sugarmaple

Hi again

I've scoured vrbo for a budget accommodation in or quite close to las Letras.

Please have a look at these two. I'd appreciate opinions and advice.

Again, we're not looking for night clubs, or a street hopping until 4:00 a.m. We are more interested in charm and history.

https://www.vrbo.com/1933599ha#

https://www.vrbo.com/1053822ha?utm_c..._medium=email#

Of course, Hostal Adriano is also an option.

Gracias.

chapla

The first apt is not appealing to me-I don't like to stay on that side of Atocha.
The second one is GREAT-my favorite part of Madrid-I always stay in/near that area. Google the street!

kimhe

Both are excellent, I know that chapla don't like that side of Atocha street, and her favourite is the "nicer" one and spot on in the heart of Las Letras. But the apartments are close and the first apartement is down towards the wonderful and local atmosphere area in and around Plaza Tirso de Molina. Maybe a lunch in the 6th floor terrace in Casa Granada with great views over the plaza?
https://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Vid...ada-Video.html

Christina

Both locations would be fine, very convenient and central. The first is only about a block from plaza Jacinto Benavente. That isn't exactly Las Letras, but sure, it is close as it's probably considered about the edge of it.

I hope you understand these areas are not going to be quiet in the center of Madrid. At last hte first one iosn't right on the plaza. That's very near to Hostal Adriano anyway.

You've got history all around you. PErsonally, you couldn't pay me to stay in that second one, but not due to the location, due to the apt which I seriously dislike. I think those stairs are dangerous, also. So if I had a choice of those 2, I'd pick the first as even if you liked the second area slightly better, the apt situation would outweigh that consideration.

sugarmaple

Thank you for your advice. It's fine to look at a map, but opinions from folks who know the area is invaluable.

Could you please look at this, and how it stacks up against the second option

https://www.vrbo.com/6424822ha?utm_c...=email#reviews

sugarmaple

Sorry, I meant against the first, not the one with the stairs!

danon

It is a good location...close to the Palace, Mayor and metro Opera.
Madrid is a big city.

kimhe

A litle outside Las Letras, but still in the very heart of town and a nice area.

DebbieDoesDulles

I like the last one that you posted, sugarmaple. The first part of this video will give you an idea of the neighborhood vibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxC-IDODvA

sugarmaple

Well, the last one isn't available any longer.

So we're considering this, as well as the first one:

https://www.vrbo.com/1949464ha?utm_c...m_medium=email

It's s little more expensive, but if the location is better, that would be fine. If it's not that much better, I'd rather use the cash for tapas!

kimhe

Calle Echegaray is the busiest nightlife street in all the area, a fabulous flamenco venue (Cardamomo, two of the greatest up and coming female flamenco dancers, Paloma Fantova and Macarena Ramirez, dance here regularly), a couple of flamenco bars (El Burladero, don't recall the second one), famous La Venencia and some more places. Much noise, especially in the weekends.
http://theculturetrip.com/europe/spa...sit-in-madrid/
https://cardamomo.com/en/
http://www.timeout.com/madrid/music-...e/el-burladero

It's said to be the street with most bars in Spain pr. square meter, but I seriously doubt that, I know of many streets with a higher density, but Echegaray for sure is lively...: http://www.abc.es/hemeroteca/histori...799731726.html

I would have opted for the first apartment 300 meters away, got some sleep and used the cash for tapas and flamenco in Cardamomo ;-)

kimhe

And the first one looks just excellent, I will seriously consider it for my next little longer stay in Madrid, and I've roamed around this area much the past twenty years.

danon

I tend to agree with kimhe
The first one is not in the most elegant part of Madrid, but there is nothing wrong with it
either.
Stay away from the busy / bar/ restaurants areas....Madrid is an " all night " city.

DebbieDoesDulles

Here's another one to consider, near the Opera:
https://www.vrbo.com/6568375ha

sugarmaple

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my questions, and offered such helpful advice.

In view of everything, I'm going to book the first one. It seems a good compromise between area and noise.

I'm sure to be posting closer to our trip in October.

Gracias

kimhe

You're then staying 200 meters from Café Central, the best jazz venue in town. Top national/international artists every night at 10pm, 15€ cover charge and good food also. Changing artists every week. A cool café also for lunch or a late night drink, excellent atmosphere: http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/

You stay 250 meters from Casa Patas, the best tablao (flamenco restaurant) in Madrid, Spain and the world in recent years: http://www.casapatas.com/

You are also 250 meters from my favourite restaurant in Madrid, Casa Alberto from 1827. Traditional Madrid food with a creative and innovative touch. Very popular with both locals and tourists alike, and an excellent tapas bar in front. One Sol in the Guia Repsol, the Spanish equivalent to the Michelin guide, yet very affordable, expect some 35€ pp. for a full meal.
http://www.casaalberto.es/en/
https://www.guiarepsol.com/es/gastro...-casa-alberto/

You are also 250 meters from my favourite tapas bar in town, Casa Revuelta just off Plaza Mayor. The Bacalao rebozado (fried cod) tapas is to die for, but lots of other goodies as well. This is as genuinely Madrid as it gets: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ma.../casa-revuelta
Jam packed on Sundays at lunchtime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHu8zGsFuy8

You're also just around the corner from the Arab bath house, Hammam Al Ándaluz (never been here): http://madrid.hammamalandalus.com/en/

sugarmaple

Wow, kimhe!

Thank you so much for such great information. You're one of the Spanish experts whose opinion I always look for when I'm searching threads.

kimhe

Just glad to help, and I'm pretty sure you're going to have a fabulous time in Madrid!

I leave you with a little taste of Café Central:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLJqn6CNnPQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CnUJLsKVW8

and Casa Patas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdWH02jklOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmW2oNDoHWE

pamh

We stayed in this apartment in late May - absolutely fabulous location. The owner has 5 other units in the same building, and I believe some are a bit smaller and less expensive. https://www.vrbo.com/641645?utm_camp...m_source=Cycle

kimhe

This last apartment is in an excellent location just off vibrant Plaza Santa Ana, but again, almost right in the middle of the most hectic nightlife, and reviewers also mention street noise. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ma...a-de-santa-ana