elanamig

cruiseluv and yk, thanks for the info. I've never traveled by train in Europe before, we usually fly, so the question of larger suitcases never came up. Packing light would be a novel experience for us. LOL We'll see

CathyM

I admit to being a heavy packer (life long vice unfortunately). I generally bring one large suitcase and a 21 inch rollaboard. I admire the people who can travel with just one rollaboard for a 2 week trip but this wouldn't be me . I've never had an issue with being allowed to carry this on the AVE. I try to make an effort to arrive early in order to get my suitcases on the train and have some space on the luggage rack. Usually no problem when taking the train particularly if you're getting on at the beginning of the line.

elanamig

CathyM, glad to see a kindred soul . And glad to hear that I should be safe on the AVE.

danon

Balmes is in a terrific location - right in the elegant Eixample. Would be my choice too.

Santa Ana is a major clubs, pubs, tapas bars place in central Madrid. It is hopping day and night.

Hotel Prado location is handy to museums and the train station (to or from Barcelona, and Toledo).
Casual clothes are fine in either city.

elanamig

Thanks, danon. I've booked Balmes and Hotel Prado. I'm looking forward to Balmes and it's garden pool area . I'm not thrilled about Prado's location - too central for my taste. But they have a nice cancellation policy, so I will keep looking. I've checked Hotel Prado again today, and they no longer have any rooms available for my dates, so I'm glad I jumped on it early, and at least I have a back up.

Maribel

elanamig,
Please don't book the terrace rooms at the Hotel Prado.
These are located on the top (sixth) floor which is the smoking floor, and the terraces quite unattractive, carpeted with astroturf and used by smokers.

The best rooms at the Hotel Prado are the ones ending in '02, '03 and '04 which face Ventura de la Vega, the side street.

Have you checked the rates of the Catalonia Las Cortes, also on Calle del Prado, for your dates?

elanamig

Thank you, Maribel. Forget the terrace rooms then. I have emailed Hotel Prado regarding specific room requests, and they said that everything will be based on availability. But I will try to ask for '02, '03, '04.

I have checked the rates for Catalonia Las Cortes, and they have a "standard twin" available for our dates. Standard twin, I assume, is two twin beds pushed together. I guess Hotel Prado will probably have the same.

Catalonia Las Cortes is better rated than Hotel Prado on TripAdvisor. Do you think that it is overall a better choice?

Thank you very much again for your help!

elanamig

Also, if I go for Catalonia Las Cortes, what rooms should I ask for?

Thanks!!!

Maribel

The 303 "wine room" at the Hotel Prado has suited our basic needs just fine for a very low price, on two separate stays.

The difference between the two-a more classically elegant decor at the Catalonia Las Cortes and newer rooms, some with beautiful, original architectural touches, such as frescoed ceilings. But those rooms are the superior ones rather than standard.
The Hotel Prado is just more functional/ utilitarian.

If the price were equal, I'd book Las Cortes.

The standard twin in Spanish hotels is always two twin beds pushed together.

elanamig

And one more questions about hotels. All hotels that I have looked for in Spain have a "comments" section. If I request specific rooms in that comments section, does it hold more weight than if I request a specific room at check-in?

Thanks

elanamig

The price difference between the two is about 30Euro and the included breakfast at Hotel Prado. Hmmm... Thinking...

Maribel

Yes, always request the specific room in the comments section upon booking online to give them ample time to move things around to try to accommodate you. At the last moment, upon arrival, it may be too late.

If you don't mind functional/utilitarian, for the very low price the Prado is hard to beat, given its location.

We had never had the Prado breakfast until last time when we had a business meeting there in the lounge. Our associates ordered coffee and croissants for us, and both were really, surprisingly yummy.

kimhe

Just a detail. Breakast at the hotel may be just fine, but I would recommend that you also go for breakfast at a local café/bar some days. Usually gives the start of the day a smiling face, especially if you're not in a hurry and can take in the special and buzzy atmosphere created by local clientele, laid-back efficiency, and the smell of newspapers, coffee, delicious toasts, fresh pastry and perhaps a little shot of brandy. Should be plenty of nice places close to your hotel. You would immediately know if you're in the right place...

axelrod6

One other idea - at the beginning of our trip, we stayed at the ME Madrid, which is also on the Plaza Santa Ana, for two nights. They have have some great rates and nice rooms. Good service too. The location is outstanding. We also stayed later at Las Cortes, in a beautiful suite, but for tourist purposes, I don't think that the value is there. Best bet for breakfast - coffee and pastries at La Suiza, right on the plaza, where the working people of Madrid stop by for cafe con leche.

elanamig

Thanks, axelrod6. I checked the rates, and they're on average twice the Prado/Las Cortes rates. The hotel does sound wonderful, but maybe next time

elanamig

axelrod6, thanks so much for the breakfast recommendation, though. I have made a note of it!

elanamig

axelrod6, thank you for turning my attention toward the hotel reservations again . I just rechecked the rates on El Prado, and they have a new promotion running, so I was able to take another 150Euro off my stay. Awesome!

tejana

The last time I did Seville and Barcelona in the same trip we took a late evening flight between the two. Iberia has specials all the time, and it can often be cheaper than train travel. We had time for an evening stroll and tapas in Seville, and were at our hotel in Barcelona before midnight.

elanamig

tejana,

I've already booked the AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid, so Seville will have to wait until our next trip to Spain. However, if I were to go to Seville from Barcelona, I would probably take the overnight train. In the current schedule, it leaves around 10pm and arrives at 8:30 in Seville. You get a full day in Barcelona, and a full day in Seville + savings of a one night stay at the hotel .

elanamig

Hi, guys! I am planning our itinerary in Barcelona, and I have a few questions.

1. In Barcelona, we will have 3 full days, one evening, and one morning. I am considering a full day bus tour to Girona and Figueres offered by http://www.barcelona-on-line.es/eng/..._turist_10.htm

Does it look like a good option, or should we try to visit only one of the cities on our own? Or should we skip sites outside of Barcelona altogether?

2. What is the best roof-top dining experience you have had? I would love to try and catch a sunset overlooking the rooftops of the city.

3. We're going to be staying at Hotel Balmes, and on Saturday we will be leaving at around 1pm. What is the closest (to Hotel Balmes) decent place to have lunch? I don't want to go anywhere too far from the hotel on the day of our departure.

Thank you!