Hell guys. I usually post on the cruises forum and need some help inre to hotels in Madrid. We will have three days there in late Oct. so I would like advice on specific hotels as well as an area to stay in. What about the Grand Via? This seems to be pretty good. We would like to be centrally located and w/i walking distance if possible of the major attractions. Also could anyone recommend a Flamenco show/dinner? Thanks! Larry

Hi Larry, I was in Madrid in April and I loved staying at the Radisson Blu. It is literally across the street from the Prado and it is a short walk or a cheap taxi ride to many other attractions. There's no question I would stay there again.

Have you done a search of this forum? Both hotel locations and Flamenco venues have been discussed many timed before.

Hola Larry

There are many hotels to pick from. The first issue is what is your budget (in euro).

Well in Euros it would be a little harder to say. I saw a few for about $500.00 USD or so that included what I'm looking for, free wi fi, free cancellation and daily breakfast. Don't mind paying more if it really looks good!

The Radisson Blu fits the bill. You can add a free breakfast to the package and still remain well under budget. We opted out of that since there are so many good cafes nearby.

Gran Via is great, central and typical of the modern Madrid that grew from the beginning of the 20th century. 100 years celebration in 2010: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do...&TR=C&IDR=1431
http://granvia.esmadrid.com/

Or stay close by in Old Madrid, around Plaza Mayor and Plaza Santa Ana.
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-mayor.html
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-santa-ana.html

There are several high standard tablaos (flamenco restaurants) in Madrid where only top artists perform. The artists change all the time. I prefer Casa Patas, just off central Plaza Santa Ana: http://www.casapatas.com/

Close by are traditional and very popular Villa Rosa and new and very popular Cardamomo. The most famous tablao is Corral de la Moreria just beside the Almudena cathedral: http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/index2.html

Take a look at Maribel's Guides, a terrific resource for hotels, and all else about Madrid, linked below:

On my last trip, we got a good rate at The Ritz (where I wnted to stay partly for nostalgic reasons)and I thought that location was great (do not know about Wifi, though)..we were able to walk to all of the sights we visited and never had to take a taxi to sights or restaurants. Mind you, we like to walk. Since you have a generous budget, the Ritz and Westin come to mind in that area, but there are others detailed by Maribel:

http://maribelsguides.com/mg_madridhotels.pdf

This is the report generated by that 2011 stay at The Ritz; this hotel will appeal to those looking for old fashioned ambience.



http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...k-in-spain.cfm




We LOVED Madrid, by the way, and I am planning a return in October.

ps. Staying on the Gran Via would probably not appeal to me, as I found the area in and around that street, and Plaza del Sol, to be too commercial and bustling (lots of chain stores, etc) to be that appealing. (I should probably mention, in case this kind of thing presents an issue for you, that the area just north of Sol has a few ladies of the evening out and about....) The better restaurants, for the most part, are not in that area, so staying there would mean a walk or taxi, or train, at night.

Since you have a generous budget, you might look closer to Retiro Park, or in the Salamanca area, where there are a number of hotels that might fit the bill. (I liked the look of the Wellington and the Adler, so perhaps take a peek at those)

http://www.adlerhotelmadrid.com/

http://www.hotel-wellington.com/



But there are others who can give much better advice, as I am far from an expert on the city.

Wow! Really fast replies. Not used to this on the cruise forum.

I will check out all the links and I do appreciate it.

Ekscrunchy: We too plan to be there in Oct.

Thanks guys!

The Westin Palace is much nicer than the Ritz. The hallways in the Ritz looked like they needed a good vacuuming and a coat of paint.

ME Reina Victoria could be a great option. http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/meli...ctoria.en.html

Recently renovated and the traditional bullifighter classic right on Plaza Santa Ana in the midst of everything. A fabulous area in itself, a short walk from all the major museums and close to one of the absolute best tapas bar/restaurant districts in town in and around Calle Cava Baja. And some of the finest flamenco and jazz clubs in the city are on your doorstep. About the area: http://www.barrioletras.com/

The rooftop bar is a reason in itself: http://luxpresso.com/photogallery-in...e-world/5748/5

I stayed at the Westin Palace a year ago and would absolutely stay there again. Perfect location and an all around lovely hotel.

kimhe. I do believe you are right. Its sold out for the times we have. Bummer

It sometimes says sold out on booking.com, but possible to get a room if you contact the hotel directly: http://memadridreinavictoria.madridhotels.it/

We stayed at the Weston palace in June. The room was very dated. The wallpaper was peeling, the lampshades were all crooked, even when we tried to straighten them they flopped back, there is even a 1980s push button phone in the bathroom. It also took many, hours for the room to cool down. It did have a really great location next to el Prada.

146 genuine* reviews of the Westin hotels on booking.com
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/west...-blockdisplay4
*You have to have stayed at the hotel in question before being invited to submit a review. That review is then moderated before going online.

Suggest you give Priceline a try . In old Madrid the 5 stars they give are either the Westin Palace or Palacio de Tepa. either one isvery good.

Location wise I suggest Plaza Santa Ana/ Prado area. Another good one there is Catalonia las Cortes.

I just stayed at Hotel Prado , a solid 3 stars a block from Plaza Santa Ana. i dont recommend anymore because they have changed their decor and its now IMO very tacky. Otherwise, a very good value, includes wifi and nice breakfast.

My parents recently stayed at Hotel Atlantico in Gran Via. they liked hotel but not the location, too busy.

"I saw a few for about $500.00 USD or so"
500 USD = €400. There are very few hotels in Madrid that charge that kind of money unless you are looking at a suite. In any case, that kind of price takes you into the 5* bracket.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults...ty;order=class

If that link doesn´t work, try this.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults...=1;order=class