|
4.5 days in Madrid, best location to stay for sight seeing
I was wondering if there were any pedestrian only streets where there is nice shopping and restaurants that we could find a good hotel? I loved the Exiample neighborhood in Barcelona, can anyone think of a madrid equivalent? Someplace chi chi but not overly touristed?
|
Madrid is very different than Barcelona. It is a huge city. The chi-chi part of the city Salamanca is my favorite.
take a look at : http://www.maribelsguides.com/ for best info anywhere |
Great thanks! I looked at Maribel's guide but I wasn't sure if Salamanca is really far from the tourist attractions?
|
The famous museums are all clustered together, there are hotels closer to the museums , a lot of restaurants and bars are in that area, but it is not very chi-chi or elegant.. it is lively because of many tapas bars, clubs, full of tourists and local at night.
Serrano is even closer to Prado and park Retiro , next to Salamanca and equally elegant. There are some exp. hotels there like Wellington, Adler etc ( have not stayed in any of them) The further north you go from the Park , longer the walk to Museums.. I also love Eixample more than other parts of Barcelona, but as I said , Madrid is huge, has a different feel... Like any big city it has its problems ( petty crime), the public transit is very good, cheap taxis, several possibilities for great day trips. Some here don't like Serrano and Salamanca because they are more residential, house mostly expensive shops ( from Dior to Jimmy Choos), quiet on weekends ... Depends on what you prefer.. Hope you get more ( and maybe different) input from other posters.. |
Madrid is a VERY easy city to walk, and if needed, has a great Metro.
Dont know what your tastes are hotel wise, but I would recommend the Plaza Mayor. Centrally located, nice accomodations (not luxurious, basic but very clean, very helpful staff) which is very reasonable price wise. It's recommended in Maribel's guide. Stayed there last November for 4 days and loved it. |
GiuliaPiraino,
If you enjoyed staying in Barcelona's Eixample, you'll love staying in the posh/chi-chi/elegant Salamanca quarter. As danon notes, this very upscale area does get very quiet on weekends (its wealthy residents head to their weekend homes in the Sierra), but it's certainly the safest area to lodge. We just returned from a stay in the Eixample and another in the Salamanca quarter. Salamanca is where we prefer to stay when not needing to be adjacent to "museum mile". From our hotel one block east of Calle Serrano (filled with international boutiques but now under a huge construction project)), we walked to the Prado, a very beautiful walk down past the Retiro Park and Ritz Hotel, in about 20 minutes. There are no pedestrian only streets in the Salamanca quarter like the Eixample's Rambla de Catalunya, but walking there is most pleasant. As I said above, if you're interested in a Salamanca quarter stay, for now, please avoid the hotels directly on Calle Serrano as it's completely torn up for public works. I spent a good deal of time searching for hotels there withOUT construction going on either in front or next door. For now and well into next year most likely, your safest (quietest) bets are: 5 star Hotel Wellington (great deals now for 120 euros, on Velázquez near Retiro Park) 4 star Hotel Selenza (brand new, with quite fab gourmet restaurant Ramón Freixa on boutique filled Claudio Coello) 4 star Hotel AC Recoletos (on quiet side street below Serrano) 3 star Hotel Hesperia Hermosilla (between Serrano and Velázquez-retail heaven) 3 star Hostal Residencia Don Diego (on tony Velázquez) all three High Tech-Petit Palace properties there have construction all around them-just so you know... |
Maribel, thanks for the info about all the construction..
We are going to Madrid in the spring, I was considering AC Recoletos for a few days. Good to know you like it! |
THANK YOU MARIBEL! I just printed out your guide and I haven't had a chance to look through it yet, taking it with me to get a pedicure :) I was looking at the Hotel Wellington, it has a decent enough review on TripAdvisor. We can get room and board for $228 USD is this a decent rate considering that it's a 5 star hotel and includes breakfast? I emailed them to find out if there was a fee for their wi-fi, which the website says all the rooms are equipt, but I have not received a response. Does anyone know? I think I may end up booking this, especially if you recommend it, their website prices are much higher than the discount booking I found, so I might go for it!
