I'm planning a 7 day trip to Spain and we're making Madrid the homebase. We plan to make some day trips to Toledo and Valencia, so it makes sense to do an apartment rather than a hotel room. The question is which neighborhood to stay in? Salamanca? Chamberi? Puerta del sol? Any neighborhood to stay away from?

so glad to see people THINKING about AT LEAST day trips to Valencia.

I liked the neighborhood around Plaza Santa Ana quite a bit.

I think you might get better answers if you describe what you plan to do. Ar you looking for nightlife, for example? Upscale shopping? Do you want to be able to walk to the train station?

There is a hotel on Paseo del Prado that would be convenient for both Atocha station, the three major museums, and the old city. I don't know your budget but perhaps it would suit you:


http://www.hotelmora.com/ing/index.html

Have you read the excellent, newly updated Madrid hotel guide by Maribel?

http://maribelsguides.com/mg_madridhotels.pdf

Hey Eks,

Read your trip report on Madrid and that decided our destination! We like quiet and clean. We love going to museums and don't mind walking to get a good meal. In fact, the more we avoid public transporation the better.

As for Valencia, it's a must see now that I know there is a bullet train! 90 minutes makes it a great day trip.

I also like the area near Plaza Santa Ana/ Museum triangle.

Ok, so based ont he replies above, include the Museum/Sta Ana area and also the southern part of Salamanca in your hotel search. Do you have any price guidelines?

I did not like the area around Puerta del Sol/Calle Preciados as a hotel base. I just found it too bustling, for my taste.

Puerta de sol must be one of my most UNfavorite areas to have to traverse when in Madrid.