Madrid Apts., Royal Palace vs. Prado?
Sep 28th, 2006, 12:24 PM
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Madrid Apts., Royal Palace vs. Prado?
I'm looking at some apartments for my trip in March.
Heard good things about Salamanca but it seems pretty far out from the center. I'm sure the subway will make the distance meaningless and it might be less touristy than near the center.
But I've come across a couple of listings which may provide some peaceful accommodations while being in very convenient locaitons (near the big attractions).
First one overlooks the Royal Palace and promises to be around pedestrian zones:
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ma...#an_calculator
Second one is between the Prado and Retiro:
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ma...#an_calculator
No doubt these areas get crowded during the day but it would seem they would be quiet at night?
Any input on these or other areas of Madrid would be appreciated. Also if anyone is familiar with this agency...
Heard good things about Salamanca but it seems pretty far out from the center. I'm sure the subway will make the distance meaningless and it might be less touristy than near the center.
But I've come across a couple of listings which may provide some peaceful accommodations while being in very convenient locaitons (near the big attractions).
First one overlooks the Royal Palace and promises to be around pedestrian zones:
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ma...#an_calculator
Second one is between the Prado and Retiro:
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ma...#an_calculator
No doubt these areas get crowded during the day but it would seem they would be quiet at night?
Any input on these or other areas of Madrid would be appreciated. Also if anyone is familiar with this agency...
Sep 28th, 2006, 01:47 PM
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scrb,
I'm familiar with Friendly Rentals-they have a flat in San Sebastián that we want to rent someday. But I haven't rented from them yet. I think the two you have chosen would be fine.
Salamanca is the tony, very fashionable (and wealthy) residential and shopping neighborhood, the most upmarket section of Madrid. It would not be touristy, and one doesn't need to worry about one's personal belongings walking the streets of the Salamanca quarter. Depending on where in Salamanca, you could have only a 15 min. walk from the Prado, and it certainly would be peaceful, particularly on wkds. when the residents go to their weekend homes.
But I don't see a studio in the Salamanca quarter other than the one on Paseo de la Habana, which is quite a way from the center-not handy. Is there another, a one bedroom, in the Salamanca quarter that you were considering? For example, the Puerta de Alcalá, that has a fantastic location?
The Retiro location is in a tony section as well, but I don't know how much noise you would have during the day with the expansion construction of the Prado, around Jerónimos. But day construction noise wouldn't be an issue, as you would be out touring anyway. And at night that area behind the Prado is very, very quiet. But not as handy to shops, markets, pharmacies, restaurants, tapas bars as a Salamnca flat.
The Palacio Real apt. although on a pedestrianized street is in a very busy section, heavily touristed, of the city, so it would be my second choice. Great views, though!
I'm familiar with Friendly Rentals-they have a flat in San Sebastián that we want to rent someday. But I haven't rented from them yet. I think the two you have chosen would be fine.
Salamanca is the tony, very fashionable (and wealthy) residential and shopping neighborhood, the most upmarket section of Madrid. It would not be touristy, and one doesn't need to worry about one's personal belongings walking the streets of the Salamanca quarter. Depending on where in Salamanca, you could have only a 15 min. walk from the Prado, and it certainly would be peaceful, particularly on wkds. when the residents go to their weekend homes.
But I don't see a studio in the Salamanca quarter other than the one on Paseo de la Habana, which is quite a way from the center-not handy. Is there another, a one bedroom, in the Salamanca quarter that you were considering? For example, the Puerta de Alcalá, that has a fantastic location?
The Retiro location is in a tony section as well, but I don't know how much noise you would have during the day with the expansion construction of the Prado, around Jerónimos. But day construction noise wouldn't be an issue, as you would be out touring anyway. And at night that area behind the Prado is very, very quiet. But not as handy to shops, markets, pharmacies, restaurants, tapas bars as a Salamnca flat.
The Palacio Real apt. although on a pedestrianized street is in a very busy section, heavily touristed, of the city, so it would be my second choice. Great views, though!
Sep 29th, 2006, 06:54 AM
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My understanding was that Salamanca was to the east of Calle Serrano, which runs along the western edge of Parque del Retiro.
So Puerta de Alcala seems to be in that same western side of the big park, just as Prado.
I've found a couple more to the northeast of Retiro on gomadrid.com. They just don't seem to be as roomy apartments (actually they don't list the sizes at all). Looks like a couple of extra stops on the metro though, to get towards the Plaza Mayor area.
So Puerta de Alcala seems to be in that same western side of the big park, just as Prado.
I've found a couple more to the northeast of Retiro on gomadrid.com. They just don't seem to be as roomy apartments (actually they don't list the sizes at all). Looks like a couple of extra stops on the metro though, to get towards the Plaza Mayor area.
Sep 29th, 2006, 07:12 AM
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scrb,
With the Puerta de Alcalá apt., I was assuming it is on the northern side of the square, which would put it in the Barrio de Salamanca and north of the Retiro. To the northeast of the Retiro might put you in the Ibiza section, which is a further hike from the sites. The Retiro is a very large park, as I'm assuming you know.
