This is the second part of a trip report of a two week trip to Madrid, Mallorca, Rioja and Barcelona.
Trip Report
- Flight From Orlando to Madrid on Lufthansa (LH)Â in First Class
- Westin, Madrid
- Hilton Sa Torre, Mallorca
- Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Mallorca
- Marques de Riscal, Elciego
- Hotel Arts (Ritz Carlton), Barcelona
Westin Madrid Check In
We took a taxi from the airport to the Westin Madrid and arrived in about 20 minutes. The bellman took our bags and we were directed to SPG preferred guest check in. I had booked a 3 night stay on points for a total of 36k SPG points. At check in we were upgraded to suite.
On the way from the airport
Hotel Exterior
Room
At check in we were upgraded to suite 503. I’ve included a picture of the floor plan which shows the rooms we had, 503 with the un-numbered room to the left. It was actually two rooms, a bedroom, a living room, and two full bathrooms with an entrance foyer. Waiting in the room for us was our welcome amenity, a bottle of Cava and fresh chocolates.
Welcome Amenity
Suite Entrance
View from the Balcony
Hotel
The hotel is within walking distance to major attractions (Prado, Reina Sofia, Retiro Park, Playa Major, etc). Here are a few pictures of the hotel and outside. On a side note, there is a Starbucks just outside the hotel. When we were there a business conference was going on, and a wedding reception was at the hotel, things were very busy but didn’t bother us one bit.
Reina Sofia Museum Courtyard
Bottom Line
This hotel was in a very central location and we were upgraded to a suite all for 36,000 Starwood points. Our first choice would have been the old Park Hyatt, but that is now the Villa Magna independent hotel. Overall a great start to a 2 week long trip in Spain. Keep an eye out for the next stop on our trip to the Hilton and Castillo San Vida on Mallorca.
How did you get upgraded to a suite when you paid in points. Whenever I book free nights with points at SPG hotels I am told no upgrades. I am Gold.
Usually they upgrade me as a Platinum based on availability. Sometimes the front desk person doesn’t recognize status, if that is the case I casually ask if they have any space available upgrades for Platinum members.