Sorry if this question has already been asked a thousand times -- the search function of the new site is a little off (and the server appears to be inundated). <BR><BR>My wife and I will be taking a short trip from Paris (about a week at the end of April) and are deciding between Madrid and Barcelona. We are in our mid-thirties, love art, food, and the great outdoors, and have a fairly flexible budget. I understand that many people love Madrid's nightlife, but this is not extremely high on our agenda.<BR><BR>If we stay near Madrid, we'd like to see Toledo; if we choose Barcelona, we'd like to see Montserrat. Any suggestions on either side? Hotels, restaurants, museums, things to do . . .?

Hi Mark, both destinations are great although since you are saying a short trip I would go to Barcelona.<BR>Staying there most of the time except for Motserrat.<BR>Are you flying? There are great train connections : talgo trains from Paris for both Madrid and Barcelona, take the <BR>Gran Clase. Buena suerte.<BR><BR>

...sorry...if you have a full week, Madrid ,plus Toledo, etc or Barcelona, + are both great...it is up to you.<BR>A Great Hotel in Madrid: ThePalace<BR>

Mark,<BR>I would vote for Barcelona. An easy city to walk, lots of outdoor cafes, plenty of museums, and extremely interesting architecture. I like Madrid also, but it doesn't have the immediate charm of Barcelona.<BR><BR>Michele

Thanks for your suggestions. Right now we're leaning toward Barcelona. Only problem is finding a room! We're currently booked into the Hotel Arts (Ritz-Carlton) because it was the only one available so far. Not sure if this is really the right area for us though. We usually stay in smaller, luxury or design hotels rather than high-rises. Plus, it's a taxi ride away from the city center.

Hi,<BR><BR>I recommend Hotel Condes de Barcelona. It is located on the Paseo de Gracia (kind of like the fifth avenue of NY). Only a half block from the metro. Great architecture in its immediate vicinity, and centrally located. The room I stayed at was nice and modern, with a wonderful marble bathroom, and the breakfast was terrific. It has a very good reputation.

I've stayed at Condes de Barcelona, but beware, there are two byuildings, and they are accross the street. The main Condes de Barcelona is great, the other, simpler, not so great.<BR><BR>The Claris is a fantastic hotel, small but sophisticated, and is also at Paseo de Gracia, very well located.<BR><BR>There are others, like the Majestic, Alexandra, St. Moritz, the Ritz Carlton ( not the Arts, but the older Ritz Carlton), the Meridien. Theey are all nice hotels, and very well located.<BR><BR>As to your choice of Barcelona over Madrid, I couldn't agree more. Barcelona is much more interesting than Madrid in my view.<BR><BR>

Even though Barcelona had a bad game last night against Liverpool, Real Madrid is absolutely woeful this year. I'll give you 5-1 odds.

Was in Spain two years ago and hated Madrid. It's reminiscent of a large Times Square in NY. Barcelona is beautiful, the people are charming and it has great historic sites.<BR><BR>By the way, have you thought of heading South? Sevilla was by far our favorite part of the visit. Good luck and bon voyage!

cat- do you have any clue as to the distances your are undertaking -?Barcelona/Sevilla!............

Thanks again for your suggestions. I think we will stay at the Claris in Barcelona. We're thinking of staying there for a few days, taking a day trip to Montserrat.<BR><BR>We're then planning on driving to Madrid for a few days before flying back to Paris. We're staying at the Parador in Siguenza on the way. <BR><BR>As for hotels in Madrid, we're deciding between the (Westin) Palace and the Villa Real. <BR><BR>Would anyone suggest staying outside of Madrid and driving or taking a bus in to see the museums rather than staying in the city? Would Toledo be a good choice?