I have read many of the entries and would like to know if I should cancel my reservation at the Hotel Atlantico on Gran Via in Madrid and book another hotel. Is this location in a good location.<BR><BR>Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Mora in Madrid and is it in a better location and better price. <BR><BR>We are a mother and daughter traveling in May and could use some guidance. Thank you.

I'm sure they'll be plenty of disagreement on this one BUT: I stayed at the Palace Hotel in Madrid with my Mother, some years ago. We loved it. It was across the street from the Prado Museum where we were studying the art of Velasquez, El Greco, and Goya. sigh. An unforgettable trip. But then, they all are!<BR><BR>By the way, since then I've been back and stayed at the Reina Victoria--which I don't recommend, but I liked the location.

I was in Spain last summer -- we stayed a bit further from the center of the city, but it was very easy to travel by bus during the day. At night, it was sometimes frustrating to get a cab, in my opinion. I would definitely look into the Crown Plaza in Madrid, very good location and a beautiful hotel. <BR><BR>On a side note, some people say Madrid is a dirty city -- I found it to be one of the most beautiful in Spain. Enjoy your trip!!

Kay<BR>We are also going to Spain in May and just booked the Palace Hotel at about 1/2 price. <BR>Check out www.bancotel.com - I don't know much about them, but they are a big company, I checked with the hotel and my reservations were made, and you can't beat the price.<BR>They use a voucher system, where you buy a Checkbook of vouchers and each hotel stay per night equals so many vouchers. Palace Hotel = 3 Vouchers or roughly around $150. per night. But Vouchers are good only at certain hotel and reservations can only be made for certain nights.

We just returned from Madrid. We did not stay at the Palace Hotel,now a Westin, but enjoyed its opulent sitting areas. It is across the street from the Prado. It is probably a 15 minute walk up a slight incline to Puerto del Sol. At night when the Prado is closed, there is really nothing going on by the Palace with exception of the Neptune Fountain which is in the middle of very busy traffic circle. Where ever you stay,you want to first see the room when you arrive and while looking out the window find out how noisy it will be at night.

I'm booked at the Reina Victoria for this May. Is there a reason you wouldn't recommend it? I read somewhere that there was construction?

I've stayed at the Mora. It's cheap is adequate, at best. For the money, however, it is a very good deal. <BR><BR>The location is poor. It's near the Prado and train station, which might lead you to think that it's a good place. In fact, it's not. At night, there is nothing in he neighborhod and it is a high crime area. You want to be near Puerta del Sol. <BR><BR>The most frequently recommended moderate hotels are San Carlos and Santo Domingo. Either would be fine. Both are Best Western and easy to book. And just as important, easy to cancel.

Cynthia: I pasted this in for you from a previous posting. You'll probably be fine there but when you go to check out make sure you double check the bill. I noticed that others(couldn't find the thread for you) had the same experience as me with that part. We were quoted a price when we checked in. We had it in writing and then they practically doubled it at check out and added on all sorts of other expenses like Champagne and room service which we did not have. Of course, we cleared it up but it took forever. <BR><BR> I thought it was extremely overpriced. When I pay that much per night I want service but instead found the reception very indifferent. It was our only negative experience of that sort during three weeks in Spain and Portugal. So, that's not too bad. In general I have found the Spanish to be mannerly and very helpful. I love Spain!!!! <BR><BR><BR>Author: Ed ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/06/2002, 11:26 pm<BR><BR>Message: Does anyone have any recent experience at the Reina Victoria Hotel in Madrid? I've read elsewhere of construction work in the Plaza Santa Ana. Was the construction disruptive? Any other thoughts on the Hotel?<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>Author: r ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/07/2002, 12:10 am<BR><BR>Message: I stayed there in Sept. 2000 for three nights. We had a jr.suite facing the Plaza. There were double windows so the outside noise was minimal. The location has some charm and it's within walking distance of the Prado and the Plaza Mejor. The rooms were O.K. not great. I would not stay there again. I found it mediocre and over-priced. I would sooner stay at the Palace Hotel for the same price and much more style. (The last time I stayed there was in 1970!)<BR><BR>Author: a ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/07/2002, 12:37 am<BR><BR>Message: I stayed there last year. I agree with r. It is neither terrible nor great. If I was to return, I would not stay there. I can't help you with the construction issue.<BR><BR>

Numerous hotels not reviewed in Fodors or Frommers can be found at www.solmelia.com, probably the largest hotel chain in Spain. Most are comparable to Hilton/Sheraton.

Cynthia-<BR>I'll ditto the previous poster on the Reina Victoria. Very indifferent reception (if not outright rude). We didn't have a problem with the bill but the price was a little high. The two pluses were a great breakfast buffet and a superb location. Next time I'll opt for another hotel in the same area.

I stayed recentlyat the Hotel Asturias in Calle Sevilla, near the Puerta del Sol. The hotel was OK, the room quiet but again the reception staff were frosty. I don't know if this is common in the larger tourist class hotels in Madrid. Whilst we don't need to be fawned over, a little civility goes a long way.

If you have read many replies, you probably read my previous recs on both, the Mora and the Atlantico. I loved both, I felt safe on both hotels. The Atlantico is better located for Plaza Mayor area, the Mora is not far from El Prado. If location was it, I would stay at Atlantico, if price was it, I would stay at Mora. The breakfast at the Atlantico is great, they also have internet access. Gran Via is also very convenient if taking guided day tours as busses depart from the area.

Don't you hate when people post, get a ton of advice and never care to even acknowldege? It is so rude.

We stayed at the Hotel Villa Real (right across the street from the Palace). Cheaper than the Palace, but very nice large rooms. Disagree that there's nothing around as there was a great little square up the way with nice outdoor cafes for sangria in the evening.