arlene17

Four of us will be traveling from Madrid to the north via Segovia this June. We expect to rent a car for this leg of our trip. Should we have the car for the two days that we will be in Madrid and use it to go down to Toledo or would we be better off to go there by train or bus tour. Will having a car in Madrid be a benefit or unnecessary? Any suggestions on car rentals in Madrid? We will probably stay at the BW Carlos V in Madrid.
Thanks,
Arlene

CathyM

I would definately not rent the car for the days you are in Madrid - it will be a hassle as your hotel is in the Old Center and the train will be very convenient.

Aramis

No, no, no, no, no.

Generally, my recommendation is - if you knew the name of the European city you are visiting when you were still in grade school, never plan to drive in it.

Alternately, if it has a population of more than about 250,000 do not drive in it unless you are visiting it after renting your car somewhere else (making driving "to it" a necessity), but plan to park it for the duration.

Toledo is short fast direct train ride from Madrid. Absolutely the way to go.

chapla

There are 4 of you then take the bus! Much cheaper,comfortable and drops you right in the main square! The train may be alittle faster but more expensive and it drops you off outside of Toledo so another bus or taxi to get you into the center!
As to Carlos V, sorry, it has really gone downhill in the last few years, looks shabby-not even close to what Best Western Standards should be.

arlene17

Thanks for all the helpful information.
Chapla, I'm sorry to hear that about Carlos V - we enjoyed a stay there 10 years ago. Where do you suggest we stay?
Arlene

chapla

Hotel Preciados and the renovated rooms at Hotel Europa are located in the same area and my friends really liked them.Preciados offers free minibars!