Are there any reasonably priced tapas bars in this area near the Wellington or will we have to walk quite a way? I understand the area is quite high prices for food? Also, how far is it to walk to the park from there? Thank you so much for your response, very helpful!!! |
http://www.solmelia.com/search/available-hotels.htm
When we do a city break we love to go to Madrid and stay at the Gran Melia Fenix/Plaza de Colón - Salamanca. It's close to museums and walking from the hotel towards the city is very pleasant. We like to stay at the Royal floor which is a treat when you come back from a day long city walk..... SV |
|
I looked at the Gran Melia Fenix and I loved the location but I was disappointed that they upcharged for everything, internet, breakfast, etc. I can't even consider a hotel that doesn't have free wi-fi or wired internet in the room and a hot breakfast, it just makes the trip so much easier if we have at least those two things!
|
Hi GiuliaPiraino,
There was a very good reason I didn't recommend the Gran Meliá Fénix. The construction going on right next door! One to avoid for a while until it's finished, if you want a restful stay. They're renovating the building next to it. Don't know how long it will take to be finished. Re the free in-room Wi-Fi. It's free at the Hesperia Hermosilla and works like a charm. At the AC Recoletos there's wired internet in the rooms for a fee, but it's free in the Wi-Fi zones downstairs. About the Wellington, I can't remember if the Wi-Fi is free (good to email and ask), but the breakfasts are quite expensive at 25 euros, as is the case in most 5 star properties in Madrid. If you can find an online rate that includes the buffet breakfast that would beat the hotel's rate, I'd go with that. Or let the hotel match that rate. Their '09 rates have been highly competitive. It wouldn't hurt to ask. As far as breakfast outside the Wellington, you just walk up a few blocks north to the corner of Velázquez and Don Ramón de la Cruz, where you'll find a branch of Madrid's most elegant gourmet deli, Mallorca. We have breakfast there (coffee, juice, croissant or breakfast sandwich) every morning when staying in this area. There's also a less chic but reliable, prosaic Café y Té branch on Calle Goya at the corner of Lagasca. It's just a very quick walk to the entrance of Retiro Park from the Wellington. Just next door, almost. |
Maribel,
Would you agree with this TripAdvisor review about the Wellington's location? "My only problem with the area is there are few restaurants / shops within the immediate vicinity and most seemed to be a 10 minute walk away". I like the proximity to the park, but I'd like to be near some kind of shopping or cafes? Or is this just another miss from TripAdvisor? |
GiuliaPiranino,
You have high end shopping galore near the Wellington, plus a huge El Corte Inglés shopping complex up on Calle Goya. Shops abound! I just had clients who stayed at the Wellington who shopped to their hearts content in this shopping mecca of Salamanca. As to restaurants, it depends on what you're seeking. The hotel itself has two of the very most upscale, high end gourmet restaurants in the city (with prices to match)-Kabuki Wellington and Goizeko Wellington. On the same street there's the informal gourmet pizza (cocas) and panini place, D'E, ice cream at Giangrossi plus a branch of the Asador Frontón for steaks, the casual, contemporary bistro, Iroco, and the newish Blondie, with reasonable prices. Across the street and up a bit there's a branch of the popular tapas bar, Lateral. On nearby Jorge Juan there are many places, from Basque to Thai to Asturian to fusion to Sula, for jamón ibérico at the bar or a 20 euro Mon.-Fri. lunch at the dining area beyond the bar on the ground floor. There's even a Gino's pizza a few blocks away on the corner of Hermosilla and Lagasca, along with tapas at the former theater turned restaurant Teatriz on the corner of Claudio Coello and Lagasca. Both owned by the VIPS group. Ten minutes at the very most. Then there is glam Ramses on the Plaza de la Independencia across from Retiro Park along with Senzone in the Hotel Hospes Madrid. Both high end. |
Wow that sounds wonderful, I love shopping!!! I just got an email from the Wellington and they do charge a hefty fee for internet almost 8 euros per hour, so that's out of our budget when the room is already $228. I have elderly parents and I really need to have email contact at my disposal, I mean I get email on my phone but it makes them feel more comfortable if they can email me and vice versa.
So I'm now I'm thinking of the AC Recoletos, but have read many reviews of small dark rooms. Would anyone agree with this? My other option is to find an apartment that will rent nightly. Actually when I look at the prices, it's cheaper to rent it for a week and only use it for 5 days than to stay in a hotel for the same length of time. There are many nice looking apartments in Chueca. I understand this is a gay district, totally fine with me, but is it safe? We like to be able to walk at night. Can anyone recommend an apartment either around Retiro park or in a good shopping area? Last year we had an apartment just north of the University of Barcelona in the Eixample neighborhood and it was absolutley stunning, great tapas all around and a small grocery store right around the corner. I'd love to find something like that in Madrid, even if it is for only 5 days. Now the Wellington did say that they would be running some specials for the Christmas holiday, but not for another couple of months. I don't know if I feel comfortable waiting and not securing a place. Is there high demand for hotels in Madrid over new years? We will be there Dec. 28-Jan 2. Thanks! |
When we were in Madrid we used an Internet place for one euro.
