InterContinental Madrid Review: Ideal for Business Travelers, Not Leisure Seekers

Located in a prestigious area of Madrid, the InterContinental Madrid stands out as a symbol of luxury and hospitality amidst the city's flourishing high-end hotel landscape.

Originally constructed in 1953 on the site of a 19th-century palace, and designed by architect Luis Feduchi, the hotel strives to merge timeless elegance with contemporary style. But does it succeed?

Having lived in Madrid for two years during the 2010s and returning annually, I was eager to explore this new property in a city I know well. Continue reading to find out if this hotel is the right fit for your next trip to Spain's capital.

How to Reach InterContinental Madrid

Situated in the northern part of Madrid's Castellana neighborhood, the InterContinental Madrid, an IHG hotel, is located in one of the city’s most prestigious and upscale areas. Here, you'll find wide, tree-lined avenues, stunning architecture, luxury shops, fine dining, and renowned cultural venues. The hotel is located along Paseo de la Castellana, the city's main thoroughfare stretching from north to south.

This hotel is an excellent option if you want to indulge in Madrid's luxurious offerings in Barrio Salamanca, conduct business near the Nuevos Ministerios area, or attend events at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, all just a short walk away.

However, for those looking to be near major tourist attractions—like the Royal Palace, Sol, Gran Via, and Retiro Park—a more centrally located option, such as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz or Thompson, would be more suitable.

That said, Madrid boasts one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world, making it easy to navigate from this hotel. You're just a block away from the Gregorio Maranon and Ruben Dario subway stations, which can take you right to the city center. Additionally, frequent buses run along the avenue outside the hotel.

For airport transfers, I recommend using a taxi or ride-hailing service. This should cost around 30 euros ($34) each way and take between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. If you opt for public transport, you can catch the Line 8 train from Nuevos Ministerios, but be prepared for a lot of walking or a transfer where you’ll need to maneuver your luggage up and down escalators.

Reservation Information

A standard room typically costs around 70,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. Depending on your travel dates and the season, you may find rooms available for as low as 40,000 points or exceeding 100,000 points.

(Check out this tip for finding the cheapest dates. Also, IHG cardholders can enjoy their fourth night free on stays of four nights or longer.)

Room rates begin at 225 euros ($252), including taxes and fees, and can rise to 550 euros ($615) during peak periods. We recommend obtaining an IHG cobranded card for elite status benefits while also maximizing your rewards by using a general travel rewards card for payment.

If you hold an eligible American Express card, such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card, consider booking through The Hotel Collection (requires a minimum two-night stay). You'll enjoy:

• A complimentary room upgrade at check-in, subject to availability
• Up to $100 in experience credits for qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities
• Earn 2 or 5 points per dollar spent with your Gold or Platinum card, respectively, on prepaid bookings

Keep in mind that any incidentals must be paid for with an Amex card.

I reserved a three-night stay for July 2024 via The Hotel Collection for $864. This booking qualified for the $200 prepaid hotel credit on my Amex Platinum (which can also be applied to Fine Hotels + Resorts stays). I also utilized a third-night-free promotion through The Hotel Collection.

Six weeks prior to my stay, I emailed the hotel to add my IHG One Rewards member number to my reservation and to request an early check-in. Although properties under The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts aren't obliged to honor elite status for these bookings, it’s worth asking.

After arriving on Iberia's nonstop flight from Chicago at 7:30 a.m., I reached the hotel lobby by 9 a.m. The welcoming reception agent presented me with a welcome pack, acknowledging both my The Hotel Collection and IHG Platinum status benefits. Most perks overlapped, except for the 600 bonus welcome points due to my IHG status.

I was informed of a one-hour wait for my room, so I opted to work from the serene hotel lobby. A quick update would have been appreciated, as the wait ultimately extended by 20 minutes. Nevertheless, I was grateful to access my room at 10:20 a.m.—over four hours before the official 3 p.m. check-in.

When reserving a stay at InterContinental Madrid, it’s advisable to use one of the credit cards that maximize points for IHG stays and one that may offer automatic IHG One Rewards elite status for added benefits. These include:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, along with automatic Platinum Elite status.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Earn 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, plus automatic Platinum Elite status.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Earn 5 points for each dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, along with automatic Silver Elite status.

