Madrid hotels: Hotel Gran Meliá Fénix *****

Rooms: 215 Suites: 16

Facilities: 2 restaurants, one buffet, one a la carte, piano bar, cafeteria, hairdresser, gym, broad-band Internet access from all rooms, business center, private carpark, meeting rooms.

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The Hotel Fenix is one of Madrid's best luxury hotels. Recently refurbished, the rooms are spacious, clean and tastefully decorated. They all have large televisions, a cd player and a large desk with Internet access for people who take their own laptop. There is an Executive floor with larger rooms, its own private check-in and bar and a more personalised service, on the 7th floor.

All of the staff, from reception to room service and chambermaids, are all very professional, child-friendly and kind. Reception staff speak excellent English and check-in and check-out is done quickly. The hotel has a permanent carparking service for guests who arrive with a car.

The hotel is as pricey as other 5-star hotels in Madrid (but not excessive compared to other luxury hotels in Madrid), but you may find a good weekend deal (prices are higher during the week as the hotel is a favourite with professionals who have travelled to Madrid on business). As in all other Melia hotels, companions of clients who have the Tarjeta Mas card (which is free) are not required to pay a supplement, even if they need an extra bed for a a child.

Strategically placed, the Fenix Hotel is next to the Plaza Colon, just a minute's walk away from Madrid's commercial and shopping district (c/ Serrano, Claudio Cuello, Goya, Vazquez) and looks out over the Paseo de la Castellana. The famous Retiro Park is just a twenty-minute walk away, and El Prado a little further on.