Hotel Europa Madrid occupies a historic building at Calle del Carmen 4, directly off Puerta del Sol — the geographic and transport heart of the city. This review triangulates official property data, OTA listings, editorial guides, and recent guest feedback to help you decide whether its central location and room quality justify its night‑by‑night rates.
Last checked: 2026-06-18
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Hotel Name: Hotel Europa · Location: Puerta del Sol, Madrid · Claimed Star Rating: 4-star (official site) · Alternate Star Rating: 3-star (Kayak) · Amenities: Air-conditioned rooms, private balcony, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV · Review Site Rating: TripAdvisor price range €118 – €436
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-06-18.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Trip.com listing, EuroCheapo editorial review, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com reviews, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing, Yelp, Rick Steves forum and social media, Swifty Travels blog.
Limitations: No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification. Data current as of March 2026; reviews span 2024–2026.
Hotel Europa Madrid at a glance
- Calle del Carmen 4, 28013 Madrid, directly off Puerta del Sol (Official website)
- Sold as a 3‑star hotel on major OTAs (Trip.com)
- Sol station, approximately 0.07 km from the hotel (Trip.com)
- 8.9/10 from 102 guests on Trip.com (Trip.com)
| Hotel Name | Hotel Europa |
|---|---|
| Location | Puerta del Sol, Madrid |
| Claimed Star Rating | 4‑star (official site) |
| Alternate Star Rating | 3‑star (Trip.com, Kayak) |
| Amenities | Air‑conditioned rooms, private balcony, free Wi‑Fi, flat‑screen TV |
| Review Site Rating | TripAdvisor price range €118 – €436 |
| Nearest Metro | Sol Metro Station |
Where is the nicest area to stay in Madrid?
Most first‑time visitors gravitate toward the historic centre, and Puerta del Sol sits at its very core. The square is a hub for metro lines, pedestrian shopping streets, and landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, each a 10–15‑minute walk from the hotel. EuroCheapo describes Hotel Europa’s location as “very central” and notes it is about 0.3 km to the city centre (EuroCheapo).
Central Madrid
Central Madrid includes Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Hotels here tend to be in older buildings with smaller room footprints. Expedia and Hotels.com reviewers consistently note that “everything was 10–15 minutes away” from Hotel Europa (Expedia, Hotels.com). The trade‑off for this convenience is that rooms can be compact; a verified Booking.com review describes the room as “slightly small but otherwise fine” (Booking.com).
Puerta del Sol
Hotel Europa is literally steps from the Sol metro exit – Yelp reviewers emphasise “literally steps away from the Puerta del Sol Metro exit” (Yelp). The square itself is a busy pedestrian zone with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. For travellers arriving from the airport, the metro connection is direct and takes about 40 minutes (Sol station to Barajas).
Is the Europa Hotel 5 star?
No. Hotel Europa Madrid is listed as a 3‑star hotel on Trip.com and Kayak (Trip.com). The official site’s own room descriptions classify it as “3‑star” in the URL structure, although some direct‑booking pages may imply a higher category.
Star rating discrepancy
The official website and some travel blogs occasionally mention a 4‑star claim, but this appears to be an outdated or aspirational label. Multiple OTAs consistently show 3 stars. The practical difference is minimal: guests on Trip.com rate it 8.9/10, well above the average for many 3‑star city hotels.
Official vs. listing rating
The hotel’s own site states “4‑star” in a few places, but the dominant listing across booking platforms is 3‑star. EuroCheapo treats it as a 3‑star property and notes that its average rates are about 12% higher than other 3‑star hotels within 2 km, attributing the premium to its location (EuroCheapo).
Does Hotel Europa Madrid have air conditioning?
Yes. The official site lists air conditioning as a standard feature in all rooms, alongside heating, a fridge, free safe, and free Wi‑Fi (Official website). This is confirmed by EuroCheapo and recent TripAdvisor reviews.
Room amenities
Standard rooms include a full bathroom, hairdryer, TV with international channels, direct telephone, kettle in many categories, and room service. Premium rooms add a large terrace with Puerta del Sol views. The hotel also offers connecting rooms for families (two rooms, two bathrooms, up to five guests with an extra charge).
Hotel Europa Madrid – Specs
| Address | Calle del Carmen 4, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Category | 3‑star (OTA consensus) |
| Rooms | Standard, Superior, Premium with terrace, connecting rooms |
| Key amenities | Free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, heating, fridge, TV, safe, hairdryer, kettle (most categories), room service, bar, restaurant |
| Breakfast | Buffet €14/person, not included |
| Nearest metro | Sol (0.07 km) |
| Airport distance | About 20.5 km to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas |
| Guest score (Trip.com) | 8.9/10 from 102 reviews |
| Price range (TripAdvisor) | €118 – €436 per night |
Hotel Europa Madrid vs. Europa Hotel Belfast
The name “Europa Hotel” can cause confusion. The Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a separate 4‑star property with a different history and price level. The table below clarifies the key differences.
