Best Budget Tips for Barcelona and Madrid (and the rest of Spain)

Hi Caroline!

Best tip - beware of the many pickpockets in Barcelona and Madrid! There have been so many reports of pickpockets in these 2 cities that one can easily lose € & precious sightseeing time if one has their wallet/passport etc stolen!

Transportation - most cities have bónobus tickets which come out cheaper than buying individual tickets. I believe the bónobus can be shared among different travelers.

Renfe has discounted tickets if bought in advance. Web fare offers 60% off and Estrella fare offers 40% off. Good deal if your itinerary is set in stone.

Not only can you make a dinner of tapas, that is my preferred way to eat! Not only do you get variety of food, you get variety of places too as you do a tapas bar crawl.

In Barcelona the Boqueria Market is ideal not only for the experience of browsing but for picking up a great picnic lunch. Lots of fresh salads, fresh pressed juices etc.. Walk a few minutes down to the port for a great setting.

in cafés, eat/drink at the bar on a stool, which is cheaper than an inside table, which is cheaper than an outdoor terrace table (in most cases).

check local papers or paper weekly guides for free rectials, etc.

show your student ID where possible. 65+ also receives SOME discounts, others are reserved for EU members over 65.

do not be initmidated to ask the price of something you do not see clearly on a menu.

and remember, most seafood/some prime meats are priced by the 100 grams.. the price you see is NOT the final one. Those you should order by weight.

find out the FREE museum days to see if any coincide with your visit.

if you are a biker or hiker, try to get in contact with the local club before your arrival as most certainly there will be some type of activity you can join into.

"bocadillos" in spain are about the best cost/filling quality of all the food. They can also be very customized... "ternera con cebolla frita y pimientos y pan a la plancha con tomate".. or throw a fried egg onto it or stuff it with homemade french fries.

probably will cost you 4-5 euros most places and it will be HUGE and filling.

fried eggs with chorizo and french fries is popular, and a delicacy in some restaurants, but your normal bar or café will only charge 4-5 euros for such a plate.

remember beer cost less than soft drinks many a time!

adding a dash of coñac (carajillo)to your coffee will cost only a few cents..
"con un poco de coñac, por favor.."

We have been fortunate to stay at inexpensive hotels on The Ramblas and they offer a cold buffet breakfast in the a.m. and refreshment and drinks all day long.. that helps..Bringing along a muffin or a piece of fruit or a fee bottle of water helps cut down costs. This trip we will hit the markets As for pickpockets I keep any bills or change in a zippered little cgabge purse and wth a LARGE safety pin ..pin it to a pull inside my bag or a piece ofhe bag. My husband bought a camera and camera bag strap with a metal si ut cant be cut easily..

In Malaga.. we walked around downtown and found a little side walk cafe ligterally in an alley.. and had the best fried smelts and calamari...the menu has pictures...fresh fried smelts.. a treat from my childhood days..

Hi Caroline!

Just want you to know that I think the Spain 2008 book is terrific! And thid is a good idea for the 2009 book.

Some great tips already, and I have to admit, until the dollar went in the toilet, Spain seemed like a wonderful bargain, so we didn't feel we had to search for them. Things are different now and I'm looking forward to hearing from other Fodorites to give me ideas for the future. (DD is going to Barcelona in Oct., so will be paying attention.)

I think the best bargain are the Paradores, but they're mostly located outside of cities. You talk about them in the Spain book, and I would agree that they are a fantastic experience. One tip I can add is to become an "amigo", which can be done on their website--www.parador.es, and you can get notices for specials. Also, it's great to plan trips to the outlying areas and stay at the paradores with the 5 day or 7 day cards, which are truly terrific bargains. We've done this on our last two trips and all I can say is that I've never stayed in a parador I didn't like!

Another budget tip--you can purchase phonecards from tobaco stands and save on long distance rates.

Oh yes, another tip--go to any supermarket for wine--amazing what good wines can be purchased for under 5 Euros. Really, I don't think I've ever had a bottle of wine in Spain I didn't like either!

Not sure that I have really great suggestions but will say that I think it's worth trying to find less expensive hotels (relative to your usual choices) so that you don't sweat the other costs (transportation, admission fees, sundries). Our family of four stayed in 3 star hotels and they were very clean, in safe locations and perfectly fine for a rest. Glad we didn't splurge on expensive hotels as the other costs were quite high thanks to the Euro.

