dorkforcemom

Please provide input regarding location, amenities of these two apartments for my sister and me - much appreciation to those who weighed in on my previous post regarding Rollo apt.

http://www.spain-select.com/en_US/re...ope-de-vega-ii

http://www.spain-select.com/en_US/re...nts/escalinata

We prefer walking and using the metro over buses. Trip is end of October/beginning of November for 10 days, half of which will be in Madrid. First time to Spain.

chapla

I love the area of the first apt-I've stayed on the next street over, Calle de Cervantes for a month and loved it.
Not close to a metro station but I walked everywhere from here,to the Plaza Mayor, the museums, Atocha train station.
There is a small supermarket close by.
The second apartment is also good, a little noisier but close to the metro Opera-2 mins.Close the the dept store El Corte Ingles with a huge supermarket in the basement.
If I had to choose I would go with the first one!

BigRuss

Can't miss with either. Those are good locations and, for Europe, large flats. The second apt puts you close to Plaza Mayor and Mercado San Miguel and the Palace and closer to Metro. First is closer to the two top art museums.

danon

The location of both is a bit more conveniente than the first one you asked about. I agree about the noise
comment re the second one. The area near the Opera metro stop seems to be a popular
hangout for young people.

chapla

I just thought of something about the Escalinata apt-it's a steep walk up to Calle Mayor/Plaza Mayor and then as teep incline to get to Calle Arenal and Opera.
The weather could be unpleasant/rainy in Oct/Nov and I wouldn't like that walk! A couple of years ago,I had rain 2 weeks straight in Madrid so come prepared.

danon

The fall weather is unpredictable. in many parts of Spain.
I was in Madrid mid Oct. two years ago...it was
25 C degrees and warm at night.
Last year we were in Madrid at the end of Oct..., it was cool and gray, the night temp. was bellow
10 C....it rained one day - all day,
(out of three )

chapla

Miserable weather is not pleasant especially on vacation! I used to visit Madrid during the summer months but found the heat just so oppressive.Then I tried in November-rain! This year I tried April and once again so much rain,some Easter processions were cancelled.One day, I actually thought it would snow!I'm running out of months!

Christina

I think they would both be okay, the second one is still farther from a metro stop than I prefer, but is a littler closer than the one on your prior thread. Now I stay in the Opera area, more or less, so know that area well and like it. The only drawback to that apt at all IMO is that being almost right on that plaza where the metro is, it could be very noisy. That is a transit intersection with some buses and metro stops, but it is also a plaza where a lot of people are (and stands selling stuff, maybe even some music at times, etc) hanging out. It isn't just young people, although there are some maybe doing skateboard, etc., but all kinds of people around there. And that apt. is only first floor (both are), also. I might be tempted if the bedroom was in the rear and not bordering on the street.

The second area isn't tranquil, either, of course, but it looks like the street where that apt is isn't too super busy (of course people are walking up and down those all day and the noise echos a lot in those narrow streets). But it's not right on a plaza. So I think it would be a littler quieter, although I don't think it is as convenient for other things as the first one. It is nearer some museums, but I don't care about living near them, I just visit them in the daytime.

Both look very nice, though, and good prices. I'll have to check that out next time I go there because Madrid hotels can be a bit pricier than you'd think.

danon

chapla,
I was in Barcelona for a week at the end of April this year....it rained for five days!
In 2010 we were in Seville for la Semana Santa..also end of April...also rained for
two days of five( processions canceled).
As for the apts and noise...hard to find something totally quiet in the centre of a big city.
....the last two visits to Madrid we stayed in Serrano- Salamanca, but I would not
recommend it for the first time visitors.

chapla

I never found noise to be in the area of Lope de Vega.There are pedestrian only and one way only streets Years ago I stayed in a great apt on Huertas but that noise got unbearable,even on the fourth floor and ear plugs!It's a pedestrian street loaded with bars but people were shouting til 4AM. At closing, the bar owners would be dumping their empty bottles in the trash and then the garbage trucks ..........!
I moved over to Calle Cervantes and loved it-2 doors away from the house of Lope de Vega.Unfortunately, the owner sold that apt!
The somewhat busy street is Calle de Leon.The location is so easy not only to visit the museums but to walk to Atocha.The original poster said they were going to Granada by train.
I would cut through to Plaza Santa Ana and then a few more minutes to Plaza Mayor.I found I rarely needed to take the metro or the bus.I even found the walk to the Retira an easy walk.
Opera is a very busy location-more so since they made Calle Arenal a pedestrian street-always jammed with people.I don't understand why cars are allowed to drive across Arenal-I have seen quite a few close calls between cars and people!So nowadays, I prefer to walk along Calle Mayor and then down Calle Santiago which I love since it is now a pedestrian street and a pretty walk down to the Palace!

dorkforcemom

Tis is exactly the kind of info I need. Sounds like there are pros and cons to each apartment. I'm leaning toward Lope de Vega II as it seems brighter - more windows and light.

I agree about the weather being iffy the first week of November. Come prepared will be my motto.

chapla

From the Lope de Vega apt use the Google map and go to Calle San Agustin to Calle del Prado and you will see the bank where I feel very safe using the ATM.It's also next to the little supermarket.Then go down to the Westin Palace Hotel and turn right on Calle Jesus,you will see the Madrid Tourist office,very friendly and helpful staff.
Walk into the hotel and you will be able to see the wonderful stained glass rotunda ceiling.
You can go back to the apt following Calle Jesus to Lope de Vega and then turn onto your short street.

danon

Dork,
In addition to an umbrella,
bring something wooly to wear in the evening !