A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @cubitabella09, recently shared a video recounting her disappointing experience at the Hotel Riu Plaza España, located on Madrid's bustling Gran Vía. This hotel is famed for its panoramic terrace and glass walkways. "Here's a little tutorial on how to throw your money away just like I did," she began, revealing she had spent over $350 per night.
In her detailed account, she expressed astonishment at the hotel’s policy where guests paying full price must queue with other visitors who pay merely 10 euros for terrace access and photo opportunities, calling it "unbelievable but true."
She further criticized the room conditions: "There are no double beds for a double room; instead, there's an uncomfortable pull-out sofa bed. There's no privacy; if your kids are watching TV, you can't." The guest also complained about the hair dryer, which only runs for 10 seconds at a time. The hotel staff explained it was an effort to "protect the environment." "And who protects my money?" she retorted sarcastically.
Additional grievances included a parking fee of $32 per day and an air conditioning system she likened to "a tractor" due to its noise. The video, which has garnered thousands of views, even features a queue for the terrace, described as "short" compared to the nighttime lines. "At night, it's heart-attack-inducing; no one can get up there," she remarked.
Common Questions About Hotel Stays in Madrid
Why did the guest find the hotel stay disappointing?
The guest was frustrated with the lack of amenities, privacy issues in the room, high additional costs, and the general customer experience.
What were some specific complaints mentioned about the hotel?
Specific complaints included the queue for terrace access, uncomfortable bedding, a short-lived hair dryer, costly parking, and a noisy air conditioning unit.
How did the hotel justify the short duration of the hair dryer use?
The hotel staff mentioned that the hair dryer’s limited operation was an environmental conservation measure.