My husband and I are spending six days in Madrid in January, and my head is spinning as I explore highly rated hotels on various websites. We want to be in a central location and walk to major sights and interesting neighborhoods, with a budget of around $300 a night. This seems doable ... For example, Hotel Europa seems to fit the bill, but online reviews are all over the map! Do you have experience with a hotel you would highly recommend?

We stayed at the Hotel Preciados which was well located and comfortable. Their breakfast buffet was huge and delicious. It has been a few years so I would check current reviews. We did opt for on of their cheapest rooms which was not as attractive as those pictured on the website. If we were to return, I might opt for one of their more upgraded rooms.

I love the hotel Intelier Palacio San Martin, I've stayed twice. It is very near Puerta del Sol but set off on a quiet plaza. I get a double room on higher floor that looks into the inner ctyd which was very quiet. It has always been cheaper than similarly rated hotels, it's a 4 star. It will depend on your dates but should be 200 euro or less in January.

Thank you! These are wonderful suggestions! I really want to support the hotel industry and avoid being part of the rise in urban housing costs, but I finally decided to go with an apartment. ... The prices kept coming in lower than almost every hotel, and we'll have living space, two bathrooms, and a balcony.