Ed

Does anyone have any recent experience at the Reina Victoria Hotel in Madrid? I've read elsewhere of construction work in the Plaza Santa Ana. Was the construction disruptive? Any other thoughts on the Hotel?<BR><BR>Thanks!

r

I stayed there in Sept. 2000 for three nights. We had a jr.suite facing the Plaza. There were double windows so the outside noise was minimal. The location has some charm and it's within walking distance of the Prado and the Plaza Mejor. The rooms were O.K. not great. I would not stay there again. I found it mediocre and over-priced. I would sooner stay at the Palace Hotel for the same price and much more style. (The last time I stayed there was in 1970!)

a

I stayed there last year. I agree with r. It is neither terrible nor great. If I was to return, I would not stay there. I can't help you with the construction issue.

Andrea

Stayed at the Reina Sofia late June 2001. Very large room overlooking square. Excellent buffet breakfast included in price, but had to watch final hotel bill as price suddenly changed. Lots of activity outside late at night, though didn't hear a thing. I was very concerned about safety issues after hearing and reading some very negative experiences. Things were fine though, but I was very cautious..always wore neck pouch with passport, etc.

And

Oops, meant I stayed at the Reina Victoria...did go to the wonderful museum, Reina Sofia, though!

r

Ed; We had the same experience as Andrea with the final bill. The room was reserved at one amount and they doubled it in the final bill and added a bunch of other stuff that we didn't do. I guess they figure everyone is in such a rush when they leave that they don't notice. It was, however, the only negative experience like that that we had in Spain. Everywhere else hotels were honest and friendly. Spain is wonderful. I can truly generalize about it because everywhere we went the people were not only beautiful, but kind, helpful and friendly. Plus, the country itself is magnificent.

orna

Hi: Did anyone dtay at the tryp ambassador? did anyone stay at the Toledo Parador?

CathyM

I just spent 2 nights at the Reina Victoria in mid-October 2001. The construction work was not disruptive but the square was all torn up and not very attractive. The location is great if you want to do things in the evening but still stay close to your lodging. It was my first trip to Spain and I was worried (needlessly) about safety so chose this hotel for location and size. Next time I'd choose another hotel in the area but not this one. The check in was abrupt and we were treated rudely - this was a first during out entire trip. My friend speaks fluent spanish so there weren't any language issues that could have caused a miscommunication. I had requested a room with a view and had a lovely view of a wall. The breakfast buffet was excellent though. Luckily we didn't have an issue with the final bill but it was a little confusing the way they broke out the cost of the buffet breakfast.