Apart-Hotel Serrano Recoletos - A Home Away from Home

It's in the centre!

Tucked in the Salamanca district of Madrid is Apart-Hotel Serrano Recoletos offering a quiet abode and a safe place for a good night sleep. It is away from the bustling sound of the busy city and yet so centrally located that everything is just a stone’s throw away. It strikes the right balance of comfort, convenience and good value for money. It is newly-renovated so there is a modern touch and fresh clean look. It has timber flooring which adds to the homey feel.

This gem has 132 non-smoking self-catering apartments, spread over four floors, equipped with TV, built-in kitchen hob & stove top, refrigerator, microwave oven, cooking pots & pans, dining utensils. The room is cleaned every day and if needed towels are replaced and toiletries are replenished. The airconditioning unit is very, very efficient. The property also has a coin-operated laundry in a common area which comes in very handy for extended stays.

How to get there

When arriving at Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport Terminal 4, take either the Cercanias Renfe (commuter train) with either route C7 bound for Alcalá de Henares or C1 bound for Principe Pio. Alight at Recoletos station and take the Calle Villanueva exit. The apartment is 130 metres from the station, just next to the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library of Spain).

From Terminals 1, 2, and 3, take the Madrid Metro and alight at the Retiro station. The apartment is 550 meters from Retiro. Alternatively, take the free shuttle bus to transfer from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to Terminal 4 and board the Cercanias Renfe.

From the main districts of the city such as Sol and Gran Via, Bus No. 53 plys the route in minutes interval. Take the Biblioteca Nacional stop.

The fare ranges from 1.50 EUR (1.70 USD) to 1.70 EUR (1.90 USD) per ride. There is a supplement when arriving from or going to the airport.

Where to eat

While the apartment does not operate an in-house restaurant, it has a small coffee shop by the reception area selling coffee and some pastries. There is also an in-room delivery service with their partner restaurant. Just around the corner, there are a number of dining places such as: New York Burger, El Barril de Recoletos, MasQMenos. Otherwise, head to Sol or Plaza Mayor for a more Spanish tapas experience.

The apartment does not have coffee-making facilities. I’ve been to a number of hotels in Madrid and never did I find instant coffee in the room. Spaniards are not instant coffee drinkers. Freshly brewed coffee is the magic word!

What's in and around the area

Within three minutes walk from the apartment is the Plaza de Colón, a famous landmark with a monument erected in honour of Cristóbal Colón. Known to many as Christopher Columbus, he discovered America under the rule and support of the Spanish monarchs. His Spanish name is Cristóbal Colón, and thus the name given to the plaza. In the same direction, a further ten-minute walk will take you to the shopping district, Calle Goya which is lined with high-end and luxurious brands. You can hop on Bus No. 53 to get back to the apartment.

Going to the opposite direction, a ten-minute walk will bring you to El Retiro Park (Park of the Pleasant Retreat). Take a stroll in this park and go inside the Crystal Palace which houses exotic plants and some art exhibits. The park is a lovely place to celebrate the beauty of autumn. Don’t miss the the Puerta de Alcala, just in front of the park as you cross the street. The landmark often appears in souvenier postcards!

Extend your walking prowess for another five minutes and you will be rewarded with a great view of gigantic Madrid City Hall! Further walking will take you to Sol and Gran Via. But then again, Bus No. 53 is always an option.

How to say 'thank you'

Spain brought Catholicism in many parts of the world. Thus, it is not surprising to find churches in every corner of Madrid. If you are a Catholic, visiting a church and attending a mass service is a heart-warming moment. It is a way of saying ‘thanks for this chance to be here’. Whatever denomination we come from, there is so much to see in these beautiful Madrid churches beyond religion. Take time to enjoy the history and the intricate details that go into each piece of art. See the sculptures, the paintings and the adorned side chapels. It is like walking into a free exhibit of architectural work.

During our stay, we visited the Holy Spirit Church which is just a block away at No. 125 Calle Serrano and the Church of Santa Barbara which is a five-minute walk across the Paseo de Recoletos main road.