I'm in need of a hotel in Barcelona and in Madrid for a couple of nights each. I'll be traveling by myself and will be arriving by train. How are the areas by the train station? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! <BR>

Hello, <BR>I stayed at the Hotel Mora on Paseo del Prado in Madrid. The hotel, near the Atocha train station, is comfortable and very moderately priced. I was there for 5 days by myself & felt comfortable walking around the area. The staff at the Hotel Mora are really wonderful, they bailed me out when a reservation at another hotel wasn't honored. I would stay there again anytime. <BR>

Another nod for Hotel Mora. Within walking distance of the Atocha Station, it is located at Paseo del Prado, across the street from El Prado Museum and the Botanical Gardens (can't beat the location). We paid $55/night for a double; clean, comfortable. We walked to everywhere, including Plaza Mayor. They have a small cafe next door where you can get breakfast in the morning. Basically, when you leave the Atocha station cross the street onto Paseo del Prado. Keep going straight, the hotel will be on the left side past a gas station in the corner (32 Paseo del Prado; if you get to Planet Hollywood you passed it). Phone: 91-420-1569, fax: 91-420-0564. Talk to Monica or Max. Very courteous staff. Hope this helps.

Yet another vote for the friendly and perfectly located Mora. Best budget choice in Madrid!

The train station in Madrid is an architectural destination in itself with an indoor botancial garden. It is walking distance to great museums, Retiro Park, etc. We stayed at the Hotel Nacional (5 min. walk fro the station) last October and thought it was very pleasant. It had recently opened and the decor is more modern with eye-pleasing colors. It was very reasonable and we had a room on the top floor overlooking the botaical garden across the street.

I've tried finding a website for the two hotels mentioned and struck out! Can anyone direct me? Either sounds like what we want, and after hitting the jackpot last May in Paris, I trust this forum all the way. Thanks for your help. <BR> <BR>One other thought: using Madrid as a home base, is there enough to do and see for one week, or is it better to limit Madrid lodging to several days? I still want to incorporate Portugal either before or after Spain so one week is what we can spend in the Madrid area. Suggestions? Thanks.

Michelle and Kathy; I believe the Mora does not have a website. The best is to call them, if available ask them to fax you a confirmation, and call 10 days prior to arrival to confirm again. Otherwise you could book thru an agency i.e. http://www.abttravel.com/hotels/EUROPE/SPAIN.HTML. At this site, scroll down to Madrid, Hotel Mora is in the list. Try both, check who is cheaper. <BR> <BR>Kathy, Plenty to do during a week in Madrid. The nightlife in Madrid is unbelievable; the Madrilenos loved to party. I would recommend overnights in Toledo and Segovia, both cities within an hour of Madrid.

kathy, <BR>Maira has given you great advice about the Mora. It doesn't have a web site, and you can probably get a better rate by calling them directly than booking through abttravel, but try both. The Nacional can be found at www.nh-hoteles.es, as it is part of the super-efficient,, hip (post-modern decor) NH Hotel chain-but note that it is a 4-star with a rack rate of 20,200 for a double. On weekends rate drops to 13,000-certainly a very good deal for a 4-star, but I believe you don't need to spend the extra money for the Nacional. They're a block away from each other. Same great location, even better value for the money at the Mora (if you are comfortable with a 2-star). Just an opinion... <BR>And as Maira has stated, you can easily fill a week in Madrid with trips to Toledo, El Escorial/Valley of the Fallen, Segovia, Avila, Aranjuez, even Cuenca (best done as an overnight). <BR>Have a great trip!

Sorry, that was 23,400 pts. rack rate for double at Nacional.

I stayed at the Hotel Balmes in Barcelona...fantastic 3 star hotel in the eixample part of town...VERY reasonable rates for the quality and extremely helpful staff...great restaurant in Barcelona is L'olive, off the beaten path, amazing regional food. I LOVED Barcelona...enjoy.

I am going to Madrid in November and found great rates at the Carlos V Hotel near the puerto del Sole. I am paying about $75 a night including tax and breakfast. I also found good rates at the Santo Domingo for about $86 a night. The Santo Domingo is a first clas hotel and has received high pointsfor the decor in its rooms. I think they were even featured in House and Garden magazine. <BR> <BR>Both are available thru Best Western reservations, but I would check rates with both Best Western and also send an Email to the hotel. Sometimes you can find hidden bargins.

Thank you Heather, Maira, Maribel and Jade for your information on Madrid. Maira, special thanks for the phone and fax numbers! Jen and Richard, thanks for the tips on Barcelona! Kathy, have a fun trip. MK