Hi, I still have a few questions as our trip is getting closer. We will drive to Madrid after Andalusia and spend 3 days there. On one day, we wanted to drive to El Escorial, Avila and Segovia. Is it possible to do in one day? And should we keep our car (we will return it in Madrid and take a night train to Barcelona) for this day trip or is it easier to do by bus? <BR>Another question: we have a choice between hotel Atlantico and Suites Prado (both have rooms for four people). The price is almost the same (27,000 - 30,000 pst.); does anyone recommend one over another? We were thinking to be closer to Prado might be good to get there early, but nobody seems to have heard of Suites Prado and that is suspicious. <BR>As always, very grateful for any advice...

Hi Olga, <BR>Me again. I've heard of/seen the Suites Prado; they're right off the Plaza Santa Ana in the Old Quarter of Madrid, just a short walk from the Prado-fairly new and quite spacious, modern decor, but no restaurant, but you'll have numerous tapas bars (La Trucha, Cerveceria Santa Ana, Cerveceria Alemana) adjacent and a good family restaurant, Hylogui, down the street plus all the great bars, restaurants around the Plaza Mayor and Cava Baja, just a 5 min walk away. It's mentioned in one of the "Charming Hotels in Spain" guides I have and a newsletter I subscribe to, "European Traveller" did a fairly recent issue on Madrid, and they liked both the Prado Suites and the Atlantico (good values). I'm always very reluctant to recommend lodging right ON the Gran Via because of the pickpocket/congestion/noise factor (just as I'm not a big fan of staying right on the Ramblas in Barcelona). It's no longer the "grandest" avenue of Madrid despite the name and IMO is a little frayed/tawdry/unsavory around the northern edges (Ballesta, Hortaleza, <BR>Valverde and Fuencarral streets behind the Atlantico-but at night more than during the day). Nothing at all wrong with the hotel itself, but I think you'd enjoy the quieter location of the Prado Suites more. But ask for an interior suite, not one facing the street. <BR>You used to be able to make the El Escorial/Avila (but not Segovia) loop in one day by train but no longer (says www.renfe.es) and no bus route will take you to all 3 in one day. <BR>I'd do the El Escorial/Valley of the Fallen/Avila in one trip by car; to reach Segovia, I'd take the "Sepulvedana" bus (1 1/2 hr) from Madrid's Paseo de la Florida #11 (metro: Norte). There are at least 11 daily departures Madrid-Segovia, and the bus is quite comfortable. <BR>Doing all 3 in one trip makes for a VERY, VERY long day! There's so much to see. Because you say you have just 3 days for Madrid and environs before going on to Barcelona, I'd choose either the Segovia/La Granja or the El Escorial/Valley of the Fallen/Avila combo and save the other for your next trip. <BR>Maribel

Olga, <BR>From "European Traveller" about the Prado Suites: "opened in '97, excellent location on small side st. btwn Prado/Plaza Mayor...simple and basic decor with modern, light-wood furnishings in bold shades...updated full marble baths. Larger suites have separate sitting rm and larger baths. Suites 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 are some of largest. No public rms. so brk served in your suite. Young staff, friendly, helpful." <BR> <BR>For the Atlantico: "Located in high traffic Gran Via at intersection of the very crowded Puerta del Sol, however amazingly quiet considering the endless commotion just outside the doors. Request one of the recently restored rms decorated with pale pink & green florals...the most attractive and have updated baths. Young, friendly, efficient staff." <BR> <BR>Maribel

Maribel, I can't thank you enough! Suites Prado sounds like a keeper! As for the day trip, I needed some realistic advice. Thanks again.

Olga, <BR>Forgot to tell you-don't do El Escorial on MON.; Monastery is closed. <BR>You can see the Suites Prado at <BR>www.travel-in-madrid.com/suites-prado/ <BR> <BR>Correction about train loop Madrid-Escorial-Avila. Just checked RENFE-it's possible again but makes for a loooooong 12 hr. day (8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.) Since the 4 of you already have the car, I wouldn't hassle with the train. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR>Maribel

Hello, <BR>Two years ago during a trip to Madrid, I took a day-long bus trip with one of the tour companies. We did Avila in the morning & then drove on to Segovia. When we got to Segovia, I wished we had spent the whole day there. The scenery is so incredibly beautiful. The city itself has lots of nooks & crannies to explore. And the people were very friendly. <BR> <BR>There are several pictures from recent trips displayed on a shelf in my office at work. Everyone notices the picture of the countryside surrounding the castle in Segovia. Common reactions are usually, "Wow!! Where is this?!!" In fact, in three years, this is the only picture (out of 4 displayed)that people have picked up so they can take a closer look. I guess this is a long way of saying allow as much time as possible for seeing Segovia. <BR> <BR>Heather