Sue

Hello all!<BR>I am traveling for the first time to Spain this October. I am so very overwhelmed by the hotel choices, and also the number of postings on here and Frommers! This is the list of hotels I have narrowed my selections down to, due to rooms available and price.<BR>If anyone has a moment, can you please share your opinions? I'd love to hear both positive and negative. (located close to sites? safe & clean? more local ambiance, rather than chain hotel feel? pleasing interiors? helpful staff?) If you see that your favorite hotel isn't on my little list, please let me know!<BR>Thanks so much for taking the time to reply!<BR>-Sue<BR><BR>Madrid:<BR>Hotel Europa<BR>Carlos V<BR>Hotel Madrid<BR>Hotel Regente<BR>Santo Domingo<BR>Hotel Plaza Mayor<BR><BR>Barcelona:<BR>Regencia Colon<BR>Hotel Colon<BR>Hotel Continental<BR>Avenida Palace<BR>Meson Castilla<BR>Hotel Gran Via<BR>Hotel Jardi<BR><BR>Sevilla:<BR>Hotel Simon<BR>Hotel Becquer<BR>Hotel Amadeus

top

to the top for Sue<BR>

Marcia

I did not go to Barcelona, but 11 months ago we stayed at Carlos V in Madrid & Hotel Becquer in Sevilla. Carlos V in Madrid is on a pedestrian street (no cars) and near everything. The largest department store, El Corte Ingles is diagonally across from the hotel...very handy!! (GREAT store). Hotel Becquer in Sevilla is also a great hotel...right in the heart of the city & very large, beautiful rooms. We were extremely satisfied with these hotels. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

janet

In Madrid we stayed at Carlos V. It was very nice and clean. The location was excellent. I highly recommend it.<BR>In Seville we stayed at The Alfonso. We found a great price online - definitely worth trying.

michele

Sue,<BR>Stayed at the Gran Via In Barcelona about three years ago..very good location as it's an easy walk to the Gothic Barrio and the Ramblas. Nice old world feel to the public rooms. Our room was small and modern and well-maintained. Ask for a room facing the courtyard as the street is somewhat noisy. Also, there's an airport bus stop just a few blocks away.

Bill Fleites

Another vote of satisfaction with the Hotel Carlos V in Madrid, and the Hotel Becquer in Sevilla. Both were very clean with execellent bathrooms and extermely well centrally located. The Carlos V also provides an excellent breakfast.

Paula

We stayed at the Hotel Europa in Madrid and The Continental in Barcelona and would not stay in either one again. While they were clean and both had good locations, they would have been fine for when I was travelling as a student, but were a bit shabby and had uncomforable beds (after 50 that seems to matter, at least to me and my husband), and were cramped. <BR><BR>I know a lot of people in Fodors like these hotels, which is fine. I'm just saying, I wouldn't stay there again.<BR><BR>We stayed at Hotel Fernando III in Seville, which I liked better and would stay at again, though I thought it was a bit expensive for what it is (though I've heard Seville is like that.)<BR><BR>If I were to go to Madrid again, I'd stay at the Hotel del Cardenal in Toledo and do Madrid as a day trip (or trips--it's only an hour train ride away.) This was one of my favorite hotels--build into the old city wall, gorgeous views and gardens, and very reasonably priced.<BR><BR>Have a great trip.

Maribel

Sue,<BR>With the exception of the pricey Hotel Colon and Avenida Palace in Barcelona, looks like you have a high budget/moderate price list, around or slightly above 100 euros. Is that correct?<BR><BR>Of your listed hotels, these would be my choices:<BR><BR>Madrid:<BR>Hotel Carlos V (if full, Santo Domingo) <BR>Carlos V is old style European, homey, right in the midst of the Puerta del Sol area (Times Square). Santo Domingo is off the Gran Via (Broadway) more modern but rms showing their age a bit.<BR><BR>But if you want to spend a bit more, consider 2 I just inspected recently and liked a lot and if they appeal, go with whichever offers the better deal:<BR><BR>1) new, very stylish H10 Villa de la Reina, a converted bank building. <BR>www.h10.es<BR> <BR>2) built in '00, contemporary Hotel Lope de Vega, a stone's throw from Prado<BR>www.green-hoteles.com<BR><BR>Barcelona:<BR>Meson Castilla or the less exp. Gran Via. M.C. has slightly better rooms, kind service but Gran Via has great location. Both are very Old World<BR>The Colon is usually quite exp., (with fabulous views of cathedral, though) the Regencia less so, but parts of the Barri Gotic are problematic to wander through at night. Personally, I wouldn't sleep in the Barri Gotic, but that's just me.<BR><BR>Seville:<BR>Hotel Amadeus, hands down, because it's new, fresh, kind of a "secret", with hospitable women owners and located in Barrio Santa Cruz. Got a great review in British Conde Nast Traveller mag. It's on my short list of budget Seville hotels.

collenk

Maribel,<BR>I am interested in your comment about not wanting to wander around the Bari Gothic at night or sleep there. I am trying to decide between the Meson Castilla and the Regencia Colon. Are they located very far from each other? The RC has a higher star rating than the MC-can you elaborate on your feelings about the differences between them-will the RC be unsafe to return to at night for 3 women?<BR>Thanks,<BR>Colleen

Tina

Stayed in Hotel Barcelona Sants, above the Sants regional train station. This was a very nice hotel, great location because it is convenient to all transportation around Barcelona and beyond. There was a tourist office in the station which made it easy to get information for this first time European traveler.