Caroline,
Yes, Spain has the "three tier system"; bar, mesa and terrace, but there are several things one can do when in a restaurant. One that will have the largest impact on your shrinking US Dollar is to do what most locals do, share a starter and desert and opt for the house wine. This being Spain, all of the restaurants we've ever eaten at serve an excellent house wine. This will go a long ways in saving you a few Euros, regardless of the restaurant. And don't be embarrassed at even the best restaurant as, in this case, everyone does it.

Remember, the strength of the Euro is not doing our Spanish friends any favors. Everything is far more expensive for them then it is for most Americans traveling abroad.

On three trips to Spain in the last couple of years I spent a tiny bit more than I might have for hotels that had in room mini-fridges. I refilled my water bottles with tap water that was then kept cool - in the heat of Spanish summers this saved quite a bit on buying water. But more importantly, I bought food at grocery stores and markets and had in room picnics for many meals. El Cortes Ingles for example, has fabulous grocery sections where I got meats, cheeses, fruit, fresh bread, potato/pasta salads, etc.

Inter city bus travel is just as comfortable, and often more convenient and cheaper than train travel. I took buses from Madrid to Salamanca, Salamanca to Avila and Segovia, Segovia to Madrid, Cordoba to Granada, etc. In the US bus travel is often considered somewhat "sketchy" but it didn't feel that way at all in Spain.

I still think the menu del dia a good savings overall taken as a very early main meal of the day at 2-3pm. Last time we went to Madrid in Cafe Vergara the choice of beverage was either bottled water or a glass of house tinto. Since we were two they brought us an entire bottle of the house wine for the same price. Desert was included as well.

Our second tip, find a hotel that includes breakfast in the price and still stays with budgeted price for the room. Compare for example booking.com which typically offers this breakfast option their their pricing.

In restaurants ask for a menu of the day,price may vary but it can be around 9euros now.

If you seat on the terrace of a restaurant/bar they can legally add some cents for everything you ordered, as it will be stated in their public chart of prices.

Try some restaurants chains that many spaniards love too such as 100montaditos and Lizarran.
every small sandwich of 100 montaditos cost 1,20, three or four are enough for having lunch, they serve fast and have 100 to choose. This chain is all over spain
http://www.cerveceria100montaditos.com/

Lizarran is more expensive but the menu of the day has the option of choosing four pintxos as first. I consider a good option.
http://www.grupolizarran.com/

A sandwhich in any bar shoudln't be expensive, in madrid you may try famous El Brillante
http://madrid.salir.com/el_brillante
Also a ham sandwich at Museo del Jamon is not expensive.
http://www.museodeljamon.es/

For breakfast, don't stuck on hotels cafes, which are much more expensive, get to any cafeteria and order a cafe and a toast or churros or bun, normally until 12am a 'desayuno' have a lower price and could include an orange juice.
For kids order glass of milk or 'cola cao' (milk with chocolate).
Are there any cafes around where i am?? this is spain there are cafes everywhere, dozens!!
Bread with olive oil and tomato with a coffee is also asked by many people for having breakfast.

Buy food on supermarkets, but beware that El Corte Ingles and branches such as Opencor, Supercor, etc. are very good quality but expensive. If you want to buy something to bring back home as a gift or souvenir, some food from these supermarkets is a good option.
To buy some food to take away and do your own 'bocadillos' (sandwhiches) rather than buying in a bar, try some other supermarkets where you'll find bread and cold meat. Also fruit and small bars of cereals for a fast snack. Just find a park and a shadow and yu may have a better meal than in a cheap restaurant.

Locate where you may find supermarkeets around where you stay, these are some where spaniards buy the everyday food:
http://www.supermercadosdemadrid.com/
http://www.mercadona.es/
http://www.eroski.es
http://www.unide.es/opencms/opencms/unide/Servicioconsumidor/dondeestamos.html

cheaper but lower quality
http://www.lidl.es/es/home.nsf/pages/i.home
http://www.dia.es/

and just in case
http://www.elcorteingles.es/

Water, in Madrid tap water is quite good, take an empty bottle with you and refill at the hotel before leaving, not many fountains in the streets to avoid waste of water. In some restaurants you may ask for 'agua del grifo' for tap water. Menu of the day includes normally drinks, but you may ask for a glass of tap water additionally with no cost.
In some coastal cities water is safe but not very good.

