Please tell me if you stayed in any excellent hotels in Barcelona or Madrid. Also which is the best section of each of the cities to stay in? Are there any restaurants you would reccomend in the two cities?

I 've stayed at the Hotel Claris, in the Eixample quarter, that belongs to the Design Hotels, and SLH chains. It's a fantastic small hotel, in a historic building that has been entirely modernized inside. The interiors are fabulous, modern and sleek, with ancient touches here and there, and tastefully and sophisticatedly decorated. The bed covers are made of purple brocade, and they match and mix beautifully with the golden wood of which the walls are done. The bathrooms are marble done and of a very good size, with a bathtub and shower stall.<BR><BR>The hotel has a small rooftop pool, and two restaurants. Staff speak English well, and are very helpful. They arranged a perfect private tour for my family.<BR>The hotel location couldn't be better, you can walk everywhere from there.<BR><BR>I've also stayed at the annex of Condes de Barcelona. The location is perfect, but the hotel left much to be desired.

Ooops, I was referring to Barcelona. I don't have a favorite hotel in madrid.

The Hotel Arts in Barcelona.<BR>Ritz or Palace Hotels in Madrid.

Topping for more suggestions..how much would one expect to pay for say the Hotel Claris or the Hotel Arts? Are they 3***? Any more Barcelona 3*** hotel suggestions?

Sorry, Anne, these two are five stars, and expensive, unless you get an occasional, promotional rate. Otherwise, expect to pay a nightly rate of about 300 Euros.<BR><BR>There are nice 3 stars as St. Moritz, Hotel Gotico, Hotel Inglaterra ( a brand newly renovated hotel), and many more.<BR><BR>Eixample, and the Gotic Quarter are nice and lively neighborhoods. Why don't you post again with the subject: "Nice 3 stars hotels in Barcelona and Madrid"? I'm sure you'll get plenty of answers. Otherwise, type Barcelona hotel in the search box, and do a search here on this board. Do the same with Madrid hotel.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>S