Hotel Riu Plaza España is a four-star RIU Hotels & Resorts property at Gran Vía, 84, in the Centro district of Madrid (28013), set directly on the Plaza de España end of the city’s great theatre boulevard. Occupying a modern glass-and-steel tower beside the landmark Edificio España, it combines contemporary guest rooms, restaurant dining, a conference center and a rooftop bar with a seasonal outdoor pool and skyline views. Business travelers, couples and first-time visitors use it as a base for the Royal Palace, Gran Vía and the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods.
What to Expect at Hotel Riu Plaza España
The hotel’s central appeal is its rooftop, where a terrace bar and seasonal outdoor pool look across the Plaza de España, the Gran Vía and the Madrid skyline. Late afternoon and early evening are the natural moments to visit, when the light softens over the palace gardens and the Sierra de Guadarrama can sometimes be seen on clear days. Guests staying here use the terrace as a sunset bar rather than a place to swim long laps; the pool is open only in the warmer months, so check the official site before planning a swim.
Inside, the design is clean, modern and urban, with contemporary guest rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and meeting space that has made the property a regular choice for conferences, corporate events and trade-fair travelers. The Gran Vía address means the front door opens onto the boulevard’s theatres, cinemas and shops, and the hotel sits within easy reach of the Santiago Bernabéu-bound Metro lines, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.
- Rooftop bar: A terrace bar with open views over the Plaza de España and the Madrid skyline, best at golden hour.
- Seasonal outdoor pool: A rooftop pool available in warmer months, a rare amenity for a Gran Vía hotel.
- On-site restaurant and bar: Hotel dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner without leaving the building.
- Conference and event space: Meeting facilities that suit corporate gatherings, workshops and small conferences.
- Plaza de España location: Immediate access to Gran Vía, the Edificio España, Cervantes Monument and the Templo de Debod gardens.
Hotel Riu Plaza España at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Gran Vía, 84, 28013 Madrid, Spain |
| Neighborhood / Area | Centro, at Plaza de España on Gran Vía |
| Operating Hours | Hotel open 24 hours; reception staffed around the clock. Rooftop bar and pool hours vary by season. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid accommodation, four-star tier ($$$). Rates vary by date and room type; see the official site for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Overnight stay; 1 to 2 hours for a rooftop drink |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Plaza de España Metro (Lines 3 and 10) and Santo Domingo (Line 2), plus Cercanías and local buses; nearby public parking garages |
| Official Website & Phone | riu.com | +34 919 19 33 93 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Booking directly through the official RIU website is the clearest way to see room types, current rates and cancellation terms. If you want the rooftop at its best, aim for early evening in spring through early autumn and confirm terrace and pool opening times when you reserve. Arriving by Metro is simple: Plaza de España station connects Lines 3 and 10 and sits steps from the entrance, while Santo Domingo on Line 2 is a short walk. Gran Vía is busy with traffic and pedestrians, so taxis and rideshares often drop off at the curb on the plaza side. Street parking is limited, so use one of the public underground garages nearby.
For accessibility, confirm step-free routes, elevator access to the rooftop and adapted rooms directly with the hotel before travel, as the tower layout and terrace arrangements are best verified for individual needs. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk you can reach the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, the Templo de Debod and Parque del Oeste for sunset, the Sabatini Gardens, and the Malasaña and Chueca streets for tapas and nightlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the rooftop bar?
Early evening from spring to early autumn gives the best light and views over Plaza de España and the skyline. The outdoor pool is seasonal, so check the hotel’s website for current opening dates and rooftop hours before you go.
How much does a room cost, and should I book ahead?
Hotel Riu Plaza España is a four-star property in the $$$ tier, with rates that change by season, day of week and local events. Booking in advance through the official RIU site is advisable, especially during conferences and festival weekends.
How much time should I budget?
Most guests stay overnight or longer as a base for sightseeing. If you only want the rooftop, allow one to two hours for a drink and the views.
Is the hotel suitable for business travelers, couples and families?
Yes. Conference facilities and a central address suit business travelers, the rooftop and Gran Vía setting appeal to couples, and the location works for families who want to walk to major sights. Contact the hotel on +34 919 19 33 93 to confirm family room options and accessibility features.
When planning your Madrid travel guide or comparing verified hotels and restaurants in Madrid, pair this stop with standout local spots including Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez, Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, and Barceló Torre de Madrid (nearby).
