At only 26 rooms, the small size of the Hotel Madrid makes it an intimate choice, even if this is -- at core -- a simple budget option. It's a bit old school, with a country villa-inspired style that starts in the lobby, with its wood floors, overstuffed sofas, and Italian touches like the Botticelli reproduction on the wall. This isn't really the kind of place where guests hang about lounging all day, though there are pleasant enough spots for that, too. The rooftop terrace with views to St. Peter's Basilica is a highlight and a great place for afternoon tea. Potted plants and flowers give it a garden-like charm. Couples are the most frequent guests here, drawn to its free breakfast, reasonable room rates, and choice location a short walk from the Spanish Steps and the metro. 

Hotel Madrid is in Rome's historic center, on a quiet cobblestone side street. This is a prime area for shopping, and the luxury shops of both Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso are within a three-minute walk. The Spanish Steps and Spagna Metro station are also three minutes away on foot. The location is great for access to attractions: Trevi Fountain is a five-minute walk; the Pantheon is 10 minutes away on foot; and Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum are all about 15 minutes away by a combination of bus and walking. The hotel is 10 minutes by car from Termini Station, or a 15-minute trip using the metro. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Hotel Madrid, or about 40 minutes by train from Termini. 

Rooms and suites are simple and a little dated, with basic wooden furniture and a few dashes of burnt oranges and reds perking things up. The mottled, antiqued walls don't do add any contemporary appeal, but all rooms are clean and well-kept -- important factors for travelers who will likely use this place as a base to sleep and little else. The hotel is in a quiet area, which is a big pro that's enhanced by black-out curtains and double-glazed windows. Unfortunately, there are more than a few grumbles from previous guests about the hard mattresses. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs come standard, but at 22 inches some are a bit small or situated at odd angles relative to the beds. Some rooms have minibars, but all lack electric kettles for instant coffee and tea. Suites come with two TVs and a living room, and are the best options for families. Bathrooms include hairdryers, bidets, and showers, and some feature bathtubs. Smoking rooms are available at the hotel.

As a small hotel, the Madrid has few facilities. Its key feature is a free breakfast buffet with a good range of hot and cold fare, including Italian items like maritozzi (sweet leavened buns) and bruschetta. The rooftop terrace setting -- with glimpses of St. Peter's Basilica off in the distance -- only adds to the experience. A free afternoon tea with hot drinks and cakes and is served here as well, though lunch and dinner aren't available. The hotel would benefit from a better bar, as it only offers a selection of liquors behind the reception desk, which operates 24 hours a day. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.