I'm going to Spain for 10 days -- primarily staying in Madrid. This is a spur of the moment trip and I'd like to get some feedback regarding hotels, points of interest, restaurants, etc.<BR><BR>Thanks...

Every time we are in Madrid we stay at the Regina on Alcala. It has a great location, right at the Sevilla metro stop and a block from the Puerta del Sol. Reasonable also. Used by many business men. Also walking distance to the Plaza Mayor and, going the other way, to the street named Recoletos which has several good tapas bars and the Gijon cafe.

Make sure to see the Prado and Sofia in Madrid and make a side trip to Toledo and see the cathedral and old city. If you can swing a side-trip to Seville, it would be well worth it, but I believe there are lots of places around Madrid that should be of interest too--I've only been to Madrid and Toledo, and really liked Toledo.

Louise, You don't say what you want to pay for a hotel. I stayed at Hotel Europa which had a great location and was more than adequate for around $50/night. Watch your backpack/purse-In two months of European travel, I had two pickpocket attempts in Madrid and none anywhere else. Met two other women that were knocked down in the metro while their purse was stolen.<BR><BR>To me, 10 days is way too much in Madrid so consider Toledo for a day trip and Cordoba for a few hours on your way to Seville.

You can also take the train to Barcelona, which is also a wonderful city. The Guggenheim Museum is in Bilbao, which is the most gorgeous museum I have ever seen. Toledo is a magnificent old city not to be missed. And, it is not far from Madrid. Seville is one of my favorite cities. I believe the train goes there as well. I suggest you request the free Spain Travel kit from www.okspain.org