mamamia2 -- which B&B did you choose in Barcelona? I'm still searching for my trip there in April.

Thanks!

Judy, it's called "Quadrat d’Or" and their website is www.bbquadratdor.com. They have 2 rooms facing the front and 2 facing a courtyard in the back, which is what I chose.

Rebeccah, I saw some photos and read a bit about Girona, and I decided we can't miss it... It's planned for the day we're leaving Barc anyhow, so we're still spending 4 nights there.

Thank you for the information -- I checked the website, looks really pretty! But, unfortunately all 4 rooms are booked the week I'll be in Barcelona.

Thanks again.....back to more research!!

Hi
Stayed in this great centrally located hotel in Madrid. Off a square in a side street it was quiet . Great customer service and good buffet breakfast included. Would stay again .
We found it first at booking.com. but here is a direct link.
http://mario.room-matehotels.com/

Hi

This is the website used by most "Spanish" people to book hotels and hostels www.infohostal.com/en

Best

We ended up booking an apartment at a new place called Eric Vökel Atocha Suites, which is 7 minutes walk from the Atocha train station, from which we plan taking a few day-trips to Toledo and other magical cities around Madrid.

The consideration was first and utmost a quiet area (it's on a side street) and being a clean, modern facility that got some very good reviews.

What a strange/obtuse place to choose to stay in Madrid! Working class neighborhood,quite a trek to Atocha and to any place of cultural interest!
I always get a chuckle when posters ask for hotel suggestions-they rarely follow well intended suggestions and end up choosing something on their own!!!
I wish you sweet dreams!
All you need to do is ask for an interior room and you will have a quiet night!

"...quite a trek to Atocha..." - not according to the map and Google-Map... More like 5 minutes walk to the station. And unless Google-Map is totally misleading, It's also 16 minutes walk to the Museo Nacional del Prado...

Believe me, I did a LOT of research, some based on ideas I got here, but I'm willing to, and still can change my booking... It was VERY important for me to find a QUIET place, in the $150 level, and preferably close to the station, since we plan 2-3 day trips using the train. I was looking for B&B as well, just couldn't find a better alternative...