| Hotel Name | Location | Star Rating | Price Range | Key Amenities | Review Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Europa Madrid | Puerta del Sol, Madrid | 3‑star | €95 – €436 (Kayak / TripAdvisor) | Free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, restaurant | TripAdvisor, Booking.com |
| Europa Hotel Belfast | Great Victoria Street, Belfast | 4‑star | £80 – £200 approximate | Fitness centre, spa, multiple restaurants | Booking.com, Expedia |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unbeatable location at Puerta del Sol, steps from metro
- High guest satisfaction (8.9/10 on Trip.com)
- Recently renovated rooms with modern amenities
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout
- Locally owned, not a chain
Cons
- Breakfast not included; €14 per person extra
- Rooms can be small (common for central Madrid)
- Approximately 12% price premium vs. other 3‑star hotels nearby
- No on‑site gym or pool
- Street noise possible in exterior rooms (mitigated by double panes)
Best for …
- Couples – Premium rooms with Puerta del Sol views and terraces add romance.
- Families – Connecting rooms and triple rooms available; Swifty Travels recommends for families.
- Solo Travelers – Single rooms with views are affordable (from €105/night).
- Budget Travelers – Lowest rates around €95 on Kayak; central location saves on transport.
Pricing band
Hotel Europa sits in the mid‑range for central Madrid. EuroCheapo notes that its average direct‑website rates are about 12% higher than other 3‑star hotels within 2 km – a premium justified by its location above Puerta del Sol. The hotel’s official site lists starting prices: single from €105/night, double with Puerta del Sol view from €116/night. TripAdvisor quotes a range of €118–€436 per night, while Kayak lists the lowest rate at €95. The spread reflects seasonal demand and room category differences.
Location & getting there
Address: Calle del Carmen 4, 28013 Madrid – directly off Puerta del Sol square. Sol metro station (lines 1, 2, 3) is less than a minute’s walk. From Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, take line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then change to line 10 to Tribunal and line 1 or 2 to Sol (approximately 40 minutes). The nearest major train station is Príncipe Pío, about 2.8 km away.
Yelp reviewers consistently note the hotel’s proximity to the metro exit, calling it “literally steps away”. For drivers, the hotel can arrange parking, but street parking is limited and expensive.
Alternatives nearby
If Hotel Europa is fully booked or you prefer a different style, consider these central Madrid options (all within a 10‑minute walk):
- Hotel Atlántico – 4‑star on Gran Vía, slightly higher price band, contemporary rooms.
- Hostal Central Palace – Budget 2‑star on Calle Mayor, basic amenities but excellent location.
- NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa – 4‑star boutique near Plaza de Santa Ana, rooftop terrace.
Our pick
For first‑time visitors who want to wake up at Puerta del Sol and walk to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado Museum within 15 minutes, Hotel Europa is our top recommendation. The combination of recently renovated rooms, free Wi‑Fi, and a guest score of 8.9/10 makes it a reliable anchor for a Madrid itinerary. Book a Premium room with terrace for the best experience, or choose an interior‑facing room if you prioritise quiet.
Reader context
- Currency: EUR (€). Prices cited in this article are as per the sources.
- Season: Madrid summers (June–August) can exceed 35°C; air conditioning is essential. Winters are mild (5–15°C), but heating is provided.
- Safety: Puerta del Sol is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid leaving valuables unattended.
- Local tips: A Rick Steves forum user notes that an excellent gelato shop is just outside the hotel. Book Puerta del Sol view rooms well in advance – they are limited.
Related reading: Morgan Hotel Dublin Review · K7 Hotel Oslo Review
For another centrally located option on Gran Vía, check out our Dear Hotel Madrid review for rooftop views and pricing details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Europa Hotel famous for?
Hotel Europa Madrid is known for its historic location at Puerta del Sol – it remained open during the Spanish Civil War bombings, according to EuroCheapo. Travel expert Rick Steves has called it “the perfect springboard in Madrid”.
What is the safest area to stay in Madrid?
Puerta del Sol and the surrounding central neighbourhoods are generally safe for tourists, though you should take standard precautions against pickpocketing. Hotel Europa is in a busy, well‑lit area with frequent police patrols.
Is the Europa Hotel 5 star?
No. Hotel Europa Madrid is listed as a 3‑star hotel on major OTAs such as Trip.com and Kayak. The official site may refer to 4‑star in some contexts, but the dominant rating is 3‑star.
Does Hotel Europa Madrid have air conditioning?
Yes. Air conditioning is included in all rooms, as confirmed by the official website and recent reviews.
What is the only 7 star hotel in the world?
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is often called the world’s only 7‑star hotel, though the rating is unofficial. Hotel Europa Madrid is a 3‑star property and does not claim this.
How to avoid pickpockets in Madrid?
Keep wallets and phones in front pockets or a cross‑body bag, avoid crowded metro doors, and stay aware of distractions. Hotel Europa’s location at Puerta del Sol is busy, so take extra care.