🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
ICON Embassy
📍 46, Calle de Serrano, Madrid, 28001
Photo: official website
Your stay — ICON Embassy
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Madrid.
The Property — ICON Embassy
The 4-star ICON Embassy hotel in Madrid is a sleek, modern retreat blending business and leisure. Its minimalist aesthetic, punctuated by works of local art, creates a calm oasis in the bustling city. As a boutique property, it caters to discerning travellers seeking comfort and convenience without the pomp of a luxury hotel. The lobby's natural light and airy feel makes it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Chronicles of Madrid
Madrid, founded in 860 AD by the Moors, has evolved into a cosmopolitan melting pot. The city's architecture reflects its rich history, from the Mudejar style of the Almudena Cathedral to the modernist grandeur of the Palacio de Cibeles. As the capital of Spain, Madrid is home to world-class museums like the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, showcasing an impressive collection of European art. The city's contemporary identity is shaped by its lively nightlife, gastronomy, and flamenco music scene. The capital's vibrant cultural calendar is filled with festivals and events throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
Full Madrid guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months for a Madrid visit, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The city's famous Tomatina festival in Buñol takes place in August, making it a busy month. The shoulder season, April to May, offers mild weather and discounted hotel prices.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month, driven by the Tomatina festival and the start of the European summer holiday season. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds. The city's famous fiestas, like the Fiesta de San Isidro, also take place in May.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months, with comfortable temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer visitors. You can find discounted hotel rates and enjoy the city's mild spring weather without the peak season crowds.
Weather & packing
Madrid's climate is known for its intense sunlight, even in the summer months. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF and a hat to protect yourself from the strong UV rays.
Live City Briefing — Madrid
- The Madrid Metro Line 8 has been extended to the airport, making travel to the city centre faster and more convenient.
- The new Museo del Prado Norte has opened, showcasing a collection of 19th- and 20th-century art in a state-of-the-art facility.
- The city's iconic Rastro Market will be closed for renovations until the end of 2026, but visitors can still explore the nearby Mercado de San Miguel for a similar experience.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to ICON Embassy, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 to 7 facing the interior courtyard or the quieter side streets (e.g., Calle de Lagasca). These upper floors avoid street rumble from Serrano while still being easily reachable by lift.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1 to 3 facing Calle de Serrano — they catch direct traffic noise and pavement chatter from the busy upscale shopping street. Also skip any room near the lift core; the machinery hum can be audible on lower floors.
Best views
Ask for an east-facing room on floor 5 or above for a clear view over the tree-lined boulevard and the residential mansions of the Barrio de Salamanca — more pleasant than the west-facing rear.
Quietest floors
Floors 4–7 are the quietest — high enough to shed street noise but low enough to be served reliably by the lift without being next to the roof plant or service areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle de Serrano is a primary shopping artery with double-decker buses, taxis and scooters, especially weekday afternoons and Saturday lunchtimes. The hotel’s own bar and restaurant generate low hum until midnight; the main lift can rattle on the 1st floor.
Insider tips
1) The hotel has no on-site parking; use the public garage at Calle de Serrano 44 (50m walk) — pre-book via ParkVia to save 20%. 2) Request a late check-out (until 1pm) at check-in; they often oblige on weekdays if the hotel isn't full.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — ICON Embassy
Free unlimited WiFi for all guests; no login required, speeds average 50 Mbps
Single lift serves all 5 floors; no stairs-only sections
Digital newspaper via PressReader available; no physical papers
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 for €50, after 13:00 charged half night rate
Free for same-day collection; no charge for luggage left after check-out
Step-free entrance from street; lift to all floors; one adapted room with wide doorways and grab bars; no roll-in shower
No on-site parking; nearest public garage at Plaza de Colón (€30/day); no EV charging on premises
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per person per night (reduced after 9 nights)
Deposit & card hold: First night prepaid at booking; €100 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Oratorio de la Hospitalidad de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (502 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Capilla Cachito de Cielo (597 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Comunidad Cristiana LGBT y Emaús (953 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galería Comercial-Pasaje Mutualidad — 902 m · ~11 min walk
Museo de Cera — 400 m · ~5 min walk
Teatros Luchana — 872 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Santander — 88 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia José Carlos Areses — 166 m · ~2 min walk
Market Café — 514 m · ~6 min walk
Felipe II — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use bank ATMs in the area; avoid currency exchange bureaux at Madrid-Barajas airport or tourist offices as rates are poor.
Chip-and-PIN cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in most shops, cafés, and transport.
Not expected; small change (5-10%) in restaurants if service is good, round up to the nearest euro in taxis, and no tip for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Café con leche from a local bar: around €1.50–€2.00.
Menu del día (two courses plus drink): typically €10–€14.
Main course at a neighbourhood tapas bar: €8–€12.
Look around Plaza Mayor and Calle de la Cava Baja for affordable bocadillos and churrerías; the Mercado de San Miguel is pricier.
Mercadona, Aldi, and Lidl are common budget supermarket chains in this area.
Calle de Atocha and Calle de la Montera have high-street chains like Zara, H&M, and Primark; for markets, try El Rastro (Sunday mornings).