Visit first the tourist information points to find the opening times and fares, and when it's cheaper or for free to get in museums, cathedrals, etc. Ask also for a free map of the city.

Museo de Jamon in Madrid for some inexpensive dinner option.

In Seville, it's a MUST to go to La Carboneria. Skip paying for flamenco show and come to this amazing place. I went in and saw the most mesmerizing flamenco show for FREE here.

La Boqueria in Barcelona for some great lunch options.

Have an 'aperitivo' with your drink.
WHAT IS IT? The 'aperitivo' is a fairly basic tapa given free automatically when a 'caña' (glass of beer) or a 'vino' (cup of wine) are ordered, but they usually are not given with coffee, water, fruit juice, coke/soft drinks or whisky/spirits. A different 'aperitivo' will be served with the subsequent drinks ordered. The 'aperitivos' are served of the barman's choice because does not mean they are included in the price, it means they are a 'gift', and it is very bad manners to complain about what you are given.
WHEN? From 1pm to 3pm and from 8pm to 9.30pm approx. In Madrid some bars serve the 'paella de aperitivo' (a bit of paella in a coffee saucer) on Sunday at mid-day.
WHERE IN MADRID? Traditional bars and cafeterias often off the touristy path.
WHERE IN SPAIN? Madrid and surrounding towns: Segovia, Avila, Toledo. Eastern Andalusia: provinces of Jaén, Granada and Almería. Extremadura: Cáceres, Plasencia, Badajoz. Castilla y León: León, Zamora, Burgos, Soria…

Some trails in Madrid:
* El Ñeru at calle Bordadores, 5. 'Cabrales' (blue cheese), potato omelette. Paella on Sunday (around 1 to 2.30pm).
* El Lacón at calle Manuel Fernández y González, 8. 'Garbanzos con callos' (chickpea with tripe).
* Naviego at calle Mayor, 18. 'Paella de aperitivo' on Sunday. Assorted aperitivos daily. Paella on Sunday (around 1 to 2.30pm).
* La Panera at calle Arenal, 19. 'Paella de aperitivo' on Sunday. Assorted aperitivos daily. Paella on Sunday (around 1 to 2.30pm).
* Refra at calle Santiago, 4. Assorted aperitivos daily.

Mistake: NO paella at El Ñeru

On our recent trip to Spain, we chose to eat one large or full meal a day - either lunch or dinner, usually lunch. We would have a pastry or churros for breakfast and shop at El Corte Ingles for cheese, olives, ham, bread and wine and enjoy it outside or at the hotel on our little balcony.

We also planned our museum visits to coincide with the free admission days, which was especially easy to do in Madrid since they aren't all on the same day. In Barcelona, we bought the Articket, which more than paid for itself after visiting three of the seven featured attractions.

Walking in Madrid is just as easy as taking the metro, so weather permitting, we skipped the metro in favor of strolling the streets and plazas.

I can´t believe no one has mentioned that the Prado is free from 18:00 onwards every day ( Sundays from 17:00 ).

Strangely enough, it´s not really crowded at that time, and you can have a very enjoyable evening.

The Reina Sofia is also planning to have a similar schedule.

If you are staying more than a couple of days in Madrid, it can be a good idea.

Rgds, Cova

During our recent trip to Madrid and Seville we found that not only were tapas an economical way for us to eat we actually preferred it.My husband and I would typically order 2 glasses of house wine and split 4 tapas between us. The total prices of our meals were between 12-17E and it was more than enough food for the two of us. We also found by going a few blocks off the main tourist thoroughfares that prices were cheaper and the food was usually better.

If you plan on buying ceramics in Seville skip all the shops on Calle Sierpes and walk over the bridge into Triana. You will get much better prices and a greater selection. We purchased a large ceramic bowl with a traditional hunting motif for 37E in Triana, we saw a similar piece on Calle Sierpes going for 53E.

Need a cheap way to spend an afternoon in Madrid? Head to Parque Buen Ritero, it's free and an absolutely beautiful respite from the hustle of the Sol and the Gran Via.

