Riu Plaza Espana

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4327 reviews

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  Tried to have a rooftop experience… FAILED!

  My family and I were looking for a rooftop spot to watch the sunset, and we were told that the Riu offered a great view with good drinks. While that may be true, the overall experience felt like a complete money grab.   We were charged 10 euros per person just to access the rooftop. Based on the recommendation, I was willing to pay, expecting a worthwhile experience. However, once we reached the top, we discovered there was a queue for seating that we were not informed about beforehand. The wait for a seat was over an hour.   While we were able to walk around and take photos, our goal was to sit down, enjoy a drink, and watch the sunset. Unfortunately, that was not possible. We ended up going down a level for a drink, but by then the sun had already set.   The staff was friendly, but the lack of transparency is unacceptable. There should be clear communication before charging guests, especially regarding wait times for rooftop seating.   This was a disappointing way to spend our last night in Spain. Experiences like this are one of the many reasons I typically avoid staying at RIU hotels.

  Apr 13, 2026
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  My first visit

  It was our first time in Madrid. Hotel Staff was friendly but not consistent. AC didn't work for a couple days. Room cleanliness could focus more on detail areas such as showers, i found hair ( not ours ) when we checked in and it remained there for 3 days - until i cleaned it myself. Door men can also be more helpful and assist Guests with their luggage when they see them. Due to the Hotel size - Elevators can take a while during rush hours. great location and all and all a good Hotel if you do not care much for amenities.

  Apr 13, 2026
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  Great part of my Madrid experience!

  We got recommended by a friend to stay at Hotel Riu Plaza Espana and did not regret it. + Plus experience: From the booking experience online, with the ability to chose the room prior to arrival, the ease with check in, the big, full breakfast buffet (though noisy, as usual when a lot of people are in the same room with high ceiling.) The nice 360 rooftop bar with excellent view from the 26th and 27th floor. The friendly, professional staff was also a great part of the experience. - Minus experience: Not really so much minus, only a reflection I have about the hotel not being consistent, why I write this as constructive critisism to the hotel. - Towels in bathroom: The hotel has small signs in the bathroom that they are involved in saving water and environment. If the guest want to use the towels for more than once, the text says to hang them on the "towel rack/rail". There was only a small towel rack/rail at the side of the basin, but no towel racks/rails for the big, heavy when wet, bath towels. In room 1645 - for two persons - there was only one (1) know to hang the towel. In the smaller room 1644 - also for two persons - there was two knobs to hang the towel on. Hanging on knobs will not allow the towel to dry properly since it's not spread out. Also, I did hang the bath towel on the knob and the smaller towel on the towel rack by the basin, but housekeeping still did change them, she did not follow the above said directions. All in all - I think the hotel should be consistent in their message and set up proper towel racks/rails in all rooms. - Breakfast buffet logistics a bit chaotic: Since people come from two directions - the two breakfast seating areas are on opposite side of the buffet area - it is a lot of cross paths risking people to crash into each other with hot drinks and plates full of food. The hotel should consider a solution where to have to exactly same buffet set-ups on each side, separated by a main rope in the middle. Each buffet side should also be separated by a rope to have people do a u-turn back to the seating area they have, so people will be in a line taking food (and not just cross tackle others when reaching for something) and going back with the food to the seating, not crashing into each other. I think this would give a more calm environment. Perhaps the breakfast has to be extended to 11.00 to accomondate the change, but the gain will be a nicer breakfast experience for all. As information: The space by the elevators at floor 4, where the breakfast is, is very narrow and gets easily crowded. The above could be seen as a petty things, but these kind of inconsistency I find annoying. My rating 3 for rooms is based on the fact that the price for room 1644 and 1645 was the same, despite that room 1644 was significally smaller with just a small window. The hotel states it to be the same standard - yes, it is - but the comfort is lower in room 1644 since it is smaller/tighter to move around in. Overall we had a great stay and a lovely time in beautiful Madrid.

  Apr 13, 2026
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  Will definitely stay again!

  From the moment I checked in, to the breakfast buffet to the roof top bar, everything was exceptional. Will absolutely stay there again.

  Apr 10, 2026
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  City break with friends & family

  From the moment the porter opened the door we had a delightful experience. The staff on reception so helpful. Breakfast was superb. Roof terrace a must. I could not recommend this hotel highly enough. Super thank you.

  Apr 04, 2026