First visit to Madrid
 

I am going to Madrid for an exhibition in May and have no knowledge of the city at all. So I am going to ask some dumb questions. What area would you recommend staying in? Any area I should avoid as a single female? Any hotel recommendations - 3 - 4 star and up to about 150Euro a night? I speak no Spanish and assume I will get away with a couple of Spanish words and English. Is that right?

Any other comments/suggestions will be very welcomed.

Hi,

I am also female and have traveled to Madrid by myself several times. I usually stay in the area near the museums (ie Prado, Thyseen). This area is also walking distance to attractions like Plaza Mayor. I can certainly recommend the Westin Palace (more expensive) and Hotel Villa Real of the Derby chain (more reasonable). Depending on the month you are going, you might be able to get a room in the latter for around 140 Euros.

Spanish is my native language, but I think you'll be fine with speaking only English. At least that's what my husband tells me (he speaks no Spanish).

Yes, you'll be fine with English and a bit of gesture language ;)

baysidegirl,
I think you'd like very much the location of the 5 star Derby Villa Real just a short walk from the Museum triangle (Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Thyssen Bormemisza) and also a short walk to lively Plaza Santa Ana and tapas bars/restaurants galore.

We are staying there in late March and have a double rate of 144 ("run of the house").

Another very nice, safe and classically stylish little boutique hotel with a touch of class is the newish 4 star Las Meninas, located near the Royal Theater (opera house), Royal Palace and Plaza del Oriente, one of Madrid's prettiest squares, especially at night. It's a longer walk from the museums, but there's a handy metro just steps away. This one comes in (most all the time) well under 150 for a single, including breakfast.

baysidegirl,
I was in Madrid last year for a few days solo & it was great.

No problem as a single female traveller, just be aware like any big city.

I stayed at the Room Mate Mario. Great location, great English speaking staff. The rooms are modern decor, and the breakfast pretty good too.

You'll be fine with only a few words of Spanish. Just smile alot! :)