Key Features

• Extremely comfortable bed
• Peaceful and serene environment
• Stylish and sophisticated design
• Cordial and attentive service
• High-speed Wi-Fi access

Cons

• Less convenient location for most tourists
• Uninspiring and bland food options
• Outdated furnishings

The Atmosphere

The InterContinental Madrid exudes a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. Its timeless charm fosters a refined setting. Guests can anticipate traditional decor, exceptional service, and a luxurious environment throughout the hotel.

The overall experience embodies a subtle luxury and comfort, ideal for those desiring a classy yet inviting atmosphere. However, travelers seeking a more modern, cosmopolitan, and youthful vibe may find the property a bit stuffy and outdated.

The Accommodation

Don't judge a book by its cover. From the photos I saw on review sites, I had low expectations for the hotel rooms, as they appeared quite dated. To my surprise, the traditional decor felt warm and inviting during my stay.

I received an upgrade to a spacious premium room with a king bed. Although it was located on a club floor, I did not have access to club amenities. The living area included a cozy sofa and armchair.

This was among the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve ever experienced. The four large, soft pillows and cozy yet breathable linens made for a perfect night’s sleep. The spacious bed allowed me to stretch out comfortably—especially as a solo traveler—and I appreciated its distance from the door, which minimized hallway noise.

The spacious bathroom boasted a double vanity, a bathtub, and a separate toilet equipped with a bidet. However, the hotel fell short with the shower, which felt cramped and would benefit from a wider screen to prevent water from pooling on the floor.

The benefit of my interior-view room was its distance from the hustle and bustle of the main street, allowing me to open the windows for a breath of fresh air. The downside? The view left much to be desired.

The TV could be pulled out, making it convenient to watch from either the bed or couch. Seeing my name displayed was a nice touch, though a "Mr." before my surname would have been more fitting.

It was my first experience with such an old-fashioned air conditioning unit. I had low hopes for its performance — a frequent concern for Americans visiting Europe — but surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the most efficient AC units I encountered throughout my five-week summer trip to Europe.

The minibar prices were a bit steep yet somewhat fair, and I appreciated the transparent pricing. Just a heads-up: moving the items activates the billing sensor. I went to the supermarket for drinks and yogurt to stock the fridge, which led to some adjustments on my checkout bill.

Make sure to pack a power adapter, as the sockets only accommodate European plugs.

A basic espresso machine was a lifesaver for an afternoon pick-me-up to combat my jet lag, and the staff consistently restocked the coffee pods each day.

The delightful lemon meringue tart and a selection of macarons left by housekeeping on my second and third days were a lovely surprise.

Despite the telephone resembling something from the 1980s, the Wi-Fi in my room and throughout the hotel was dependable, offering impressive speeds of 130 Mbps, which made working here a breeze.

While this hotel is situated in a nice area of a city known for its low crime rates, it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing safety. Anyone can access the hotel, take the elevator, and reach your floor without needing a keycard. The doors lack deadbolts or additional locks.

Food and drink

After a refreshing two-hour nap upon my arrival, I set out for an evening walk around the neighborhood to soak in some sunlight before returning to dine at the hotel's sole restaurant, El Jardin. To my surprise, I was the only guest at 10 p.m. on a summer weeknight — not that I minded.

As I relaxed in the warm summer evening beneath a large umbrella, my jet lag faded away. The gentle mist kept me cool while I enjoyed the soothing sounds of waterfalls and water features amidst the lush greenery of the restaurant.

This restaurant offers traditional Spanish cuisine. Keep in mind that dining hours in Spain are later than those in the U.S. Lunch is served from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and dinner from 8 to 11 p.m. on-site. A Sunday brunch runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. (except in August when many Madrilenos vacation at the coast) and costs 94 euros ($105) per person.

Starters are priced around 18 euros ($20), while main courses are approximately 35 euros ($39).

I found the food disappointing and lacking in flavor. Initially, I thought my dinner was a fluke, but I had the same uninspired experience during two breakfasts and one lunch at the hotel.

