Was quoted a very good rate for June 2001 at the Crowne Plaza in Madrid. Has anyone stayed there recently? Are the rooms adequate? Is this a good choice for sightseeing, public transportation and reasonably safe? Thanks for any advice.

I just got back from Spain a few weeks ago and stayed at the Crowne Plaza for about a week. It is a nice hotel. Most of the rooms are very large with a king bed, however, there are also smaller, mostly interior rooms, which we could see during the day when they were being cleaned, so try to ascertain what you are getting. Our room, however, was the biggest we had in our 2 1/2 week trip to London and Spain. Breakfast was included in our rate and it is very good. The restaurant is pretty good too, with a good view of Plaza Espana, but the waitstaff can be surly. Also, if you are looking for concierge help, there is none. There is only the front desk staff and they are very busy. There are a couple of travel agents in the same building which can book tours (Segovia, etc) if you want that. Regarding location, it is right on the Plaza Espana which is nice and, we thought, a bright safe area, even at night. However, it is a bit removed from most of the things to see. However it is on the Gran Via and an easy walk to Plaza Del Sol and Plaza Mayor, etc. Also, and perhaps most importantly, there is a subway stop right outside the front door of the hotel. Unlike London, there are only a few steps down and you are there.

Just stayed at the Hotel Hausa Princessa which is fairly closeby to the Crowne Plaza (just further down Gran Via). The Princessa is a 5 star hotel and cost only $125 a night. The staff was outstanding, and the concierge was a tremendous help. I found the location to be excellent--within walking distance to the major sights, but far enough removed that it was quiet--hard to find in any major city! Check this place out--we were thrilled with it!

We stayed last year at Hotel Opera which is a Best Western Property, right next around the corner from the Palace and has a wonderful coffee shop in it. It is the perfect location and cost is very resonable.

Has anyone stayed at the Westin in Madrid, right near the Prado?