Madrid
 

My friend and I (we are in our late 20s and looking to stay in the "happening" area of Madrid) will be in Madrid in early November for 5 days. Does anyone have any recommendations for 2 single girls who are looking to sightsee (Prado is a must, we know only that so far, and I was in Toledo years ago) and go out for great dinners and dancing? Thanks so much

The centre of Madrid is quite small. Aren't they all ? You can stay in the old town for tapas and a late beer or go to the new town for nightclubs. Theres plenty between the two as well. I thought the nightclubs were extortionate .. and preferred the old town. I was there for my thirtieth, food was good, beer was good but it is no throbbing metropolis. I found the Madrilenos quite reserved .. but then I guess Im a Brit who doesnt nurse a beer to three in the morning !

make sure to post on lonely planet as well, as there tends to be a younger crowd over there.....<BR><BR>With that said, the Plaza de Santa Ana is a great area to stay in for both touring the city and nightlife. Chueca is a vibrant, largely gay neighborhood with lots of discos, etc.<BR><BR>If either of you reads Spanish, take a look at http://www.guiadelocio.com/ for extensive club, dining, culture and events listings. There are tons of clubs in Madrid (Joy Eslava and Kapital are two long-running classics), but check the listings for what's hot now. Clubs in generally are absurdly expensive, as they are in all the world, I guess.<BR><BR>If you like art, make sure to hit the other two major museums: the Reina Sofia (modern art) and the Thyssen.

Jen,<BR>All that cooter said. And if you don't read Spanish, you can check http://www.spainalive.com for a paired down listing in English of what's doing, what's coming up, what's "hot" and "trendy" in Madrid <BR>these days.<BR>Jazz at Cafe Central on Huertas, world music at Suristan on Calle Cruz, flamenco at Casa Patas on Calle Canizares, etc. Hip, sophisticated wine bars like El Tempranillo, La Taberna de Cien Vinos, La Carpanta, Taberna Los Lucio and the brand new Matritum on and around the Cava Baja in Old Madrid. Have fun with the "gatos" (cats) in the city that never sleeps.

Correction: Cafe Central is on Plaza del Angel across from the Reina Victoria hotel, just up from Plaza Santa Ana, another happening area.<BR>Tons of clubs on Huertas.

Thank you all for your info...now, as far as lodging...I am thinking about Hotel NH lasgasca, agumar and the carlton? please give me any pros/cons to each! I know that Salamanca is a good area and being near the Prado, etc, is important, but any other suggestions? Thank you so much!

oops, forgot the Carlos V, it seems like a good pick, but not sure?? And what about the Reine Victoria?

Sol Melia Castillia is a great hotel in good area. Check out the Sol Melia web site.

We were there in early September. We stayed close to the Prado, but if we had to do it over again we would stay closer to the Palace area in the (I think it is) northwest corner of the old city. It looks more quaint and picturesque. Were were told to be careful where we walked at night by some people from California, not north of Gran Via or south of Plaza Mayor. M.

Jen,<BR>You'll get many different recommendations on this topic, but here's my preference:<BR>The NH Lagasca in the Barrio de Salamanca is my hotel of choice, that is, when I can snag their great wkd. rate. It's hip (like a W without the frenetic lobby bar scene), very modern, sharp, with nicely appointed rms (even VCR's) and stylish baths with lots of goodies. Our favorite rooms are the interior ones ending in 11 (also 15, 14 or 2), but the exterior rms are too small. It's located in a very upmarket residential and shopping area, off the beaten tourist (and pickpocket) path, so safety is never a concern. La Trainera, a Michelin star seafood restaurant is next door, and the brand new and noteworthy gourmet tapas bar, Biotza, just right down the street, plus there's the Phillip Starch designed Teatriz, in a former theater, for tapas or for a full meal, a few blocks away and lots of boutique shopping. I love this area (a sentimental favorite near my former home where I have my butcher, tailor, market, shoe repair, dry cleaners, etc.), even though it's not within easy, quick walking distance of the major sights.<BR>If you don't mind a vigorous 20 min walk or taking the bus, metro, taxi to the major sights, then the LH Lagasca would be great. If you want to be within easy walking distance of all that Old Madrid has to offer, then it's not for you-choose something more central. <BR><BR>But I would definitely not choose the Carlton. I think you'll find its location not to your liking, too close to Atocha train station, and a dead area at night. <BR>Nor would I choose the Reina Victoria on the Plaza Santa Ana only because I've read one too many negative reports about the service. I've gone in many times to pick up brochures but haven't found the desk staff particularly friendly, and a Fodor friend didn't enjoy her stay there, so I've had to stop recommending it. <BR><BR>The Carlos V is a "tried and true", inexpensive Fodor favorite, on a pedestrian street very near the Puerta del Sol, Madrid's equivalent of Times Square with the Gran Via up the street being Madrid's Broadway. You must ring the bell at the front door of the Carlos V to gain entrance, so it's safe, and friends who stayed there say rooms are quiet even though it's next door to the huge El Corte Ingles shopping complex and the transportation hub of the city. <BR> <BR>The large 4 star Melia Castilla would be much further afield than the NH Lagasca, up in the northern business district, a 20+ min. taxi ride away. A more central Sol Melia choice would be the Melia Confort Galgos, also in the Barrio de Salamanca, near the American Embassy. I've stayed there many times, as it offers a great wkd. rate (also discount rates on Expedia) with plentiful buffet brk. and is handy for an easy transfer to the airport (but it does accept large tour groups). <BR>However, of the two Barrio de Salamanca choices, I actually prefer the much smaller NH Lagasca with a better location near Plaza Colon. <BR><BR>Hope this helps you a bit to decide.