You may find other hotels or apt. charge a fee as well. Shopping areas , other than Salamanca, are not very upscale or interesting ( to me, anyway). you may take a look at: http://www.spain-select.com ( only several apt. are available for short rentals) http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...odation-33.htm or contact [email protected] Daniel has a beautiful apt. we were considering , but the dates were not right for us. Tell him Nela gave you his e-mail. If you are booking ( any) place for New Years, you better do it soon |
p.s.
here is Daniel's place ( an article about in a journal) http://www.elle.es/elledeco/casas/la...%28offset%29/6 |
Danon wrote >>Madrid is very different than Barcelona. It is a huge city.<< Barcelona is a HUGE city as well, so that is a very misleading statement.
There are parts of Madrid that feel very quaint. I actually love the area around Plaza del Oriente. Touristy? Maybe, but steel a great vibe. In summary, I take Madrid ANYDAY over BCN (even though I already have a ticket to fly to BCN soon!) |
Maribel,
How about the Hesperia Madrid? They are having great rates now with free wifi. Is this a quiet area of Madrid? I know it is not in the tourist area but it looks like a nice hotel and is recommended by Leading Hotels. Sorry to hear about the Melia Fenix. We were planning on staying there in October. Thanks for the heads up. |
Hi Danon,
I was not able to get the link to come up? Where is his apartment located? I would love to stay in the shopping area of Salamanca or near the north end of the Retiro park. Is his apartment anywhere near there? |
Gulia, I have not stayed at his apt, but I think it is not far from Retiro, why don't you send him an e-mail and find out.
|
p.s.
City City Population City Pop Rank Urban Area Population Urban Area Rank Madrid 2905100 56 5078100 52 Barcelona 1497700 143 3871400 72 |
GiuliaPiraino,
The review of the AC Recoletos in my Madrid guide is accurate. We had a very pleasant stay there with efficient service and all the creature comforts that we needed, including the free Wi-Fi downstairs, a lounge for reading, relaxing, with jazz on Thurs. (I believe) nights and a light bar menu prepared by the kitchen of the 5 star AC Palacio del Retiro. Baths come with robes and slippers. Free mini bars stocked with San Miguel beer, water, juices, soft drinks. As for our room, it was decorated in the customary dark palette of grey, black, white that the AC design team uses for all their properties (including the flagship Palacio del Retiro). We stay in many AC hotels for business so the color scheme doesn't bother me. On our last stay we had a standard room which was ample in size. If you want a lighter, more airy looking room, you can request a dormer room on the top floor (look at the photos on www.ac-hotels.com), all which have a lighter color scheme. N.B. The only quibble I had with our room (actually, with the designer) was the opaque glass wall that separated the bath from the bedroom which didn't leave much privacy. Many have commented about that darned dark, translucent wall. Don't know if the dormer rooms have the same design or not. I certainly wouldn't stay there with someone with whom I wasn't intimate! As I've mentioned here before, we've seen it all in terms of the hip, trendy, "open bath" arrangements in Spain designer hotels-so this doesn't startle me anymore. Everything from a lack of door separating bedroom from bath (Parador Alcalá de Henares, Panticosa Resort,standard rooms some Room Mates), floor to ceiling glass wall (with blinds) between shower and bedroom (Gran Domine), open bath behind the sleeping area (4th floor rooms at Lerma Parador), only a curtain separating bath from sleeping area (Hotel Miró), shower cubicle positioned in the middle of the suite (Urban), jacuzzi tub next to bed (several hotels)... This open bath idea seems to be "de rigueur" as a design element these days. About a rental: In late June we had the chance to meet the "team" at Spain-Select, and Caroline took us on a tour of some of their new apartments, decorated in high style by their design group. I was quite impressed with these new properties (no open baths!). Because we had only one day with Spain-Select, we didn't get to see some of the gorgeous properties in the Salamanca quarter, which were occupied. These, in theory, rent by the month (but Caroline says they are flexible about that policy if they have availability for a shorter period). I would certainly inquire about the possibility of something in the Salamanca quarter or the Retiro district (above the Retiro Park, around O'Donnell or Ibiza streets. Interesting you mentioned Chueca. While it wouldn't be on my short list for a rental (I'm a Salamanca district gal-my former home), the apartment we saw directly on the Plaza Chueca was gorgeous (newly decorated and kept spotless) with a stunning kitchen and super baths and surprisingly quiet, thanks to the best double glazing possible. The Almirante area, near Spain-Select's offices, has some nice properties as well. Their older properties, which don't bear the stamp of their ace design team, don't have quite the same look. About New Year's: Last year there was quite a demand during the Xmas-NY period but the year before, we snagged a really great deal at the Hesperia Hermosilla. You never know. But because of the crisis and dramatic drop in occupancy at Madrid hotels, you may find some very attractive rates for this