1 day is all we'll have in Madrid. Where is the best area to stay in that will give us access to the essential things to see? What are those essential things? Any boutique hotel suggestions, or bigger but with character hotels?

Villa Real Hotel, all suite hotel , cozy and comfortable. Centrally located, walking distance to the "Del Prado & Thysen- Bornemisa Museums". Also very close to "Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor". While at the plaza, go to the "mesones" (typical spanish pubs)for dinner. You will have a blast...

If you have to choose one museum, choose El Prado, one of the best museums...in the world......this year we tried a very pleasant and also reasonable new four stars hotel called Villa de la Reina, ....before we have stayed in the Palace also very nice but much more expensive.<BR>We can recommend both of them.

Choose a hotel near the Plaza Mayor area. From there you are in walking distance of the historical center.<BR><BR>To answer your question about "essential" places to visit, this depends on your interests:<BR><BR>1. If you have an interest in European paintings, visit the El Prado museum. Also, if you never got to see Picasso's "Guernica" painting during the many years it was in the USA, stop by the Centro de Arte Reina Museum to see it. This museum is located a few blocks from El Prado.<BR><BR>2. If you enjoy seeing lavish furnishings, visit the Royal Palace. <BR><BR>3. If you enjoy interesting and unusual interior design, visit the Convento de las Descalzas Reales. <BR><BR>4. If you have an interest in history and pre-Hispanic art of the Americas, visit the Museo de Am&eacute;rica. It contains historical and artistic objects the conquistadores sent to Spain after invading the Americas. This museum is incredible, and was the highlight of my trip to Madrid.

I forgot to mention: If you have the time, also try attending a bullfight. I am not sure of the bullfight season or schedule, but I think they are held on Sundays at 7 PM, with the exception of the month of May, when they are held everyday, also at 7 PM.<BR><BR>Also, if the day has not completely exhausted you, visit a nightclub that has flamenco dancing. The dancing does not start until about 11 PM.