ARRIVING IN MADRID ON JUNE 14 @ 11:30AM, DO I WANT TO LOCATE A HOTEL NEAR THE AIRPORT? WILL I EASILY BE ABLE TO SEE THE SIGHTS ETC IF I REMAIN IN SUCH A HOTEL? SUGGESTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, ANY & ALL ADVICE REGARDING THE TRIP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

I have never been in Madrid but I can give you good advise. To really experience a great city, you must be able to walk out of your hotel and be immediately in the middle of the action. If you stay at the airport, you'll spend costless hours commuting. It's pretty depressing to contemplate having to get back to your distant hotel af the end of an exhausting adventure into the city.

Marie, just get in a taxi that will take you to your hotel which should be downtown where all the action is. The taxi driver might even be helpful and the drive is rather interesting. If I were you, I would try to get a hotel on the Gran Via close to the Prado and Retiro Park. I have see the Hotel Mora recommended several times here. From the Gran Via you should be able to walk everywhere, including the train stations which can take you off on day trips. Have a very fun time. Do not miss the towns of Toledo and Segovia, and be sure to see the Valley of the Fallen. Have a beer on the Plaza Mayor some hot night. Don't waste time staying by the airport.

Marie, this post concerns me; it is June 11 and you are looking for a hotel in Madrid for June 14??? I recommend you start making some phone calls PRONTO. Try the following websites <BR> <BR>http://www.hotelsearch.com/ <BR> <BR>http://www.hotelcity.com/spain/index.htm <BR> <BR>http://www.webtourist.ch/travel/euro...d/hotels.htm#c <BR> <BR>http://www.sercotel.es:8513/dcd_serc...rov?ciudad=mad <BR> <BR>Gina was right regarding staying closer to the city center. Once you get to the airport, locate the bus or train station to Atocha station. Once you get to Atocha give a taxi the hotel address to get you there. <BR> <BR>By the way, what is the Jayuya connection? My great-grandmother had Taino Indian blood and I have been to Jayuya many times.

Hotel Opera is the place to be. Right around the corner from The Palace. Down the street from Plaza Mayor. You can walk everywhere. Have Fun