Madrid advice
 

We're going to Madrid in February and were thinking of booking the Hotel Europa on Calle del Carmen. I think I saw it recommended by someone on this board. Has anybody stayed there? I'd also welcome some advice on the weather in Madrid at that time of year - is it very cold? Finally is it easy to get to Segovia and Toledo by public transport - we fancy taking a few day trips. <BR> <BR>Any other advice - especially on places to eat - would be most welcome!

Terry, <BR>Day trips to Toledo/Segovia are very easy to do via public transportation. Here's your transp.info: <BR> <BR>TOLEDO: "Galiano Continetal" bus from the large Estacion del Sur bus station (metro: Mendez Alvaro, circurlar grey line #6-bus station right above metro station), bus departures every 30 min. starting at 6:30 a.m., last returns from Toledo at 10 p.m. Try to catch an "expreso" which will take just over an hr. Drops you off outside medieval walls, then catch city bus #6 to center of town, the Plaza del Zocodóvar, or from the bus station it's about a 10 min. vigorous uphill walk.. <BR>Or <BR>From Atocha rail station, take the "Regional Express", which will take <BR>between 1-1 hr. 15 min. Check for current times at www.renfe.es Again from Toledo's train station, city bus #6 (or taxi) will take you to the Plaza del Zocodóvar, from where you'll want to start your touring. It's a long, steep climb sotake the bus or taxi to the Plaza. <BR> <BR>SEGOVIA: "La Sepulvedana" bus from Paseo de la Florida, next to the Hotel <BR>Florida Norte (metro: Príncipe Pío, grey circular line #6) Express bus <BR>service with departures almost every half hour during the week (a few <BR>departures have 3 intermediate stops), trip takes 1 hr. 15 min. I take the express departure at 9 (available every day) or 9:30 a.m. (not on Sun.) There¹s also a 10 a.m. direct service daily. From Segovia's bus station it's a very pleasant and short stroll down an arcaded pedestrian street to the Aqueduct and tourist office. <BR> <BR>I have a Madrid file (too long to post here, I think) with our fav. bars, restaurants, shopping, touring, night spots. If you'd like a copy, just email me directly, and I'll be glad to send it. <BR> <BR>

Terry: <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Europa a couple of years ago and were very pleased with the hotel. It is absolutely spotless, staff helpful and friendly, and it is ideally located steps away from the Puerta del Sol and the metro station. <BR> <BR>The restaurant next door is a great place to sit at the outdoor tables and sip sangria while people watching. We had a favorite ice cream (helado) place just around the corner. Also near the big department store El Corte Ingles. <BR> <BR>Easy walk to Plaza Mayor; took the metro to the Prado and Royal Palace. <BR> <BR>We took the train to Toledo and spent the day there. It is a wonderful city. <BR> <BR>The hotel web site is http://www.hoteleuropa.net <BR> <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR> <BR>If I can help further, don't hesitate to e-mail me. <BR> <BR>j <BR> <BR>

Just wanted to add that the train to Segovia is also so an option which is what we did. Hopped on a bus just outside the train station to go to the city center (and bought a Segovia map at the kiosk across the street before getting on the bus). Easy. Just as a word of caution when you look at the times for the trains on the RENFE site make sure it's for the Atocha station (if that's the one you're departing from) There are 3 stations classified as "Madrid" Won't matter going south to Toledo as you'd be early, but going North to Segovia you'd be late.

Hi, Terry. In answer to your question about its being cold in February, yes, it is very cold that time of year. The first time I went to Madrid, almost two years ago, was at the end of January, and it was unbelievably cold but very bright and sunny. However, we took good coats, scarves, gloves, and walking shoes and had a glorious time. We did as much walking as possible and stopped in every once in a while for tapas and rioja or coffee. We learned that most of Madrid stays up for late and goes out to dinner after 10:00 --and we did the same. There was so much excitement at night that we'd pile on the coats and scarves and head out walking at 10:00. What a great time we had and I hope you have the same!

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I can't wait to go now! Maribel, I will email you for your Madrid file - you seem to be a fund of great information! <BR>Terry

We were in Madrid in very early March of this year. The weather was cool - we wore our Barbour jackets and that was enough. Occasionally got out some gloves, but never hats. Segovia will be probably 10-20 degrees (F) cooler. But don't skip it - it is beautiful. The bus to Toledo was easy and we did the train to Segovia - also pretty easy - but do watch which train station you are going out of and into - as another poster mentions.