Good looks are this hotel’s strong suit, and they shouldn’t be underestimated as they can affect the mood of your whole trip. Crisply maintained balconies (with geraniums) are matched inside by simple decor in soothing honey tones. The rooms are also very spacious, especially this close to Plaza Mayor. If they sound too good to be true, there is a catch: no air-conditioning. (It’s the only hotel without this amenity that we recommend in Madrid.) The rooms do have very large ceiling fans and excellent insulation, so they don’t get any hotter than the outside air. Still, that’s pretty warm in the summer. Even the balconies are encased in glass to keep out noise and summer heat. Some larger rooms accommodate three and even four beds. Rates during July and August are about a third lower than the rates given below.