holiday season. I'm expecting rates will remain very, very competitive throughout the year. I haven't seen any of the Friendly Rentals properties. kakiebell, We've actually stayed at the Hesperia Madrid (snagged an unbelievably good rate). It's only a couple of blocks from where I went to school, so I enjoyed being back in that neighborhood. This time we stayed at its little sister, the Hesperia Hermosilla, but we would certainly return to the Madrid flagship if the price were right. All the Hesperia properties offer free Wi-Fi (that actually works well)! It's certainly a quiet neighborhood even though it sits on the Castellana. It's close to a metro station, and of course the 45 and 27 buses (careful of pickpockets on this line) run down the boulevard. There aren't as many handy restaurants in the immediate area of the Hesperia, but I can give you a list if you're interested. Breakfasts in 5 stars, of course, run around 25 euros, which we avoid by walking around the corner to a local cafe. While I don't usually recommend that area for the first time visitor, the business class hotels there, like the Hesperia and the Intercontinental, are great properties. We've been happy at both, but we don't always need to be down near the museum triangle. |
Well, I have been researching for hours today and it looks like an apartment is probably not going to be the best option.
Now I'm down to the AC Recoletos or the Hesperia Hermosilla. The Hesperia Hermosilla said they could not guarantee that if I booked a standard room that I wouldn't get the kind that has a sink in the room (which I don't like at all). They said that the Superior rooms all have the sink in the bathroom rather than in the bedroom, which is great I'd rather not take the risk. They also said that they couldn't guarantee a specific room (I asked for room 108 based on your guide), but if it was available of course we could have it. So I'm leaning more toward the Hesperia because it's only $214 with free internet in the room and free breakfast and the AC Recoletos is $240 with breakfast included but internet is not free in the room, but free downstairs. Is the location or anything about the hotel worth the extra $26 per night? I read both of the reviews in the Madrid guide, they both sound really nice. What does a typical Spanish "hotel breakfast buffet" look like???? Most Italian buffets are not so hot if they are in a smaller hotel, but then again the Italians are satisfied with coffee and a croissant. Just curious. Can we expect hot food? Getting so close! Now once I pick a hotel we can focus on New Years Eve plans! |
We just stayed at the Hermosilla in late June, but we never take the breakfast buffet, which does have hot and cold items on it, I believe.
We just walk up to Calle Velázquez, corner of Don Ramón de la Cruz, to our favorite gourmet deli, Mallorca (Madrid's "version" of Peck, sort of). There's also a branch on Serrano within one block of the AC Recoletos, so we breakfast there. The AC breakfasts are a nice combo of hot and cold items, including eggs, a potato omelette, sausages, ham, breakfast sandwiches, yoghurts, cereals, pastries, make- your- own Nespresso, Each Spanish buffet breakfast is different. I can't generalize, since it depends entirely on the property. Like the "peek-a-boo", voyeuristic baths, I've seen it all. I'm afraid the hotels in the Madrid file of mine don't want to promise to honor specific room requests. I really don't blame them. They need to keep their flexibility. For what it's worth, we've always requested a standard EXTERIOR room at the Hermosilla, and our request has been honored. The standard exterior rooms don't have the sink in the bedroom and are more spacious. The locations of both are exemplary. The Hermosilla is a new breed hotel in a converted mansion whose pared-down decor is strictly contemporary, although they've maintained the lovely original staircase. And it's just a 3 star, so one can't expect bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries, overnight shoe shine, 24 hr. room service, liveried doorman, chandeliers, Persian rugs, concierge desk, etc. If you were considering the Gran Fénix, which is a Leading Hotels of the World, it's not in that category. At the AC Recoletos one gets the free mini bar, CD player, robes, slippers, the lounge bar downstairs with great drinks and even better munchies. It's also a highly contemporary space created inside a beautiful mansion. For us on this past stay and with 12 weeks of hotel stays per year to pay for in euro-land (with 10 days at a major festival when hotel rates triple, even quadruple), it was all about which had the best price in this sour economy. We'll return to the Recoletos, Hesperia, Intercontinental, Wellington whenever we find a great deal and don't need to be near the Art Walk. |
Maribel,
Well, we have kept you busy today! Thank you for all this wonderful information. I have kind of jumped onto the back of GiuliaPiraino's forum since we are both looking for the same kind of properties. We are on our way out of Spain when staying at the Hesperia Madrid so are in no need to be close to attractions. We have only one night left in Spain and do not want to spend it at the airport as our flight does not leave till 1 p.m. the next day. Thank you as always, Maribel. |
bookmarking
|
Danon-- thank you for proving my point with stats provided. It further confirms that Madrid and Barcelona are BOTH huge cities. Well done.
