My husband and I will be in Madrid, then taking the train to Barcelona in early December. We're looking for a 5-star hotel at 3-star prices. (Aren't we all?) I'd appreciate any suggestions for hotel "finds" that you'd recommend. Thanks.

In Madrid we stayed in Carlos V. It's a very nice 3* (but not quite like a 5*, more like a nice 3*). It's a Best Western, but European Best Westerns are in a different league from American ones. They are independently owned and operated. We are going to Barcelona in a few weeks and after much research, we booked the Inglaterra (also 3*). We also were looking at teh Atrium.

For lots of good (free) info on Spain, go to http://www.maribelsguides.com/ and print out her guides for these cities. She's a frequent poster here as well, and is VERY knowledable on Spain.

thank you both for your responses. Great information!

Stayed at Preciados Madrid in May. Excellent location. Felt like more like 4+ than three stars. I think it was 122 euros a night. Also, stayed at NH Duc de la Victoria in BCN. Same thoughts. Would suggest you pay a little more and get a "superior" room (+20 euros). We avoided overpriced breakfasts in both hotels as there were lots of pastry shops near each. Have fun!

Hi

Have a look at the promotions at the funky Hotel Urban - http://www.derbyhotels.com/page.php?id=924 . Maybe a little above what you wanna spend though. The Hotel Quo Puerta del Sol (4*) - http://www.hotelquopuertadelsol.com - is showing around E100 per night for its promotion. See also the 4* rated Hotel Intur Palacio San Martin - http://www.intur.com/HotelInturPalac...S/Default.aspx. All hotels are well located.

travelzoo had a sale on hesperia towers.. free shuttle and free shuttle to town, too. incl breakfast

That was in Barcelona. Not most convenient area, but with the scheduled shuttle and the 5* hotel at 3* price.. might be worth looking into. good luck

Thank you all! I will check out your suggestions asap.

The NY Times Travel section today (Sunday) lists readers' recommendations for best hotels for under $150 in major european cities. Several are listed in Madrid and Barcelona. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has stayed in these.

We just came back from Spain. Hotel Prado in Madrid was wonderful - excellent location, computers, great breakfast, big fully equipped bathroom, helpful staff and great price.

In Barcelona, the Hotel Balmes was very good. The rooms are small but the location and price are great. Did not eat breakfast there, thought it was too expensive.

Millie

dont know about stars but you might look into Hotel Condes de Barcelona

Thanks milliebest and sobster. I'll check these out!

Wat will be the duration of your stay?

I stayed at the ME Madrid Reina Victoria in June. Very nice and centrally located. Locals call it the "ME Melia". Good restaurant right outside the front door called Lateral. I stayed at the Hilton in Barcelona only because we used points. It wasn't that centrally located, but was a nice hotel and close to public transportation.

We stayed at the Hotel Alexandra Barcelona, and it is very good stylish contemporary hotel witch good restaurant and bar. We especially liked the location between Paseo de Gracia and Rambla de Cataluña, I booked through easyclicktravel and i thing the price was real good. I recomend this hotel if u are looking for a good hotel.

Our very favorite hotel which we will be at Friday is The Hotel Continental...right on La Rambla, funky..not exactly a five star, but family owned, refreshments available 24 hours a day now.. it may sound strange but a great little casual restaurant next door, Pizza Mazzarano (sp)..

try priceline.com

Parrot-- are you going on the 11/30 Brilliance voyage?

You might get good rates at top hotels as this might be considered off season. Plug in your dates in Madrid at Westin palace, Villa Real, ME Reina Victoria and see what you get.

In Barcelona I recommend Atrium palace, a very nice 4 star that gives very good rates in their online website.