Maribel

Hi Collenk,<BR>About sleeping in the Barri Gotic:<BR><BR>On 2 recent visits, once by myself and again with family/friends, I spent a good deal of time re-exploring the district in the daylight hrs. It's a character-filled area and certainly a "must see".<BR><BR>The Hotel Colon and its less expensive "little sister" around the corner, the Regencia, have a fine location adjacent to the Seu (cathedral) square, which is tourist-busy and safe during the day, provided you watch your belongings. Just be aware that pickpockets are notorious for their brisk business in the entire Cuitat Vella. When strolling down the Ramblas or the Barri Gotic, I never carry a handbag-just wear a neck pouch-the only 2 places where I use it.<BR><BR>From the R. Colon you're just a short walk away from the very noisy, bustling Via Laitana to the east, and walking down shop-lined Portaferrissa to the west takes you straight to the always teeming Ramblas, or from Ponrtaferrissa turn left and down Carrer Petritxol to the cute, bar-filled Placa del Pi. And the walk from the cathedral to the Placa Sant Jaume is also a very well-traversed path. And the young, hip area southeast, El Born, is in the process of rapid gentrification (born again), with bars/restaurants/night spots opening every minute. The Carrer Montcada (Picasso Museum) is delightful, as are the squares in front of the Santa Maria del Mar church and the now closed Mercat El Born. Quite "happening". So, all these touring, day walks from the RC are fine, again, exercising the usual city precautions. <BR><BR>However, there are areas of the narrow, dark and cramped Ciutat Vella, south of the cathedral/Generalitat/Ajuntament areas that are quite seedy, particuarly the Placa George Orwell and Escudellers.<BR>And La Ribera, northeast. I know what areas to avoid, but it's easy for a 1st time visitor to get lost very quickly in the bewildering twists and turns of the maze-like old quarter (it's a rabbit warren). I personally don't like to wander there late at night or return there after a late dinner (and dining is a late affair in BCN). I just feel safest, most comfortable in the evening on and around the Passeig de Gracia (location is very important to me).<BR><BR>The Meson Castilla is on the west side of the Ramblas, right below and between the Placa Universitat and the Placa de Catalunya, nearer to the more upmarket Eixample. I've happily stayed at the MC alone and with a woman friend, although I now prefer the Eixample for solo travel.<BR>Hope this has helped to explain.

linda

for hotel deals.. check out www.bancotel.com.<BR><BR>a great voucher system that will save you money certain days of the week.<BR>

colleenk

Thanks Maribel-Your explantion (as usual)was helpful. What would your choice be between the Regencia Colon and Meson Castilla if it was a choice between the two for overall charm and ease of location for a first time visitor to Barcelona who will be staying 4 nights?

Sue

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their advice. This is definately the most active travel website, with a great abundance of advice from those with actual travel history. These responses (as well of those in other discussions) has helped my little travel group immensely.<BR>Thank you!<BR>-Sue<BR>(fyi - we decided on the Hotel Regente in Madrid, (Carlos didn't have our dates available), Meson Castilla in Barcelona, and am waiting for word from Hotel Amadeus in Sevilla.)<BR><BR>Any opinions for hotels in Cordoba? I haven't seen many discussions on this location.<BR>

colleenk

Sue- Will you please post a report on your trip, in particular, your impression of the Meson Castilla in Barcelona and any other Barcelona pearls.<BR>Thanks in advance,<BR>colleen

Maribel

Hi Sue and Collenk,<BR>If I were to choose between the Regencia Colon and the MC, I'd go with the MC in a minute. I did drop by there in July to talk to the desk staff (very nice) and get new brochure/rates. You really can't beat the price of 110 euros double with buffet brk included. They also have triple and family rooms, and doubles with terrace go for only 121.<BR>And the MC has more Old World European flavor (but with all the modern amenities that Husa hotels provide) and closer to the Modernist architecture of the Eixample, also handy to the Aerobus stop at Placa Universitat. <BR><BR>Hope you both have wonderful journeys!

Maribel

Me again, Sue,<BR>Forgot Cordoba! I sent friends to the very inexpensive Albucasis in the Juderia, a Karen Brown favorite, and they enjoyed their stay. Read about it at www.karenbrown.com<BR><BR>We've stayed at the NH Amistad, which is quite modern but with nice Andalusian touches-beautiful central patio-the "best" in town, but not really exp. If you book well ahead and stay on wkds, you can snag some really great rates at www.nh-hoteles.com<BR><BR>I also have in my files a tip from Olga:<BR>the new Hotel Lola. Looks cute, but I've yet to visit it.<BR>www.hotelconencantolola.com

colleenk

Thanks for your input- Sounds like the Meson Castilla is the one!

Sue

Colleenk,<BR>I will definately post a travel log, but my trip isn't until mid October. I'll be back the beginning of November. (not sure if this will be in time for your trip.) My next searches, after I have my hotels booked, will be for restaurants and shopping (and any other special places not found in a travel guide. I'll share what I find!<BR>-Sue

colleenk

Sue- I'm not going until next May-will look forward to report in November!<BR>Thanks,<BR>Colleen