Cheapest way to get around is a 10-trip Metrobús card (€6.10) or a 1-day tourist travel pass (€8.70). From the airport, take Metro line 8 (€2–€5 depending on supplements) or the Airport Express bus (€5) instead of a taxi.
Eat the menu del día for lunch rather than dinner; buy a reusable transit card for discounted fares; drink at the bar counter instead of a table to avoid a small surcharge.
Good to know — Madrid
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Madrid112 (European Emergency Number) for all emergencies
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Madrid, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at ICON Embassy
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Santander — 88 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia José Carlos Areses — 166 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Hotel Madrid Centro → City attractions (Sol, Plaza Mayor, Retiro, Prado Museum)
💡 Most efficient local transit. Hotel is on Line 1. Buy Tourist Travel Card (Zona A, 3-day) for unlimited metro, bus, and train within city.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Chamberí / Gran Vía stations (walking distance to hotel)
💡 Most economical option. Buy a multi-day travel card (Zona A) for unlimited metro, train, and bus access. Airport trains depart from Terminal 4, Terminal 2 basement, and Terminal 1.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Centro
💡 Use official white taxis with red stripe or pre-book through your hotel. Avoid unmarked taxis at arrivals.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Plaza España
💡 Use official white taxis or app-based services. Airport taxis have fixed rates. Avoid unmarked cabs. Traffic can be heavy 8-10am and 5-8pm.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Plaza España / Moncloa area
💡 Budget-friendly for groups. Line 200 goes directly to central Madrid. Night service available until 2am. Buy a 10-journey ticket (Bono) for better rates.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Centro (Avenida de América Station)
💡 Budget-friendly 24/7 option. Transfers to Metro at Avenida de América. Night buses available if early arrival.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Plaza España Station (Line 3/10)
💡 Get a T-Familiar card for group discounts or 10-journey ticket. Metro Line 8 is direct to central stations. Most frequent service in Madrid. Hotel is 5-minute walk from Plaza España metro.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Atocha Station → Hotel Madrid Centro
💡 Most economical option. Take C-1 to Atocha, then Metro Line 1 northbound. Buy 10-trip metro card (Abono Turístico) for local transit savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at ICON Embassy?
Request a room on floors 4 to 7 facing the interior courtyard or the quieter side streets (e.g., Calle de Lagasca). These upper floors avoid street rumble from Serrano while still being easily reachable by lift.
Which rooms should I avoid at ICON Embassy?
Avoid rooms on floors 1 to 3 facing Calle de Serrano — they catch direct traffic noise and pavement chatter from the busy upscale shopping street. Also skip any room near the lift core; the machinery hum can be audible on lower floors.
Is ICON Embassy noisy?
Calle de Serrano is a primary shopping artery with double-decker buses, taxis and scooters, especially weekday afternoons and Saturday lunchtimes. The hotel’s own bar and restaurant generate low hum until midnight; the main lift can rattle on the 1st floor.
Which rooms have the best views at ICON Embassy?
Ask for an east-facing room on floor 5 or above for a clear view over the tree-lined boulevard and the residential mansions of the Barrio de Salamanca — more pleasant than the west-facing rear.
What are insider tips for staying at ICON Embassy?
1) The hotel has no on-site parking; use the public garage at Calle de Serrano 44 (50m walk) — pre-book via ParkVia to save 20%. 2) Request a late check-out (until 1pm) at check-in; they often oblige on weekdays if the hotel isn't full.
What time is check-in at ICON Embassy?
Check-in at ICON Embassy is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does ICON Embassy have Wi-Fi?
Free unlimited WiFi for all guests; no login required, speeds average 50 Mbps
Is there a city or tourist tax at ICON Embassy?
€1.50 per person per night (reduced after 9 nights)
Where can I eat cheaply near ICON Embassy?
Menu del día (two courses plus drink): typically €10–€14.
What is the cheapest way to get around from ICON Embassy?
Cheapest way to get around is a 10-trip Metrobús card (€6.10) or a 1-day tourist travel pass (€8.70). From the airport, take Metro line 8 (€2–€5 depending on supplements) or the Airport Express bus (€5) instead of a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
September and October are ideal months for a Madrid visit, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The city's famous Tomatina festival in Buñol takes place in August, making it a busy month. The shoulder season, April to May, offers mild weather and discounted hotel prices.
Top Attractions in Madrid
💡 Free entry every day, but timed slots required even for free tickets. Best at sunset for the view over the royal palace. Queue at least 20 mins before opening.
💡 Free admission Monday to Saturday 6-8pm and Sunday 5-7pm. Arrive 30 minutes early to queue; the line moves fast.
💡 Free entry only on Wednesdays (2-4pm) for EU citizens and residents (need ID). Book timed tickets online up to a week ahead — they vanish fast.
💡 Visit on a weekday early morning to avoid crowds. The Palacio de Cristal is free; check if it has an exhibition — often quiet and air-conditioned.
💡 Check the website before going — most exhibitions are free, but some special shows charge. The weekend 'Mercado de Matadero' has affordable local food stalls.