violetduck

I have read previous posts on hotel recommendations and there are not that many current ones. We like to be in or near historic center and walking distance to many sights. Luxury not our thing, but do enjoy a really nice, clean place with some character and generally smaller boutique type or family run type places over large hotels. However, that being said a large hotel with good prices always worth checking out. We are willing to pay more for the perfect place, but overall maybe 100 to 250 euros a good range. Trip in planning stage for October, 2014 and all travel by train and public transportation. Many thanks!!!!!!

Grindeldoo

I've stayed at the Hotel Banys Orientals a couple of times in the not-too-distant past and would be happy to stay there again. Good value, comfortable, on a (mostly) pedestrianised street about 500m from the Barri Gotic, in El Born.

clarkgriswold

You'll love the private rooms at the Casa Gracia hostel in Barcelona, if you can get one. They fill up a few months in advance.
In Seville, the Toc Hostel is terrific and has some tiny double rooms with a terrace if you're lucky enough to book early. C&L San Vicente apartment is another great find in Seville (on booking dot com). If it's available on your dates, book it while you continue to look around, I believe it is totally cancellable without fee.

NomadLass

I actively researched hotels/apartments for our upcoming 10 night trip to Barcelona at the end of this month so can give you a few suggestions that might fit your criteria and budget. It's our first trip to Barcelona so I do not know these properties first hand but all get excellent reviews on Trip Advisor.

The first 7 nights we are staying at the BarcelonaBB Bed & Breakfast in the Eixample area based on reviews and a location that is a 15 min walk to the La Sagrada Familia neighborhood where our friends are renting apartments at Gaudi's Nest - an option I would have considered but all were rented.

The last 3 nights we are shifting to a fairly new boutique hotel, PillowRooms, located on Ronda Sant Pere near Parc de la Ciutadella and walking distance to Barri Gotic, El Born, and Barceloneta districts.

Friends of ours have previously stayed at Hotel Jazz and were pleased with the facility and location which is within walking distance of many sites.

Good luck with your trip planning - sounds like a nice itinerary.

BowenLinda

In Madrid a couple of years ago I stayed at the Hotel Catalonia Las Cortes and thought it was a great choice for a first time visit. Close to the Museum District and Retiro Park, just around the corner from Plaza Santa Ana, good sized rooms and lovely bathrooms. I think it is categorized as a 4* and was about E120.

DebitNM

Bookmark

julia_t

I recently stayed in Madrid at the Hotel Principe Pio.

It's at the bottom end of your budget. I found it pleasant enough, nothing special, but the staff were helpful, breakfast was adequate for my needs, the room was large and clean (though the carpet had some stains). I had asked for a quiet room and had one at the back, but I kind of regretted not having the view of the Palace and Sabatini Gardens.

I really liked the location. There are several bus stops close by and I used the buses a lot. It was quick and easy to walk to the Opera House and get the metro elsewhere. Taxis were cheap and I used them at night. If you decide to stay there I can give you more info on bus routes etc.

The Principe Pio is within a short walking distance of many sights, the Palacio Royal, cathedral, temple of Debod, Museo Cerralbo, the Monasterios Descalzas, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Real, Mercato San Miguel, and plenty more. Even the Prado doesn't take that long to walk to.

kja

Have you checked trip advisor.com? or booking.com?

kimhe

Madrid:
Hotel Plaza Mayor: http://www.h-plazamayor.com/en/
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/plaza-mayor.html
The area: http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-mayor.html
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-santa-ana.html

Barcelona: Second the suggestion of Banys Orientals:
http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/
The area: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Sevilla: Vime Corregidor: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/vime-corregidor.html
10-15 minutes walking to the Santa Cruz district, and a very nice, local atmosphere up here. Just off lively Alameda de Herculues with lots of excellent bars, cafés and restaurants:
http://www.sevillaonline.es/english/seville/alameda.htm

And the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla goes on from Sept 12 to Oct 5. The major flamenco festival in the world. A night at the bienal could easily be a highlight of the trip: http://www.labienal.com/en/

violetduck

Many thanks to all for your suggestions, information and links. I am checking out each and every one. Have seen some that really appeal. I have also checked some guide books. Trip Advisor, etc. but usually really feel positive about posters' recommendations. I have been holding off on purchasing airline tickets thinking they might go down. Well, that was a mistake, at this point, because they went up. So I am checking every day to see how it goes. I can still get a fare about the same but my 1 change of planes has not turned into 2 and I so do not want to do it unless no choice.

I would still like to hear from others with hotel recommendations as well as other interesting and helpful information regarding each of our destinations.

Many thanks to all for your help.

violetduck

I checked several dates and found same airfare and itinerary I had hoped to book earlier. Whew!!!!!

TravelerKaren

We recently returned from trip to Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Granada and Malaga. We loved all the hotels we stayed in except Ronda. We would recommend these hotels in Toledo and Seville. Both are in the old town near all the major sites:

Toledo - Sercotel San Juan de los Reyes
Seville - Hotel Amadeus & La Musica

IMDonehere

Madrid

Hotel Persal
Room Mate Alicia (It is a chain of hip hotels.)

Egbert

Barcelona: Regencia Colon
Madrid: Hostal Macarena
Seville: Hotel Murillo

violetduck

Thanks for the new replies and some more places to check out. For those who recommended Hotel Banys Orientals in Barcelona, if you happen to see this post again, please let me know if your bed was comfortable. I like the price, looks and location, but too many reviews say the bed is not comfortable.We will be there 5 nights so that would not work well.
Many thanks!!!

progol

TravelerKaren,
What hotel did you book in Ronda? I'd like to know which one to avoid, too!

Following this thread for next year's trip.

Paule

MyriamC

We were at the Amadeus in Sevilla last year. Would go there again in a heartbeat!

We were at the Royal Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona earlier this year. Very satisfied.

If you want something special in Ronda, check out Enfrente Arte. Very special!
http://www.enfrentearte.com

progol

MyriamC - love that Ronda hotel! Looks like a fun place to be -I'm definitely adding that to my list!

Paule