hax,
Wow! I must have been completely asleep when I looked at the Hispanos 7 Suiza web site the first time-didn't see the pics of the apts., but now I do, and yes, they look really lovely.
My only objection to the Sagrada Familia area is simply that it's out of the mainstream-not easily walkable to the Eixample nor the Ramblas nor the Barri Gotic. You would need to take the metro for sightseeing, or at least the metro to Placa de Catalunya to pick up the Bus Turistic and let the handy B.T. take you around. If metro hops aren't a concern of yours, stay at the Hispanos 7 Suiza. You may be the first Fodorites to do so, then post a report upon return for the rest of us!
I bought the new Moon Metro Barcelona guide just yesterday, and the apts. are listed there.

For Myer and hax:
There's one more recent lodging entry to the Eixample hotel scene, but I don't have first hand feedback. It's the new Apsis Atrium Palace, located on the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 1 block from the Passeig de Gracia (gorgeous Modernista architecture and retail heaven)and just 2 blocks from the transp. hub, Placa de Catalunya.
Doubles run 125 euros, 140 for B&B, but they have a 3 night min. double rate for only 108 and a cash payment rate of 115-something else to consider.
Don't know if rooms are adjoining. 71 rooms, 2 suites.
See it at www.hotel-atriumpalace.com


Myer,
I really wouldn't try to fit in Segovia and La Granja by bus (the only way to do both by public transporation) on Tues, then come back to Madrid and immediately take the AVE to Seville. Too much riding around for one day, I think.

I do think that as a first time visitor to Seville, you'll be so enchanted with walking around its many neighborhoods (make sure to cross the Guadalquivir and walk around Triana just a bit) that you probably won't want to venture 1 hr. by bus each way out to Carmona. I've stayed at the Parador there and commuted into Seville (friends wanted a Parador only Southern Spain trip) and longed to be in the city, even though the Parador is relaxing, very pretty with scenic views of the plains and Carmona is filled with some lovely noble homes.
I think of Carmona more as somewhere to day trip on a second Seville visit after you really get to know the city.
Just my thoughts...

Two things:

Segovia I liked more-so than Toledo. And I'm not sure how long you normally peruse historical sites, but I spent 6 hours in the Alhambra and wished I had more time (had to leave because it was closing). So keep that in mind - get there early if you need to be on a plane by 5.

Maribel,

If I did do both daytrips from Madrid I'd do Segovia on Saturday and the shorter trip to Toledo on Tuesday, the day we leave for Seville.

However, after I think some I'll probably wise up and leave it all alone.

That's good, I ran into a few closed churches/museums in Toledo and Segovia when I was there on a Sunday and Monday.

Maribel--Thanks for the tip on the Apsis. They have fairly reasonable suites, so I booked one for 300 euro--more than the Hispanos Siete Suiza (240 euro including breakfast), I also had called your other recos and found two hotels with adjoining rooms: The Condes de Barcelona (expensive at 187 euroo per connecting room) and the Balmes (125 euro per room.)

I now have four reservations! I may post these choices on the forum, and then worry about it after the holidays. What is your opinion? The Apsis Atrium Palace is a Best Western, which leaves me a little cold, but it is brand new (and looks like a great location. Is the Gran via de Corts a very noisy street? ) And this is the only choice that gives us only one bathroom (and with two teen girls, two bathrooms would be nice.) I would lean towards the Balmes, but it had a few negative comments on tripadvisor.com. The Atrium Palace had good feedback on tripadvisor.

Thanks again for all your help. Happy Holidays!

Maribel--

Ooops! The Balmes is 118 euro per night, not 125.

I live in Madrid. Don't go to the Retiro on sunday unless you want to visit the most crowded park in the world. Go any other day and you will enjoy it.
If you happen to be around plaza Mayor, La Latina or plaza de los Carros by lunch or dinner time, head to Cava Baja Street and/or Don Pedro street . Many restaurants and tapas bars, crowded with locals at spanish meal times (very late). You will be able to get a table if arrive early.

My favourite is El Tempranillo at Cava Baja, but there are many others

Sorry for the double post, I forgot advice for discounted hotels in Spain and in other countries too: check at bancotel.es (english too) and you will find how spaniards travel during weekends ( sometimes also during the week) paying 50 euros for a double room in good or very good 3 or 4 star hotels. Click on availability and you'll see if the hotel asks for 1 or 2 50 euros vouchers. The more in advance the better, you can cancel until the day before.

nica,

Thanks for the info.

I'm not sure I'll change plans about Retiro since I'd rather be in the park with too many people than when it's empty.

Then again, we may leave the park to Monday.

Too many day trips myer! Leave it alone and enjoy Madrid instead of trying to cram in everything. The retiro is pretty, but I wouldn't say it's an absolute must if you feel pressed for time. And don't do ANYthing that involves buses. Please......

Hey KimberleyDK!!!!

Don't you have anything else to do?

no. my wedding is all planned.