Avoid the expensive hotel breakfasts, you can have a very nice one in almost any bar in Spain for 2,50 to 3 euros each, including coffee, a piece of pastry and maybe some juice or a tortilla sandwich.

For lunch, try to avoid the most touristic places where everything is about 20% more expensive than in the rest of town. Menu del dia is a very good option for around 10 euros each including table wine and dessert.

Look for fixed menu prices for dinner, it is more expensive than lunch but surprise free when paying the bill. For around 20 euros per person you can have a nice dinner. You can always try those buffets in FresCo (8,50 euros, as much as you can, healthy and plenty) or chinese restaurants (10 euros max including drinks).

When ordering a beer, if in the BAsque country order a "zurito", half beer for around one euro, if in Madrid order a "caña", not a "cerveza" and you´ll pay one euro instead of two.

In a restaurant, always ask for the "vino de la casa" (normally a standard table wine, good enough if you´re not a gourmet), and in good restaurants it´s a very nice quality wine for a fair price.

Public transport is excellent in Spain and very cheap, avoid taxis when possible.

And 10% tipping is not at all customary, forget the US habits when in Spain!! Waiters get decent wages and a small tip (rounding off the bill to the nearest euro) is more than enough.

If you are planning to travel by train, remember that Renfe begins selling their tickets two months prior, and that they have two special fares called WEB and ESTRELLA. If you manage to get a WEB fare, you can get a 60% discount on the normal fare.

As Isabel mentions, buses can be more convenient and cheaper than the train. Check if they have a VIP or SUPRA service on the route you want to take. A bit more expensive than the normal bus, but extremely comfortable (and depending on the route you get free snacks).

Looking for hotels in Madrid, think outside of the tourist center. Instead of looking for a hotel near the caotic Puerta del Sol, look for an offer at the 4 stars located at the top of the Castellana (quite usual). Far away from the Plaza Mayor, yes. Well communicated with metro lines (25 minutes from Barajas T4) and buses, yes. A few normal supermarkets around (Mercadona, Caprabo-Eroski), a wonderful grocery market inside a big shopping mall (La Vaguada), the very, very yummy La Garriga nearby, free exhibitions at Fundación Canal and a glimpse into the way normal people live.

Bye, Cova

And take into account that Spaniards (or locals, as in any other country) can´t afford to spend as much as tourists do in their everyday life, they don´t usually eat or drink at the places tourists do and there´s a life just a few hundred metres from the tourist spots.

Easy to say, hard to follow, this advice may need some time to adapt and a better knowledge of the place.

Last: if thirsty, a glass of tap water is free in any bar!! (tap water is very good in Madrid and in all the northern part of Spain, maybe not that good in Barcelona). You don´t have to buy a bottle of water at inflated prices, just ask for a vaso de agua, por favor. Or refill it with tap water in the wc, perfectly good and safe and an accepted custom.

Mikel, bad news. At least in Madrid they are planning on charging for the tap water.

It was in the news a month ago or so, and most of the places that were planning on doing it were the very, very tourist places in the center. The only problem is that they should put it in the drink list, and the town council hasn´t allowed it yet.

Mind you, I wouldn´t enter into a bar and simply order a glass of water. Get something else plus the water.

Bye, Cova

Ps. How was the rain last Sunday? Dear brother still complains about it. It seems that Getxo hasn´t dried up

For good hotel prices in the cities, try sol-melia.com, or bancotel coupons which can be purchased from bancotel.com or through petrabax.com.

Cova,
If you think you've been getting alot of rain in Spain, you should only know what we're having here in Seattle!

Bookmarking, as I haven't been to Spain in 25 years (stayed at pensiones back then) but very much hope to return soon.

I can´t believe how much rain we are getting on May and June, Cova, hard to believe...and not getting better

Also, I can´t believe they are charging the tap water!! Water from the tap must remain free by all means

About charging tap water, that was an idea by some restaurants, but didn't heard of it again. If it's not in the list of prices, sealed by CAM, they can't charge you.

Last week i was in a Vips, drink tap water as usual and wasn't charged for it.

Many good advices for saving euros here, some come handy even for me. I agree one of the best ways to save money is eating in cheap restaurants, menu of the day, buying in supermarkets and even fast food.

