Most tourists do spend time in the very central area near Mayor and Sol,..you have a point.
Salamanca, Cahmberi and east of Retiro are too far for the first time, 3 day visitors.

Hi Ger!!!! I don't spend much time around here these days so I had missed the report. I'm so happy that you found my recommendations helpful and enjoyable. I still have to make it to Alcalá de Henares!*

Less than a month now until the Valencia GTG. Can't wait to finally meet you in person!*

* Maristella

Me too Maristella! I am so excited about Valencia. I have this feeling it might be my 'forever' place

Hugs … Ger

Ger, thank you for this fantastic report. Ive been blessed to have visited Madrid more times that I can count, but your report gave me things to check/ restaurants to try for my next time, which hopefully will be this September. I usually stay in the Plaza Las Cortes/ Plaza Santa Ana area, but I think I'm ready to try out a new area, even if just for a couple of days. Danon, I know you usually stay in the Barrio Salamanca, I'll start a thread asking for hotel recommendations in that area, hope you see it and comment on it.

Ger, thanks for pointing me to your TR here -- what a wealth of information! I know I will keep referring to it time and again.

Ger, great report that will be very helpful for our 5 night first time visit to Madrid at end of February.

Looking for lodging there now. Tried the link for your recommended apartment but it didn’t work. Can you point me to it elsewhere?

I have an acquaintance who has an apt in Madrid in Chamberi. She would rent it to me for 80 euros a night. But pictures show it to be very small, dark, and plain. Historic bldg though and know that’s s an upscale nabe. But I’m thinking I can get something with a little more charm and light at same price or less- and closer to center, no?

Thanks so much for your response indyhiker! How funny that after I posted this on Fodors, I continued searching last night and ended up booking a slightly different apartment in the same building where you stayed! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!