I have found what looks like a fairly nice apartment at a decent price in the Salamanca area of Madrid. Is this a good area - central to attractions, etc? I don't have a lot of time, so I would like to be able to see the city without having to travel in from the hinterlands.

This will be my first time to visit Madrid, and I have no idea of what areas of the city are best for seeing the sights.

I stayed in a hotel in Salamanca the first time I went to Madrid. It is a very nice area, upscale, with lots of clothing stores. We were there on the weekend though, and with all the stores closed on Sunday it struck me as lifeless. We left on Monday morning, and it seemed to be a whole different place.

It is not in the hinterlands, and public transportation is good and taxis are plentiful, but the second time I went to Madrid I chose to stay more centrally on the Plaza Santa Ana.

salamanca area is one of the nicest residential areas.

I'd have to second Nikki's experience. A lovely place to be, but not exactly central to Madrid's main attractions. However, you are a lovely walk away from the beautiful post office building and Gran Via.

What day of the week are your 2 days in Madrid? And what is your budget?

I like staying in the Plaza de Espana area. One friend likes the Plaza Mayor area. Others here have their favorites as well.

Salamanca is great , but for a day or two Santa Ana or Mayor may be better.

My favorite hotle in Madrid is the Preciados... great location, great rooms, reasonable price. Good luck!

Okay - I found yet another possibility for an apartment - Jose Maranon #4 - near Gran Via. Does this seem like a more centrally located address?

The place looks nice online - and costs about the same as a nice hotel room.

Check carefully - could be very noisy.