If eating local food in a many-stars restaurant isn't a must, all these options are perfect.

Hola

The following Madrid info is largely plagiarised so apologies and thanks to the authors. I can't vouch for how up to date it is or for its accuracy.

Flamenco:

Arco de Cuchilleros (Calle Cuchilleros 7. Tel. 914 295 675. Metro Sol). Open since 1961, the best Flamenco singers and dancers have performed here. The show lasts from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Closed Mondays.
Candela (Calle del Olmo 2. Tel. 914 673 382. Metro Tirso de Molina). This one of the most famous and frequented Flamenco bars in Madrid. Art professionals and aficionados usually go there. There are Flamenco shows almost every day, and it is not uncommon to pull someone up to sing, play or dance. Pure Flamenco in an authentic environment.
Cardamomo (Calle Echegaray 15. Tel. 913 690 757. Metro Sevilla). This is one of the most traditional Flamenco bars. The shows start after 10:30 p.m. every day. The weekends are especially full. The “jam session” every Wednesday starting after 10:30 p.m. is recommended.
Clan (Ronda de Toledo 20. Tel. 915 288 401. Metro Embajadores). Located in the Rastro area of Madrid, this is a picturesque restaurant by day specializing in appetizers: beers, wines and tapas, enlivened with good music. Around midnight it transforms into a bar with live shows from Wednesday to Saturday. Flamenco is the main genre, but they also have jazz, canción de autor (singer-songwriter), belly dancing, tango… Closed Mondays.
La Soleá (Cava Baja 27. Tel. 913 653 308. Metro La Latina). This is not a locale usually frequented by tourists because the Flamenco shows are very authentic. The show starts in the evening and lasts until the first hours of the morning.
Peña Flamenca Chaquetón (Calle Canarias 9. Tel. 916 712 777. Metro Palos de la Frontera). This is the meeting place for the most demanding Flamenco public. Shows are held every day, starting at 11:30 p.m. and going until dawn. The name of the bar pays homage to the deceased singer Chaquetón.
Gabrieles (Los) : free live shows every Tuesday night, starting after 10.30 p.m
Echegaray, 17 Metro Sevilla Madrid 28014 Tel: +34 91 4296261 One of Madrid's long-established flamenco clubs that exudes character, it has always attracted celebrities. The bullfighter Manolete was a regular, and film star Ava Gardner used to come here a lot searching for excitement whenever Sinatra wasn't looking. Flamenco shows start at 10pm. The interior decor alone is worth visiting for and features painted ceramic tiles depicting bullfighting scenes and excellent copies of famous paintings. As for the music, it's an up-to-date mix of flamenco, funk and salsa. If you come during the afternoon and early evening, you'll find the place to be relaxed and welcoming, as it doesn't really get going until after 10pm. It opens at 1 p.m. and closes at 2:30 a.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays when the hours are extended until 3:30 a.m. There are live shows every Tuesday.
Neighbourhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Tablao Flamenco Arco de Cuchilleros on Calle Cuchilleros on your left and just south of the well renowned Arco de Cuchilleros. There is no entrance fee, just a 700 peseta. (approx. $4) per person minimum on spending inside.

Prado Museum: Free on Sundays 9:00am - 14:00pm

El Rastro Flea Market: Free and operates every Sunday. One of the largest flea markets in the world. Spread over several blocks. Lots of cheap unusual items, clothing and accessories, gifts etc. This was cool! Just watch out for pickpockets.

Retiro Park: Lovely green respite all for free!

Museo Naval: Paseo del Prado, 5. If you’re into naval stuff this is fantastic. I loved it! Admission: free. 9am-2pm Mon-Fri.

Palacio Real (Royal Palace): If your visit falls on the first Wednesday of the month, look for the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs at noon and is free to the public.

Alhambra Tapas Bar: Victoria 9. I loved this place. It had so much authentic Spanish atmosphere. Keep buying beer and the tapas seem to get larger in portions

San Ginés Chocolateria: Calle de Coloreros. Chocolateria San Gines is at the end of the street and serves hot chocolate and churros (sticks of fried dough). Death by chocolate! 3 or 4E each.

