Hi. I posted yesterday and got one response, but I just need a little more help - if you're willing.
We'll be in Madrid for 5 days and are looking at either of these 4-star hotels:

Hotel ME Reina Victoria,
INTUR PALACIO SAN MARTIN or
Westin Palance

We want something centrally located for walking-shopping-eating, good concierge service. We won't have a car, but want to take a day trip to Toledo and Segovia.

Can any of you recommend our best choice of the three above...OR if you have an even better choice. Thanks! Maria

The three are completely different types of properties. Two are actually 5-star hotels; the ME Madrid Reina Victoria is very upscale, flashy and currently the place to be, especially at night. The Starwood Westin Palace is much more conservative, a direct competitor of the Ritz, but with less snob appeal.

The 4-star Palacio San Martin is very highly rated hotel near the Puerta del Sol, but is not in the same class or catagory as the Me and Westin Palace, both of which are better located than the Palacio San Martin for visiting Madrid's major museums.

I wouldn't want to stay anywhere near the Puerta del Sol, as it reminded me of New Yorks Times Square. Very crowded, noisy, and just alot of people just hanging around. I saw the Westin while there and thought the location was really nice. You are within walking distance of the museums, the Park Retiro, and if you like to walk Plaza Mayor and the Puerto del Sol.

OK, thanks for your reply.
So the San Martin is OUT!

Let me go research Westin again...thanks.
Any others want to respond??

I have stayed at the Westin Palace and it is very nice. Very good restaurant (for a hotel). Great bar where Franco would go for a drink. Close to the Prado. Very helpful staff. They arranged bullfight tickets and train tickets for me on short notice.

Have a good trip.

DogGone, Check out the special promotions on the Westin's site. I've been checking the hotel out for my visit too- especially since I'm a preferred member. The "stay 3 and get 1 night free" is a good deal.

San Martin is better located for evening tapas or walks around the center.
Palace is the luxury one.
And Reina Victoria "the fashion, well located".
My choice will be the ME, Reina Victoria.

I have stayed at the Westin Palace and it's a very nice hotel. I love the location.It's in front of the Prado museum and very close to Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Mayor.

I ahve stopped staying there because it has gotten too expensive. I now stay at the Villa Real nearby, whcih I also like a lot.

Melia, has several fine hotels in Madrid. Check its website, often they have offers, and indeed they have great week end rates including very good buffet breakfasts. Most of their hotels are four stars.

OK, great. Thanks again for your responses. I very much appreciate it. I think we might go w. the Westin/Starwood b.c. we just found out we have a contact in the Starwood company!! Yipppee!!!
THANK YOU !!!!!!!
Maria

I recently stayed at the Hotel Gran Canarias which is located right next to the Westin, it is a 4 star and while not as luxurious as the Westin it is not nearly as expensive either. I really enjoyed the location away from the hustle of the Sol and the Gran Via, but it was within walking distance everything we wanted including the Plaza Santa Ana for tapas, Park Buen Retiro and the Atocha train station