I would choose the one between the Prado & Retiro. It's a classy and safe neighborhood (and dead at night-no noise).
With the Puerta de Alcalá apt., I was assuming it is on the northern side of the square, which would put it in the Barrio de Salamanca and north of the Retiro. To the northeast of the Retiro might put you in the Ibiza section, which is a further hike from the sites. The Retiro is a very large park, as I'm assuming you know.
I would choose the one between the Prado & Retiro. It's a classy and safe neighborhood (and dead at night-no noise).
Sep 29th, 2006, 08:37 AM
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Yes, I know my tastes about Madrid are not shared by anyone here 
I like both locations, both are good, classy safe and beautiful. But if I had to choose it for me..I would go to the Royal Palace one without a doubt. That are has a kind of magic for me that I'm unable to find anywhere else in Madrid. But..I do like Gran via also, so maybe I'm not the best to know what a tourist will enjoy the most 
I like both locations, both are good, classy safe and beautiful. But if I had to choose it for me..I would go to the Royal Palace one without a doubt. That are has a kind of magic for me that I'm unable to find anywhere else in Madrid. But..I do like Gran via also, so maybe I'm not the best to know what a tourist will enjoy the most
Sep 29th, 2006, 07:17 PM
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Well I got some time so I'm checking some other agencies too.
Seems like fewer agencies than Barcelona.
There were only like 6 VRBO listings. I'm sure there are plenty of apts. available though.
Seems like fewer agencies than Barcelona.
There were only like 6 VRBO listings. I'm sure there are plenty of apts. available though.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 07:46 AM
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Finally found one in Salamanca. Closest metros are Serrano and Goya.
The agency tells me it's 75 square meters so even though it's more expensive, it's bigger too.
http://www.goletworld.com/en/homedetail.asp?pid=454
The agency tells me it's 75 square meters so even though it's more expensive, it's bigger too.
http://www.goletworld.com/en/homedetail.asp?pid=454
Oct 3rd, 2006, 07:56 AM
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scrb,
If it's between the Serrano and Goya metro stations, that is a very tony, fashionable address and safe as well. Very quiet at night. I'm a former denizen of the Salamanca quarter and know that area well. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there, as I like the residential feel and the shopping is great, plus there are lots of upscale tapas bars i(El Lateral on Velázquez, Estay on Hermosilla) in the area, plus my favorite gourmet delicatessen, Mallorca (a kind of Parisian Fauchon or Milan's Peck, on a much smaller scale).
If it's between the Serrano and Goya metro stations, that is a very tony, fashionable address and safe as well. Very quiet at night. I'm a former denizen of the Salamanca quarter and know that area well. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there, as I like the residential feel and the shopping is great, plus there are lots of upscale tapas bars i(El Lateral on Velázquez, Estay on Hermosilla) in the area, plus my favorite gourmet delicatessen, Mallorca (a kind of Parisian Fauchon or Milan's Peck, on a much smaller scale).
Oct 3rd, 2006, 09:41 AM
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That's good to hear.
A bit perplexed though, because on Google maps, it shows Calle de General Pardiñas (running north-south) as being between the Velasquez and Goya metros, with Serrano being one stop west of Velasquez.
Maybe the agency person didn't know the area that well.
I haven't seen too many Salamanca apts. listed. There are some that are to the west of the Retiro park adverised as being in Salamanca.
A bit perplexed though, because on Google maps, it shows Calle de General Pardiñas (running north-south) as being between the Velasquez and Goya metros, with Serrano being one stop west of Velasquez.
Maybe the agency person didn't know the area that well.
I haven't seen too many Salamanca apts. listed. There are some that are to the west of the Retiro park adverised as being in Salamanca.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 10:04 AM
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scrb,
On Gral. Pardiñas 21 you'll find my favorite hangouts/tapas bars in the whole area-the Taberna de la Daniela, which is open on Sundays. They have great Galician empanadas, huge canapes (tostas) freshly made and toasted with their great bread, an addictive ensaladilla rusa that is served as a tapa when you order a drink, yummy homemade potato chips, everything is delicious. And it's one of the city's best spots for sampling that oh-so-hearty Madrid specialty, cocido madrileño, served in the back dining room by reservation only and at lunch. Great atmosphere, pretty tiles, turn-of-the century decor (marble top tables, tiled floor, ceiling fans), although it's not that old.
On Gral. Pardiñas 21 you'll find my favorite hangouts/tapas bars in the whole area-the Taberna de la Daniela, which is open on Sundays. They have great Galician empanadas, huge canapes (tostas) freshly made and toasted with their great bread, an addictive ensaladilla rusa that is served as a tapa when you order a drink, yummy homemade potato chips, everything is delicious. And it's one of the city's best spots for sampling that oh-so-hearty Madrid specialty, cocido madrileño, served in the back dining room by reservation only and at lunch. Great atmosphere, pretty tiles, turn-of-the century decor (marble top tables, tiled floor, ceiling fans), although it's not that old.
