rialtogrl

There are some great reviews of the Plaza Mayor Hotel on this board, but they also offer this apartment which appears to be down the street. I'm just wondering if anyone has stayed here. It looks fine on the website and the rate is very good... here is the website:

http://www.loftplazamayor.com/

If I stay I will definitely write a review on slowtrav upon return.

cherrybomb

I have not stayed ther, but was down the block in a apt rental on Conde de Romanones last week, I know what building that is though and it is on a busy square with a bunch of fast food places (not Mcdonalds chains and the ilk though). Also the intersection is fairly congested with a bus stop out front if that makes a difference for you. The location is convenient though and the streets become pedestrian only going towards the Plaza Angel, Santa Ana. This time of year that area is fairly quiet, but come spring/summer it is teeming with hordes of people.

Hope this is helpful.

rialtogrl

thanks Cherrybomb...

bballinger

I'm staying at the Loft Plaza Mayor 1BR apt in mid-Feb. They've been wonderful through the reservation process and you actually deal with the front desk of the hotel for all questions (I've had quite a few). When we arrive we've been advised to arrive at the hotel and they'll check us in and have someone personally escort us over to the apartment. I'll let you know how it goes!

cherrybomb

NP - I wasn't sure if it was of help, good to hear it was and in looking at your profile, sorry - you know your spain. That is not 5 min away from Plaza Mayor though, it is a block and a half!

rialtogrl

thanks to both of you! I will also report back.

rialtogrl

Here's a quick report of the Loft Plaza Mayor - there is not much I can add to bballinger's excellent review here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ack-review.cfm

The staff at the hotel is indeed very nice, and it was easy to check in as the apartment is just around the corner. We liked that it was dark, and also pretty quiet, for Madrid.

Agree that the kitchen needs some basic stuff. There were no dish towels! We did not use the kitchen for anything except making coffee, but I am not sure this would be the best place for someone planning to cook a lot. There was a dish drainer above the sink - not sure if bballinger missed it, or if they just recently put it in. But we still could have used a couple of towels.

The TV got NO channels well, and the three that barely came in were a guy talking and some really graphic porn ads - and there was also a channel showing an Italian soap opera/soft porn, but this was actually kind of funny. They could use a better TV, or just get rid of it. Anyone traveling with kids or teens who plan to have them sleep in the living room should unplug that TV at night, if it is still there. I've never seen such graphic porn ads, and I lived in Budapest for a month (thought it could never be crazier than there.)

It worked out nicely for our needs and I would definitely recommend it, besides the sparse kitchen supplies and the lame TV selection. And the location is fantastic - we walked everywhere from there.

amsdon

Sooo Rialtogirl... welcome home, trip report coming?