Looking for a centrally located, medium price hotel with some character for 4 nights a few days before Easter in Madrid and the same for Toledo.

We have used the Hotel Europa, dead center at Porat del Sol, four times. We like the rooms to the front with the little French balconies over looking the street. However, the street noise could be a problem if you follow the Madrid time pattern. The back rooms are quieter.

I stayed at Hostal Adria Santa Ana and was really pleased with it. Affordable accommodations in a great location close to SOL and Plaza Santa Ana. Lot of places to eat right near by. (Our favorite one was right across the street!)

This hostal was on the 3rd floor, which means 3 flights up. I don't have a problem with stairs in general, but these stairs were a bit tricky. They are uneven in every way possible (height, depth, etc) and the wood is very slippery and worn in some places. This hostal is a bit like apartment living since you are on your own with the "front desk" in another building where they have another hostal, Hostal Adriano. (There is an elevator there.)

If interested check out www.hostaladriasantaana.com or www.hostaladriano.com for more info.

Agree with 'hamlet' on Adria Santa Ana. We had 2 rooms there (double and a twin) last Christmas and found them comfortable, roomy and very clean. Only comment would be the size of the bathroom in the double room - it was tiny! The website gives very accurate pictures of the rooms we stayed in.

I was just in Madrid this July, and thought this apartment rental was just excellent: http://www.enbuscadeltiempo.com/index.html

Great value, close to Sol, simple but immaculately clean, and very friendly owners. I speak Spanish but heard them speaking English to other guests. A real find!

Check out booking.com for hotels in Madrid by location, price range, guest reviews etc. I've had very nice stays recently at both Hotel Plaza Mayor and Hostal Persal, located less than three mins from both bustling Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

Both places are close to one of Madrid's best tapas/restaurant districts in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina. Some of Madrid's best jazz venues (Café Central, Populart) and flamenco tablaos (Cardamomo, Casa Patas) would be just on your doorstep. 10-15 mins walk to the fabolous Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-santa-ana.html