you can keep your internet and breakfast privileges.As I knew breakfast was $A70+ this was good.
Up to the first floor.Our room had 2 doors-a good sign.Opening up and mrsdrrons jaw dropped.There was this large entry foyer with a small room to the left with a toilet and basin.Straight ahead was the dining room and entertainment area with a table for 6,lounge plus chairs and a huge plasma TV.To the left of this was a sitting room with work desk.Straight ahead was a very large bedroom and to the left a dressing room.There is a large marble bathroom and a separate room with shower and toilet.I love SPG.
This is an old hotel and the rooms reflect that.However a very clever mixture of the old and new which works very well.For example you have to look closely to see the windows are aluminium and double glazed so reasonably quiet.A small balcony overlooking the Plaza de Canova del Castilo and its fountain.Around the plaza we see the Ritz,the Prado and the Banco Espana.
We were very tired.Restaurants in Spain dont open till late so we ate in.The Hotel's restaurants opening at 8pm are amongst the earliest.Food is good but expensive.Pasta,venison,2 creme brulees,a glass of white wine and a beer came to E100.
Breakfast is good.A poor choice of cereals but fantastic fresh fruit.Freshly cooked eggs with reasonable other hot choices.Fantastic pastries.And for QF009 they offer a good spanish cava included in the buffet.
Thankfully the internet is free,otherwise it is E18.50 a day.
So if you have SPG status this is a great hotel to stay at.Probably best to get a rate that includes breakfast if you dont though I am sure not everyone is as lucky as I have been this time.

[Alanslegal]

Good review drron, any chances of posting some pics?

[drron]

Will try and post a link in 2-3 days.Our photos are too large to directly post-and even if some computer whiz told me how to do it I probably would be none the wiser.

[austrider]

Wow - sounds like your SPG Plat paid off big time!

I will be staying at this hotel for the first time in Dec 08 - without any SPG status. Will post a review here to balance the view (ie what you get without any status attached).

[Hawkeye]

That sounds truly amazing!!

There must be something about Spanish hotels - as a newly minted platinum last year, my wife and I were upgraded to an extraordinary suite on the top floor of Le Meridien Barcelona.

Similar to what you are describing, minus the dining area. Each room - the living room, bathroom, & bed room - were larger than most hotel rooms I had stayed in. Indeed the walk-in robe could easily have fit a king-size bed.

The views were outstanding (LM is located right on Las Ramblas) - essentially a 180 degree panorama taking in the Mediterranean, Las Ramblas, Catedral and the gothic quarter, and Montjuic.

Alas, it has spoilt my wife and I forever ... sigh!

[QF009]

Great review, drron. I am booked at the Westin Madrid for Feb so this is most helpful.

[thegurio]

Well done Drron... At least the hard work was worth it!

Like the others, would love to see photos.. Seeing as there probably isnt much of a chance i will be staying there soon!

[drron]

Lets see if I can do it.

[drron]

Well at least it is attached.That is a view of the dining room.Hopefully below will be attached photos of the hotel and our fruit bowl.I still cant get the other photos small enough to be uploaded here.So unfortunately that will have to be it until i can learn more.

[thegurio]

Try using a program called Irfanview. Fairly easy to use and self-explanatory. But great shots, obviously good weather over there!