Has anyone stayed in this apt, comment on area?Caretas 101?
Mar 10th, 2012, 12:25 PM
#1
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Has anyone stayed in this apt, comment on area?Caretas 101?
I cannot find any reviews on it but was wondering if anyone has any input. How about the location, based on what I read through all the recs, this is a very central area but am now wondering if it is too noisy and too touristy - does it have a TImes Square area feel? I mean we wanted to be in a lively neighborhood(as an example, we prefer St Germain over Latin Quarter or 7th Arr) but maybe not SUPER lively and ground zero for bars and late night revelers?
Also does "first floor" in Spain mean ground level so I was a bit concerned about noise level. I emailed Spain Select but haven't heard back.
I appreciate any feedback!
ttp://www.spain-select.com/en_US/rent-apartments/carretas-101
Also does "first floor" in Spain mean ground level so I was a bit concerned about noise level. I emailed Spain Select but haven't heard back.
I appreciate any feedback!
ttp://www.spain-select.com/en_US/rent-apartments/carretas-101
Mar 10th, 2012, 02:03 PM
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The best location, close to vibrant Plasa Santa Ana, majestic Plaza Mayor and the hearth of the city, Puerta del Sol. Ten minutes walking to all the amjor museums and the Royal Palace, and the best tapas/restaurant district in and around Calle Cava Baja is very close by. Popular with tourists, but this doesn't mean its touristy, central Madrid has various districts with a small town feel, and this is no exception. You are three to five minutes away from both the best jazz clubs and flamenco tablaos in town. I come back all the time and use to stay in this area.
1st floor means 1st floor and not ground floor, and you're on a quiet street with mostly daytime shops. Nightlife is close though, but should not at all be a noise issue.
1st floor means 1st floor and not ground floor, and you're on a quiet street with mostly daytime shops. Nightlife is close though, but should not at all be a noise issue.
Mar 10th, 2012, 09:06 PM
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THANK YOU kimhe, you were a major factor in why I chose that location, so glad to get your blessing - you checked it on the map, right?
So ground floor is street level, and 1st floor is a flight up, so to speak? Just want to make sure.
So ground floor is street level, and 1st floor is a flight up, so to speak? Just want to make sure.
Mar 11th, 2012, 07:31 AM
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Nothing seedy about Calle de las Carretas unless you're extremely picky. A 200 meter long street directly off Puerta del Sol with many small shops, some hotels/hostals and a couple of banks. No bars or restaurants, just one cafetria which can be great for breakfast. In general, nothing beats the atmosphere in a good breakfast cafeteria/bar in Madrid.
Mar 11th, 2012, 07:50 AM
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Madrid demonstration from Calle Carretas looking onto the Puerta del Sol, ground zero for huge and repeated demonstrations since last May in relation to the economic crisis and big government cuts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSVamhlmup0
Festive atmosphere during the Madrid demonstrations in general, and then Calle Carretas will definitely be noisy...
Festive atmosphere during the Madrid demonstrations in general, and then Calle Carretas will definitely be noisy...
Mar 11th, 2012, 05:43 PM
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kimhe- you and I differ as to what I claim to be seedy! It is NOT an area I would want to stay in!
I also avoid the Puerta del Sol-too many shifty characters hanging around!Tell me you like C/Montera..............
I also avoid the Puerta del Sol-too many shifty characters hanging around!Tell me you like C/Montera..............
Mar 13th, 2012, 07:59 AM
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Chapla,
He-he, guess you're right. And no, Calle Montera definitely is seedy to say the least, as are some areas just off Gran Via at certain hours where you can be quite sure to be taken hand of as a single male leaving a cinema in the evening. But to me, the area we're talking is quite another story.
He-he, guess you're right. And no, Calle Montera definitely is seedy to say the least, as are some areas just off Gran Via at certain hours where you can be quite sure to be taken hand of as a single male leaving a cinema in the evening. But to me, the area we're talking is quite another story.
Mar 13th, 2012, 08:59 AM
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In Plaza Jacinto, in the middle of the 300 meters very frequented treck between Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Mayor, there are always lots of things going on, lots of people, a taxi stand etc. A couple of occational prostitutes hanging around doesn't harm anyone or make the place especially seedy in my mind. But there we disagree, lets agree on that 
