Located on a busy street lined with a mix of historic and more contemporary structures, the Catalonia Puerta del Sol doesn’t stand out among other neighboring buildings from the outside. Step inside, however, and the vibe changes completely. The hotel is housed in an 18th-century palace that has been beautifully renovated, updating its interiors without eliminating all traces of the building’s rich history. The former carriage access has been transformed into the reception area, which has kept its ornate wall moldings and exposed stone finishes. An arched doorway opens onto a charming central courtyard decorated with large black shade sails and dark patio furniture with white and pink pillows. A glass roof makes it a good spot for drinks year-round, and there is a small, cute indoor bar area with warm lights and a quiet atmosphere. 

Although interiors have been updated throughout, some of the original architectural features remain, including a stunning wooden staircase with gorgeous wall moldings, herringbone floors, and old wrought-iron elevator doors. Most guests here are couples drawn by the hotel’s central location within walking distance of most major attractions, but this is also a convenient pick for business travelers, as it offers easy access to the financial area and to high-speed trains.

The hotel is located on a busy street lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. With plenty of small traditional businesses and bars, the area has a strong local feel, but its proximity to plenty of major historic attractions draws hundreds of tourists as well. Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, the Royal Palace, the cathedral and the Retiro Park are all within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. Three of the most important museums in Madrid -- including the Prado, the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia -- are also less than 15 minutes away. There are two metro stops within three blocks of the Catalonia Puerta el Sol. Express buses to the airport, and high-speed trains to Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, and other parts of Spain stop at Atocha train station, which is a 10-minute walk down the street. The airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 63 rooms, all clean and comfortable, and facing either the street or the central courtyard. Most still have classic decor in an earth tone palette with wooden floors, simple wooden furniture, and burgundy or brown accent walls. Renovated rooms have a fresher, more contemporary feel, with stylish white and silver striped wallpaper, white furniture with clean lines, and cute beige bed runners with a subdued flower design. The hotel is slowly rolling out its new rooms, but so far only a handful of rooms have been updated. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, hairdryers, and safes. All but standard rooms also have Nespresso machines, robes, and slippers. Air-conditioning is central and the temperature can be controlled from each room, but note that AC is only available seasonally (don't expect it before May). Although not the most stylish, bathrooms are clean and spacious, and have marble finishes, and shower/tub combos with glass screens. All rooms have double glazing, but street-facing units may get some traffic noise.

The hotel’s central courtyard has awnings for shade in the summer and radiant heating in the winter, and is a favorite among guests for a nightcap. It features comfy patio furniture and a soaring glass ceiling, and smoking is allowed. The adjacent bar area serves salads and sandwiches during the day, and local restaurants can deliver to the room, but the hotel lacks a full restaurant. A quality, varied buffet is served every morning in the breakfast room, including fresh orange juice, hot and cold items, egg dishes, and an array of gluten-free options. There is also one meeting room with natural light and audiovisual equipment. In-room massages and salon services are available on request.