I understand that Spanish cuisine is often simpler in preparation, emphasizing ingredient quality to enhance flavor. Unfortunately, the dishes here fell flat; the muted taste meant nothing really stood out.

For this dinner, I opted for cod, a highly favored fish in Spain, served with artichokes in a sauce typical of the northern Basque region (20 euros, or $22). I accompanied it with a robust 2020 Rioja red wine (8 euros, or $9), followed by a lackluster fish dish with potatoes (31 euros, or $35).

The following day, lunch consisted of a set menu priced at 42 euros ($47).

Once again, I settled outside with a refreshing glass of white albariño wine to begin my evening.

I began with a Caprese salad, moved on to grilled squid with rice as my main course, and concluded with cheesecake. While the outdoor setting was calm and enjoyable, the food itself was quite forgettable.

A buffet breakfast is available for 32 euros ($36) per person, served daily from 7 to 11 a.m. Guests can choose from three seating options: outdoors for a peaceful experience, the atrium for proximity to the food, or indoors for overflow when it's busy.

Breakfast favorites include the Spanish omelet, Iberian and serrano hams, a variety of Spanish cheeses, and churros.

Here’s the complete array of offerings, which meets the expectations of a luxury hotel anywhere in the world.

On my last day, I opted for a different (and more affordable) option: I strolled two minutes to a nearby cafe for breakfast. With a Google Maps rating of 4.6, it was bustling with locals.

For just 7 euros ($8), I enjoyed a generous portion of Spanish omelet, accompanied by a slice of white bread, coffee, and orange juice.

What are the advantages of this approach? It saves you money, lets you explore your surroundings, and provides a deeper understanding of local culture. The downsides include potential language barriers and a lower likelihood of accommodating special dietary needs.

The bar operates daily from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m., with terrace drinks available from 8 p.m. until closing time.

Amenities and service

The service was consistently professional and attentive during my 72-hour stay at the hotel. While I mostly spoke Spanish, some staff members naturally engaged with me in English, demonstrating their proficiency in the language.

The 24-hour fitness center is fairly typical, equipped with strength machines, free weights, and cardio equipment — but don't anticipate any high-end Pelotons here.

That said, there is a sauna available in both the men's and women's changing rooms.

The wellness spa features a very limited selection of treatments, including massages and facials, starting at 145 euros ($162). Please note that it is closed on Sundays.

An old-fashioned business center operates 24 hours, providing access to computers and printers.

The Club Lounge welcomes eligible guests daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It offers private breakfast, appetizers, snacks, and drinks throughout the day, along with ironing services and a 10% discount at the restaurant.

Pet owners are allowed to bring one pet per room (weighing a maximum of eight kilograms) for a daily fee of 40 euros ($45) plus tax, along with a 250 euro ($280) deposit. Pets will receive a small bed, two bowls, and a cookie; however, they are not permitted in the hotel's public areas.

Accessibility

The hotel entrance, lobby restrooms, and restaurant are designed to be wheelchair-accessible.

There are two guest rooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, featuring amenities such as grab bars, portable bathtub seats, handheld showers with hoses, built-in transfer shower seats, handrails, and accessible bathroom controls.

Guests with hearing impairments can utilize visual alarms and vibrating pillows.

Guests with vision impairments can find emergency instructions in 14-point print, braille signage in elevators and public areas, and audible alarms in hallways.

For more information, visit the InterContinental Madrid's accessibility page.

Checking out

One of the highlights of Madrid is its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. As a visitor for the past fifteen years, I would argue that this is the city's main draw, especially since it lacks the architectural wonders of Barcelona and the breathtaking coastlines of the Costa del Sol.

Regrettably, the InterContinental Madrid doesn't quite meet the high standards set by the city's reputation, as its dining options leave much to be desired. Perhaps that's why I was the only guest eating there on my first night at the hotel.

Aside from the dining options, this hotel offers good value compared to other luxury accommodations in the city—especially if you can take advantage of The Hotel Collection perks as an American Express cardholder. You'll find a comfortable bed, a peaceful neighborhood, and welcoming service.

The hotel's location, situated outside the city center, is more suitable for business travelers. Conversely, if you're visiting Madrid for leisure, consider alternatives that are closer to the attractions you want to experience in the Spanish capital.