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Southern Pond is Madrid’s secret oasis—a tranquil lake where sky and trees mirror each other in still water. Ducks glide by, kids fly kites along the shore, laughter floats on the breeze. Morning mist shimmers over silver ripples; evening sun sets the surface ablaze in gold. Not a photo spot—this is a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect with stillness.
Everything you need to know about Southern Pond
Near Southern Pond (Pond del Sud) in Madrid, Hotel Ritz Madrid is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Retiro Park. Its luxurious rooms blend Spanish classical elegance with modern comfort, and some offer panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel features a world-class spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, perfect for experiencing refined Madrid life.
Another excellent option is Casa de Campo Hotel, nestled within a serene natural reserve. It offers unique outdoor experiences such as lakeside strolls, picnic areas, and birdwatching—ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Both hotels provide easy access to Madrid’s city center via metro.
The most convenient way to reach downtown Madrid from Southern Pond is via the metro. The nearest station is Lago (Line 10), which takes about 15 minutes to reach Plaza de Cibeles, a central hub where you can transfer to other lines heading to major attractions like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and Madrid Cathedral. Several bus routes also serve the area, offering flexible travel options. For a more comfortable journey, taxis or ride-sharing services are available, taking approximately 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Near Southern Pond, visitors can enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences. Take a morning jog or bike ride along the scenic trails of Retiro Park, surrounded by lush greenery. The lakeside picnic areas are perfect for family gatherings or relaxed afternoons. Summer brings open-air concerts and cultural markets that highlight Madrid’s vibrant arts scene. Nature enthusiasts can join guided birdwatching tours—this area is home to diverse waterfowl species. Some nearby hotels also offer paddleboat rentals, allowing guests to glide across the lake and enjoy peaceful views from the water.
Yes, hotels near Southern Pond are highly suitable for families. Hotel Ritz Madrid offers family-friendly amenities including a dedicated children’s pool, playroom, and spacious family suites, along with kid-oriented guided tours. Casa de Campo Hotel features expansive outdoor spaces with nature discovery zones and educational programs for children, encouraging learning through play. Both are close to Retiro Park, making it easy for parents to take kids biking, flying kites, or enjoying picnics. All properties provide safe indoor and outdoor lounging areas and 24-hour guest service, ensuring a stress-free family experience.
Holiday Inn Express Madrid-Archena Gate is a top choice located just a 10-minute walk from Southern Pond (Pozo Sur). This modern, budget-friendly hotel offers free parking, complimentary breakfast, and well-appointed rooms with soundproofing for a peaceful stay. Its prime location allows easy access to Madrid’s metro system, connecting you swiftly to major attractions like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and Retiro Park.
The surrounding area features lush green spaces such as Parque de la Granja and Madrid Botanical Garden, perfect for morning walks or weekend picnics. For dining, head to Gran Vía to savor authentic Spanish cuisine—think paella, tapas, and artisanal wines. The hotel also provides excellent connectivity to the Manzanares River Trail, ideal for cycling or leisurely strolls along the riverbank.
With its blend of urban convenience, natural serenity, and cultural accessibility, this property stands out as a smart base for exploring southern Madrid.
Walk north along the Manzanares River Trail (Camino del Manzanares) from Southern Pond, covering about 3 km in roughly 40 minutes. The scenic route passes through Parque de la Granja and the Madrid Botanical Garden, offering shaded pathways and peaceful views of local flora and fauna—ideal for early-morning or evening strolls.
After passing Church of San Lorenzo, turn onto Calle Casas de Rey to enter the historic Old Town Madrid district. For faster transit, take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 at Puerta de Alcalá Station, reaching Plaza de Cibeles in just 5 minutes. From there, transfer to other lines bound for Puerta del Sol or the Royal Palace.
Combining walking with public transport ensures both scenic immersion and efficient travel. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and plan your journey during cooler hours to avoid midday heat.
One standout experience near Southern Pond is the monthly Manzanares River Eco-Tour, led by local conservation groups. These guided walks focus on spotting rare birds such as the black kite and white egret, while learning about native plant species and the region’s wetland ecosystem. Early morning sessions include binoculars and field guides for immersive nature discovery.
A nearby bike rental station offers electric bicycles to ride along the Manzanares River Path, stretching through forests and farmland toward the ruins of Segovia’s ancient bridge. Scenic overlooks provide panoramic views of the pond and distant mountain ranges.
On Saturdays, the community hosts a Picnic Day where locals and visitors share traditional Spanish treats like jamón ibérico tapas and tomato-onion salad, fostering cultural exchange. These activities combine ecological education, active exploration, and local connection, making them unforgettable additions to any visit.
See what other travelers say about Southern Pond
We’d definitely stay here again! The location is fantastic—super convenient for public transport, just a short ride to the airport, and surrounded by great restaurants and cozy cafés with reasonable prices. The rooms are comfortable, quiet, and well-designed, making it an ideal spot for both business and leisure travelers. Our only minor note was one front desk staff member who seemed a bit unfriendly and not very proactive, but the rest of the team were warm, helpful, and attentive. Overall, the experience was excellent, and with a little improvement in guest service attitude, this place would be truly outstanding.
The hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from the metro and right in the heart of Madrid. The rooms are spacious and well-designed, with comfortable beds that made for a great night’s sleep. I was really impressed by the breakfast buffet: fresh pastries, local jam, delicious Spanish ham, and strong coffee—everything was top quality. The staff were friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even better. It's an excellent value for the price, and I’d definitely stay here again. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Madrid!
Finding such an affordable hotel in Madrid is rare, especially with a breakfast spread as delicious and diverse as this. I was thrilled to enjoy authentic Spanish churros, jamón, cheese, fried rice, and a savory Spanish omelet—each item fresh and full of flavor. The variety and quality make it stand out from other budget-friendly options. Plus, the location is excellent—just a short metro ride from the city center, yet peaceful enough to enjoy a good night’s sleep. This place offers incredible value without compromising comfort or taste. I’d definitely book here again and highly recommend it to travelers looking for a great balance between price and experience.
Staying at Globales Acis y Galatea was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and close to metro access, making it easy to explore Madrid. The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I was especially impressed by the excellent soundproofing—no noise from the street or neighboring rooms. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, even offering little thoughtful touches like a welcome drink. It’s rare to find such a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. I’ll definitely be returning and highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Madrid.
住喺皮羅委拉斯開兹45號酒店真係好啱！位置超正，坐落馬德里著名的薩拉曼卡區，搭地鐵去市中心幾方便，周邊食肆同商店多到數唔晒。客房又大又舒服，床仲軟硬適中，睡得好好。清潔度一流，一入房就覺得很乾淨整齊。早餐選擇豐富，味道亦幾抵，特別鍾意他們的本地麵包同果醬。唯一小建議：部分房間嘅淋浴間實在太細，建議入住時主動要求大啲淋浴間嘅房。雖然價錢唔算平，但睇到馬德里整體消費水平，呢個性價比已經算高，絕對值得！」},{
Staying at Golden Alcala was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk from major attractions and public transit, making it super easy to explore Madrid. The room was spotless, with modern amenities and a comfortable bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful, going the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches like the welcome drink. It’s clear this place values guest experience, and with such a great price-to-quality ratio, I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Madrid.
This apartment is perfect for a small family. It’s not just a single room but an open-concept space where the only divider is a screen, creating a cozy and connected feel. I really appreciate how well the windows block out light at night, making it easy to sleep soundly. Getting there and checking in was smooth thanks to the clear instructions provided. However, the lighting inside the unit could be improved—it feels a bit dim upon entry. The bathroom door tends to stick slightly, requiring a little push to close properly. Also, the sofa bed has seen better days and became uncomfortable after just a couple of nights—might need upgrading soon. Despite these minor issues, the location is excellent, the setup is practical, and the value for money is outstanding. A great choice for travelers looking for a homey, convenient stay in Madrid.
My stay at Room Grass in Madrid was absolutely excellent from start to finish. The location is fantastic—just a short metro ride from the city center, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. Even though the room isn’t large, it’s thoughtfully designed with great functionality, and the bed was incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. I was pleasantly surprised by the quiet environment—no noise from the street or neighboring rooms, which made it easy to relax. The staff went above and beyond: they upgraded my room without hesitation and even offered a small welcome gift, which added a personal touch. For the price, the value is outstanding. With an 8.5 rating, this place truly lives up to its reputation. I’d definitely book again on my next trip to Madrid—highly recommend!
Check-in was quick and hassle-free. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, with a great view if you book a street-facing room—perfect for people-watching or enjoying the vibrant city vibe. I really appreciated having a microwave and fridge in the room, plus snacks and light refreshments available in the shared area, which made late-night cravings easy to handle. The hotel is clean, well-maintained, and offers excellent value for money. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want convenience, comfort, and a local feel without the high price tag. Definitely would stay here again when visiting Madrid.
The Hostal Retiro is spotless and very well-maintained overall. It's incredibly convenient—right next to a bus stop and just a short walk from the metro station, making it easy to explore Madrid. The facilities are a bit dated, but they’re kept impeccably clean, which really matters. There’s a great selection of nearby amenities: supermarkets, cafés, pharmacies—all within walking distance. The only minor downside is some noise from the street at night, but it’s not overwhelming and doesn’t ruin the experience. For the price and location, this place offers excellent value. I’d definitely stay here again if I’m back in Madrid.
Located a bit off the main train station, this hotel requires a 15-20 minute walk to reach Madrid Atocha Station—though nearby bus stops and just one or two metro stops make access manageable. The room itself is modern and clean, though on the smaller side; if you're traveling with heavy luggage, it might feel tight for two people. Still, the value for money holds up well, especially if you're arriving by train. However, if you're not planning to travel via rail—or if you're aiming to be close to central attractions—this location may not be ideal, as it's fairly far from major sights. Overall, great for transit travelers looking for a convenient, budget-friendly base near the station, but less suitable for those wanting to explore the city center easily.
The room was small, but that was clearly mentioned in the listing, so it matched my expectations perfectly. The hotel itself was spotlessly clean with a simple yet stylish design—small but well thought out. As a budget-friendly option, it delivers exactly what you’d expect: affordable rates and no-frills comfort. It’s great for travelers looking to save without sacrificing basic quality. Breakfast was nothing special—standard fare—but I did notice the lack of vegetables, which was a bit disappointing. Still, overall, this is a solid choice if you’re prioritizing value and convenience in Madrid’s city center.
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