|
Maribel, is this a nice location? http://www.spain-select.com/detail_v...p?id_villa=514
|
|
#
Viajero2 on Aug 5, 09 at 06:53 AM Danon-- thank you for proving my point with stats provided. It further confirms that Madrid and Barcelona are BOTH huge cities. Well done." I said: "Madrid is very different than Barcelona. It is a huge city." Two different sentences. It does not imply Barcelona is small, medium, or ...just different. What was your point anyway.., why does it have to "proven" , and how is it important to OP? |
I was a little confused by that. I just assumed Madrid would be huge since it's the capital city.
Anyone have thoughts on this apartment??? |
danon-- Reading and Comprehension needs not to be scary at all, give it a go. I know you can, best of luck. BTW, >>why does it have to "proven" (sic)<<....aren't YOU the one who provided the stats....? LOL
OP: the apartment looks fabulous!! is close to the Chueca Area, great and fun during the day, including good eateries, but it can get a bit seedy at night. Your call as far as level of comfort. Have fun! Madrid is amazing!! |
Darn, I thought it looked close enough to the Paseo Castellana to be a nice neighborhood. I might still consider this one.
How about this area just west of Retiro park? MAP http://www.spain-select.com/popup_ma...y=-3.689604249 APARTMENT http://www.spain-select.com/detail_v...p?id_villa=420 |
It's in the Almirante area, between Chueca and the Paseo de la Castellana, where Spain-Select has its headquarters. Almirante has become quite a chic, trendy area with nice boutiques, as well as close to Salesas (Plaza de las Salesas).
The second one is located in a classic, elegant area behind the Prado (rather than contemporary, trendy), which I actually prefer, close to Retiro Park and within fairly easy walking distance of the boutiques of the Salamanca quarter. We walk through there all the time when going from the Salamanca district down to the Prado. Very chic neighborhood but....not blessed with an abundance of grocery stores, cafes, restaurants. Very quiet. |
Maribel,
I just noticed that all of the Spain-Select rentals say minimum 1 month. I think you mentioned that in an earlier post. Do they usually repsond to email very quickly. Recoletos is still my fall back but my husband wants and apartment due to the $/space ratio of the hotels. I don't blame him, I'd prefer a nice posh apartment too, but there are thousands of them and it's making my head spin! I wish I could just find a nice apartment near Hesperia and Recoletos hotels! If you know of a nice one, please let me know! |
no all, take another look, there are several per day.
at the begging of the site |
|
BTW, Viajero,
Maybe men and women don't have the same idea what "huge" is. I would bet that your mother's tongue ( like mine) is not English... But, if it is your way of proving you are un baron..so be it. |
GiuliaPiraino,
As danon has noted, not all of the Spain-Select rentals require a one month stay. A few have a 3 night minimum, others longer, However....And I know, from having spoken to Caroline about this issue, is that they try to be flexible regarding those rentals that have a longer minimum stay. If one happens to be available for your dates around the holiday season (when business folks don't stay in the city), you may be able to rent it for a shorter amount of time. Don't know about just 5 days, though-it depends on the rental and your specific dates. You would need to inquire directly about the specific property you're interested in. As I said, I didn't get to see any in the Salamanca or Retiro neighborhoods that day, since they were occupied. But I do know both areas well and like both neighborhoods very much. |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:10 PM. |