Museo Municipal: Fuencarral 78. The museum inside displays the city's history through a combination of archaeological remains, drawings, photos, coins, stamps, postcards, furniture and other decorative objects. Wed & Sun: free

Museo del Ejercito: The museum is located in the Buen Retiro Palace and is home to some outstanding exhibitions from military history. One of the particular highlights is the original sword which was used by El Cid. Visitors will also get the opportunity to view the tent which was used by Carlos V in Tunisia, a spectacular collection of relics of Pizarro and Cortes, as well as an exceptional collection of armour. Open Tue - Sun 10am - 2 pm and admission cost is $1 for adults. Children under 18yrs and Seniors over 65 go in free of charge.

Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum): Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, Alcalá 237. Mar-Oct Tues-Fri and Sun 9:30am-2:30pm; Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 9:30am-2:30pm. Free admission

Museo Arqueológico Nacional: Serrano 13. Tues-Sat 9:30am-8:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm. FREE for everyone Sat 2:30-8:30pm and all day Sun. This stately mansion is a storehouse of artifacts from the prehistoric to the baroque.

Museo de San Isidro: Plaza de San Andrés 2. Mon-Fri 9:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 1am-2pm; Aug Mon-Sat 9:30am-2:30pm Free admission. contains interesting perspectives on the city's progress through the ages.
Museo Reina Sofía: Free after 2:30pm on Sat and all day Sun. Free guided tours Mon and Wed at 5pm, Sat at 11am

Walking Tours: DIY tours for free! There is plenty of online info. Eg. http://www.aboutmadrid.com/madrid/itineraries.asp

Audio Guides: There is heaps of free audio guides available from the net that you can download to your mobile or iPod.

Absolutely ask for places that the locals eat...much cheaper, and you can mingle with the locals as well, which is part of the experience in a country where people are so lively and friendly.
*I second the recommendation for the chain "Montaditos Cerveceria". Crusty bread with great little sandwiches. Each order gets a pile of homemade potato chips, so order your items separately if you have several people, and you'll get more of the yummy chips. Each small sandwich is only 1-3 euros each.
*Don't pay the 10+ euros for your hotel breakfast, which is usually not very substantial anyway. We ate at Cafe Indias while in Seville, and got wonderful fresh orange juice,coffee and pastries, as well as tasty sub sandwiches "para llevar" (to go)for our train trips, and I believe we paid about 3 euros for those substantial subs.
*Explore different ways to book your room, such as booking on their website or through a booking agency. In Barcelona, we booked our wonderful hotel, Villa Emilia (in the Eixample district) through otels.com and got our room for 40 euros less per night, plus we got their fabulous champagne brunch thrown in for free.
*If you have several people in your party, consider the cost/benefit of public transport vs. taxis. You will pay per taxi, not per person, so sometimes that is a cheaper option and gets you there faster, esp. in a big city like Barcelona or Madrid, where you may have several connections via Metro.
*No tipping required in Spain for restaurants or taxis.

World I belive Los Gabrieles has been closed for quite some time.
But thanks for all the other info.

I liked the museum of San Isidro thsat you mentioned it is in a nice area to walk as well.

One way to economize is to plan your day so that you do not have to backtrack and if you’re in the city, use the metro pass only when needed. Walking is good for the soul and the budget, and you get to see things from a different perspective.

i know NO ONE in spain who can afford taxis who does not tip SOMEthing in restaurants or taxis.. it is just not such a big percentage but it IS done.

Wow, all this information is fabulous, thanks everyone, keep it up! I especially appreciate the tips about drinking house wine -- yes, it’s Spain, you’re not going to go to far wrong with the house wine. The same has always been true for my trips to France as well.

I’m curious about your experiences at the paradores; they are such a unique aspect of traveling in Spain. Are there any paradors that anyone would especially recommend? Do you find that you plan your trips around certain paradors, or do you decide where you want to go first, and then choose your parador?

Thanks!

We stayed at the parador in Ronda during our October 2006 trip to Spain and it was a highlight of the trip. We reserved a superior room and were given a huge top floor room with a huge balcony overlooking the gorge and the old bridge. We also liked the food in the parador's restaurant. We chose Ronda as our destination first, then picked the parador as the place we wanted to stay. In our opinion, the location, the view, the size of the rooms/bathrooms and the restaurant made the parador seem to be a good value for the price. It also has very convenient underground parking. We really enjoyed our stay there.

