I will be meeting my boyfriend in Madrid in late October, and we are looking for a romantic hotel somewhere near Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor. We don't want to send a ton of money, but aren't pinching pennies, either. I don't care if the hotel is large or small, but it is key that it be central. ANY advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks-

I'm not sure I'd call it romantic, but I like the Reina Victoria on Plaza de Santa Ana very much. The rooms are quite large and nicely appointed, it's extremely central, and the area is full of restaurants and bars. If your room faces onto Plaza de Santa Ana, noise can be a problem, since life goes on there until very late at night.

Just returned from my trip in Spain and I think the Hotel Intur Palacio San Martin is the hotel for you. We had a wonderful terrace overlooking the Descalzes Monastery and beautiful, albeit small, San Martin square. It is just a block or two from the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, but it feels like it is miles away. The rooms are spacious and nicely furnished. The bathrooms are done in luxurious black marble. The hotel staff is great and the hotel features a gym and a sauna and a small bar/lounge. Best of all, it was only $109 euros. Best bargain of my trip.

Im glad someone else had a great time at the San Martin. I stayed there on two different trips for 3 or 4 nights each and agree with everything jonalex writes. Gym was not available when i was there but the room was magnificent.

Right close to everything..walk to the Callao metro, Gran Via, puerta del sol, plaza mayor, opera etc. shopping all around. best to take a cab to Atocha train station and the aerocity shuttle to the airport.

Try some churros with chocolate at the little choclate store around the corner...and great steak house La vaca argentina about a block away..best steak ive ever had.

To those who recommend the Intur Palacio San Martin, would you clarify something for me? On another site someone said skinheads take over the plaza at night, right by the hotel. Did you find this to be true?
We are 2 women travelling and would not feel comfortable with that.

Thanks for the advice! How did you get that rate at the Intur-Palacio? I looked at it online and it seems outrageoulsy expensive!! Does anyone have any thoughts on hotels in Barcelona? We just decided to spend a few days there as well...Thanks!

Re Barcelona: I know you don't want to spend "a lot" of money however you are ultimately defining that but I personally think one of the best places to stay is in the Hotel Colon but in a room which faces the square and the gothic cathedral. Close to "the Ramble" and with, IMO, much more interesting views than the Claris or the Arts...but the place doesn't come cheap. How much this sort of thing is really worth to you and what you are willing to pay, wherever you stay, to make the trip memorable is up to you. But I think i'd be willing to give up a couple of CD's to make the trip unforgettable.

Have a great trip regardless.