I will be in Spain for the first time in November and need input re, firstly, Madrid hotels. Have scoured Maribel's guide, various guidebooks and various forum sites. I am looking for a good, central location, some ambience and single rates for under E100/night. The following hotels caught my eye or were recommended:

Madrid: Nov 9 for 4 nights:
- Hotel Miau, Santa Ana Square, http://www.hotelmiau.com/ingles/id17.htm , E75/ni
- Hotel Lope de Vega, opposite the Prado, http://www.hotellopedevega.com/ , E104/ni
- NL Hesperia Emperatriz, "financial district", http://tinyurl.com/38ktbnw , avg E99/ni

All comments appreciated especially first hand experience.

It will all depend on what the hotels are offering for your dates. Of the hotels mentioned, I like the Lope de Vega. The Hotel Miau is fine for some, but not in the same category as the Lope de Vega. The Emperatriz is not in the same area (who recommend it?).

So, what's the question?

Robert, a friend recommended the Emperatriz - hasn't stayed there personally but it's the friend of a friend of a friend scenario. I added the nightly rates at the end of urls - Hotel Miau quoted me E75 per night and the Lope de Vega is E104 per night, with the Emperatriz at an average of E99 per night.

For my first visit I want a centrally located hotel and both the Miau and Lope de Vega seem to fit the bill. Do you prefer one location over the other? I like smaller, more intimate hotels and I thought the Miau would be alright... which Madrid hotel(s) do you prefer?

Thanks,
Linda

Look at the Hotel Plaza Mayor. Very good value for the cost. Centrally located. Can walk to almost anywhere. Stayed there last November and found it perfect place to explore Madrid from.

The Plaza Mayor is okay, but only a 2-star. The Lope de Vega**** is well located and the price seems right for November. I think you'll like it.

I also recommend you download Maribel's Guide to Madrid for a few more options or recommendations (www.maribelsguides.com).

I have stayed at the Emperatriz several times. It is a very nice hotel on the edge of the Salamanca district. There are numerous buses that take you into the deep art triangle or near it. A metro stop not too far away, but it is not in the "center" of the tourist route. Very near the Am. Embassy, EXCELLENT shopping, the Paseo de la Castellana, and is a small, non-chain type hotel.

Check out the website www.trivago.com for your prices. Sometimes lately I have found them to be interesting. Also, www.gtahotels.com. , and of course the hotel site also before booking.

Good luck.

www.madridman.com has some recommended hostals/pensions that should be less than what you are seeing, and offer a pleasant, clean, well located stay although they do not boast the amenities of a 4*.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions - will check out the websites provided.