One more for "eat where the locals eat" - out of the tourist areas. A CZ story but it makes the point: In central Prague in the early '90's there were two McDonalds. Beside the door of the one in the tourist area McD had placed a small sign in Czech. My friend interpreted for me: "We apologise for the high tourist prices. However at our restaurant on X Street, the prices are much better."

Caroline,
We are frequent guests at Paradors and belong to their frequent guest program, "Amigos", which is a great euro shaver, BTW.

As Amigos, we each receive a welcome drink (beer or wine), are given free garage parking (really comes in handy when on a wkd. the Parador is full plus hosting a wedding, communion, convention), garner points for our stays and receive a quarterly bulletin. And that quarterly lists specials available only to Amigos, such as 2X1 deals, double pts., or 1/2 pt. redemptions for free nights.

A recent 4 night stay at the Fuente Dé Parador in Picos de Europa cost us only €54 per night with an Amigos only combo of specials.

For the months of April-July Paradors has been offering rates as low as €60 and bookable online.

These online offers are even better money savers than the 5, 7 night and Golden Age plans.

So yes, sometimes we do plan our vacations around paradors grouped in a specific region (Andalucía or Galicia) to enjoy great lodging at a great price.

I stayed in my first Parador in 1970 and have been happily returning to them since. Although I haven't visited all 93 (still working on that goal!), my top 10 so far are:

Baiona
Granada (renovation finished 6/15)
Cangas de Onís
León
Oropesa
Alarcón
Cuenca
Aiguablava (location!!)
Almagro
Ronda (views!!)

are these in order of preference?

Hi amsdon,
Only #1-Baiona, because we had fabulous, huge sea facing rooms, and the Parador is so restful and "resort-like", plus that bogavante they serve in the restaurant was better than any we had elsewhere!

The rest aren't necessarily in order of preference, and there are some lovely paradors that didn't make my personal top 10, but I'm sure they're included in other Parador fan's top ten list (Toledo, for example, will come out of a total renovation some time soon, if not already and the pics look great-fabulous views from room 14!

Hi Maribel,
I bet you'll make your goal!

While I haven't stayed at as many paradores as Maribel, I've enjoyed everyone I've stayed at and would go back in a heartbeat.

Leon probably tops the list, but it was so fabulous, I swear, I couldn't sleep. I felt as if I were in a fairytale and wanted to savor every minute. The restaurant was also top notch, though I thought the food was even better at Parador Aiguablava. While I didn't care for Leon itself as much as many other destinations, I felt the visit to the pardor made the trip a winner.

The Parador de Cardona is also a castle parador, though not of the same scale and magnitude of Leon, but the view from the top is breathtaking and the restaurant was fabulous.

Another historic parador, built right into the ancient wall of Avila, was spectacular, especially the outdoor garden where DH and I sat on the terrace with wine and tapas watching the "bird ballet" in the nearby towers. The room here was smaller and quite basic, but we spent most of our time exploring the wall and the town below.

I also loved Parador Aiguablava for the location--in Costa Brava right on the beach. It was modern, yet very open and comfortable and a wonderful place for day trips to such places as Pals, Girona, and other Costa Brava locations.

The Parador outside of Segovia was very modern with lots of atrium areas and a view of the cathedral and alcazar that also kept me awake at night and woke me early in the morning to an unforgetable view. We walked to town, but it wasn't a short walk, and opted to take a cab back.

I too am an "amigo"--they just sent me a certificate for 18Euros towards my next visit, but unfortunately it expires on July 30, otherwise I'd offer it to Maribel who has been such an incredible source of information on this website, but it has my name on it (sure wish I could use it!)

I really can't say enough good things about the paradores. For a government to run such a network, is truly impressive. They seem to reflect the pride and heart of the Spanish people.

Hi artlover,
Hope I live long enough to make that goal! But have to get back to Canarias though to do it (haven't been since '73)!

I've also taken advantage of those coupons for free stuff in the gift shop-a nice gesture. We invariably end up buying a corkscrew or an umbrella!

Look for the opening fairly soon of the Parador Alcalá de Henares. And they plan to open 15 more in the next 3 years-quite an ambitious project!
I'm eager to visit the one being built at the Monastery of Corias in beautiful rural Asturias. They're now producing red wine down there, BTW.

