I am going to Madrid for 3 1/2 days (late Sat-Tue) in June. I will be staying at Hotel Husa Paseo del Arte which is situated just opposite the Atocha station. Anyone heard anything about this hotel? How do I easiest get from the airport to the hotel? What attractions can't I miss? The Rastro market worth going to? Tips on good, not too touristic restaurants, tapas etc? Nice chic bars? What's the best Flamenco show place? Would you recommend taking a tour bus the first day? Best area for shopping/small boutiques? Thank you very much in advance!

Have you read Maribel's Guide to Madrid? It should answer most of your questions. There are so many of them...

Robert, yes I have read Maribel's guide, it's great with lots of information! I just thought I could write here to see if I would get some more personal suggestions/tips from other people. Especially of restaurants...

There are a number of excellent restaurants in Madrid, several of which are covered in Maribel’s Guide. Some of our favorites are Basque, but there are others to consider.

I though La Manduca was pretty decent (Navarran Basque cuisine). Dassa Bassa was an interesting lunch, and is highly rated. Restaurante Montana was very comfortable. We had a very relaxing lunch/business meeting there last year. Alkalde has long been our favorite and Pan de Lujo was worth the visit. One place that we did discover during our New Year's trip was Escauri at Doctor Fleming, 23, near the stadium, offering excellent French Basque cuisine.

I am going to Madrid for 3 1/2 days (late Sat-Tue) in June. ... What attractions can't I miss? The Rastro market worth going to? "
In Madrid a nice Sunday morning in June I would skip the Rastro and go to el Parque del Buen Retiro: many different types of performers doing their thing.

Don't miss the Museo del Prado or the Centro de Arte de la Reina Sofia. The Palacio Real area is nice

"Best area for shopping/small boutiques?"
I would have to say Calle Serrano near and just north of c/Goya.

* Cocktail bar: Del Diego at calle La Reina, 12.
* Floridita: cuban daiquiri and cigars. Cool bar at calle Diego de Leon, 3.
* Taberna Tempranillo. Wine and wild mushrooms at calle Cava Baja, 38.
* Restaurante Pereira. Pork knuckle with vegetables. Dessert: sweet rice & cinnamon pudding. At calle Cervantes, 16
* Evening long drinks and live music:
La Boca del Lobo at calle Echegaray 11.

Book marking

Thank you all very much for your recommendations, highly appreciated!