The 82-room, 3-star Best Western Hotel Atlantico is conveniently located in Central Madrid on the busy Gran Via, within walking distance of many shops, the Puerta del Sol and the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. Best Western������s European properties are recognized abroad for their quality, which is often superior to that of their US franchises. This property is no different--in fact, the amicable young staff and brightly decorated noise-proof rooms helped the hotel earn the Best Quality Award in 2001, and while it has a 3-star rating it is more of a 4-star in quality. Major Spanish shopping chains like El Corte Ingles and Zara, as well as local shops are just outside the hotel������s front door, as are many restaurants and cultural attractions.Due to its popularity, the hotel is expanding by renovating the upper floors of its building. Guests are nevertheless undisturbed by this as it is limited to only the upper floors that are not yet in use.Unlike many central Madrid hotels, guest rooms here are relatively spacious. Decorated in simple but warm and colorful pastels and often with white furnishings, each air-conditioned room has its own mini-bar, hairdryer, radio, satellite TV, direct dial telephone and safe. Many rooms also look down on the bustling Gran Via below, offering a 24/7 view of Madrileno life.