We are arriving in Madrid and then going to Andalucia on May 1, but we will need a hotel/hostel in Madrid prior to departure on May 14. I was thinking of getting a place for 4 nights and doing day trips to Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo, etc. We like to stay in hostels and we don't need a 4Star hotel. Can anybody recommend a place where we could get to the airport easily, too?

The airport is very close to the city. Maybe a 20 min. ride at most. I have no idea what your budget is, but we lives the Best Western Carlos V (3*).

I just saw a posting from MadridMan on another thread -- check out his site for recommendations: www.madridman.com

Check http://www.solmelia.com .

I had planned a trip to Madrid that fell thru. I had contacted the Hostal Alonzo in the Nuevos Ministerios area. It appeared to have some good facilities; and, if MetroMadrid Construction is over with, you can go to Barajas airport on MatroMadrid direct from Nuevos Ministerios Station/Stop. There used to be a check-in for some airlines at Nuevos Ministerios but they closed because of MetroMadrid Construction. I don't know if they have re-opened.

Has anyone stayed at the Senator Gran Via? It has very high ratings on Trip Advisor and I wondered how people on this forum felt about it.
Thanks.