I am meeting my mother at the Madrid airport on a Sun. We are travelling from different cities. Is there a particular site we can use as a meeting place. Also is there a budget hotel close by to overnight.

Dear Jennifer, <BR> There is a meeting booth called a "punto de encuentro" in Terminal 1 (international), or you could also meet in front of the car rental agency booths there (Aviz, Hertz, Europcar and Atesa). <BR> <BR>As for budget accomodations near the airport, your least expensive option is probably the Best Western Villa de Barajas-a double costs 13,400 pts., 5 min away by free shuttle bus from Barajas airport. (The other hotels, the Novotel, Tryp Diana, Alameda and the Hotel Barajas cost more). Barajas is only 9 miles east of Madrid, and you'll have plenty of budget accomodations if you want to press on into the city, a 20 min ride with traffic. There is a hotel booking service counter at the airport, and the yellow airport-to center city bus leaves for Plaza Colon every 15 minutes. Cost-385 pts. <BR>Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Thanks Maribel, for the information. Do you have any details on the punto de encuentro. Is it a place where one can sit, will it be open on a Sun morn 7am,are there signs to show where it is, does the airport have more than one terminal. Thanks again.

Dear Jennifer, <BR>Barajas airport, as of this past summer, now has 4 terminals (plus new fancy metro stop)-if you're arriving in Madrid from the U.S. you'll most likely be arriving at Terminal 1 (my TWA flight in Aug. LEFT for JFK from the brand new terminal 4). The "punto de encuentro" is on the ground floor of Terminl 1 outside the doors that you'll exit from the Aduana (customs). To your left you'll see the car rental counters. <BR>There are chairs in front of them where you can sit and wait. There is another set of car rental counters WAY down in the new section (long, long walk), but most likely you'll be coming in to Terminal 1. Domestic flights arrive in Terminal 2-a short walk away. <BR>Hope this answers your questions! <BR>Regards, <BR>Maribel

One more question about the Madrid airport. I saw an earlier post about a metro stop in the airport. This was news to me. When did this begin? (In 1998 it was not there to my knowledge) <BR>Is it a better trip than the Airport Bus?

Hi Ed, <BR>Me again! The metro finally reached Barajas last July, but no, it is not better than the airport bus because to get to downtown Madrid always requires at least one transfer, if not two or three (depending on your final destination). The yellow bus takes you straight (and quickly) to Plaza Colon where you can take the metro or bus anwhere (or walk). I only use the metro to the airport if I'm picking someone up, and I would suggest to everyone that they take the metro to or from airport only if very light of luggage and have PLENTY of time to spare (one hour). It's very convenient for business people flying in to attend a trade fair at the Palacio de Congresos at Parque Ferial Juan Carlos (one metro stop from Barajas), but that's about it.

Hotels can be found at the "Centro de informacion para turistas" (or it may be called "Centro de Turistas" -- I don't remember) at the airport; many very good hotels offer special deals through this office. Just stay away from the four-star Hotel Orense near Charmartin train station. I was robbed INSIDE the hotel and the management was completely unresponsive.