Incidentally, you can read their excellent bilingual magazine online (pdf) by clicking on "corporate info", then "paradores magazine".

Paradores are quite expensive, even with a discount card. If you want to stay out of towns and more in small villages or isolated houses then look at www.toprural.com The larger houses like Pazos and Rectorals have a good standard with large rooms. Lower down the scale are Casa Rurals. Staying in any of these establishments means you will also have a more personal service than a Hotel or Paradore.

Car Hire:::::
Americans usually drive automatic cars. However if you can hire a manual (stick shift). Autos are usually more expensive because they are not so popular and neither are they in the lower class of car.
Don’t be afraid of a very small car, it will be more than adequate here in Europe. Just hire one that is suitable for your party, the smallest will accommodate four person but will not have the luggage space.
If you are not confident on using a manual then don’t try an learn to use one in a foreign country the stress could be too much and ruin your holiday.

bookmarking

Lots of great tips so far, but no one's mentioned apartment rentals for stays of one week or longer in one place. I'd really be interested in these and think they would be great budget savers.

Hi My DH and I booked an apartment in the El Born district of Barcelona in March. Booked through inside BCN. It was $89 Euros/night. 1 bedroom with sitting room,Kitchen,washing machine,bath/shower combo in bathroom. It was fantastic. close to everything, clean and much cheaper than hotels in this area. We will definitely book again when we return. Also much cheaper to rent a car through auto europe prior to arriving in Spain. We also used Toprural for a room at Can Xiquet near Cadaques. Fabulous hotel, food(breakfast and dinner) were outstanding, wish we had planned on more than 1 night. For Madridwe booked 3 nights at the Westin Palace hotel which we won on an auction through Luxury link. We paid 1/6th the price which included dinner,drinks and a Madrid card for 2.

If in the Basque area, try www.nekatur.net, for very cheap prices on excellent accomodation (normally not in city centres). And toprural, of course.

weasel and mikelg, Thanks for your responses.

weasel,
Did the couch in the sitting room convert to a bed?

Also, as far as car rentals, we've gotten good rates through autoeurope.com, but got even better ones from another company suggested here on Fodors and now I can't find the name. I think it was something like jetcar, but when I googled that it didn't work. Anyone know?

Another great freebie in Barcelona is "The Magic Fountain" by Montjuic on Saturday night. Music and a light show and people watching all together. It might happen more often in the summer, not sure, but it's a great experience.

Regarding car renting, pepecar.com has good rates and are expanding all over Spain. They began with Smart cars but now they even have minivans.

I don´t think they have automatic cars, mind you.

Rgds, Cova

Hello all.

Caroline, regarding Paradores I agree are quite nice and if you do your homework you can get a nice rate.

My last stay was in Leon,which was outstanding.Good rate as well because we used pre-purchase hotel vouchers from http://Bancotel.com

Just my two cents regarding Paradores.Although they are nice,a big portion of them are in need of a big revamp.

Last addition is the new Parador at Alcala de Henares.

My top 3 are:
Baiona.
Santiago de Compostela.
Leon.

artlover.. i think it is "carjet". i have heard of that company.

Hey Caroline -

As Spanish travel specialists since 1983, we've seen a lot of swings in the economy throughout the years. Currently, a consistently great way to beat the euro is through booking suite hotels rather than traditional hotels.

Suite hotels generally offer a better value play with more space and most importantantly, a kitchenette (which saves you money on meals). This can save travelers a good deal of cash without sacrificing comfort. Most suite hotels also offer 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom units, which are great for families or couples who are traveling together.

A great suite hotel in Madrid is Amador de los Rios. Check it out online at http://www.ilcweb.com/spain-hotels.php?hotelid=115

A great suite hotel in Barcelona is Hispanos Siete Suiza Suite Hotel. Check it out online at http://www.ilcweb.com/spain-hotels.php?hotelid=91.

I'd love to hear everyone else's thoughts.

Best,
Carter (International Lodging Corporation)

ILCWEB,
Looking through your listings and comparing with anybody else I found you own website is no better than any of the major players.
What you purchase is nothing to do with your listings more to do with a choice of hotel.
I have also noted that your one and only posting on this forum gives links to your own web site...how promotional is that?