Trip to Spain in the Fall
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Spain in Sept/October for three weeks, give or take a few days. We are looking at Madrid, Barcelona and the northern area along the Pyrenees to Bilbao. We are able to rent a car, (outside Madrid and Barcelona) or take the train. Looking for hotel reccommendations, four/five stars, in great locations We like to walk as much as possible. Airline suggestions would also be great. We live in San Francisco Bay Area.
Any thoughts, ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Florence

Trains are great to go between cities where cars are a pain in the rear but if wanting to explore the Pyrenees region a car would be essential I would think.

for a lot about Spanish trains check www.seat61.com (great advice about discounted tickets you can score if you book early enough); www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check the Spain chapter of their online European Planning & Rail Guide for itinerary suggestions.

I would start in the north and work my way south - andalusia at that time should be just nice weather wise but the north can be cool and rainy. Seville and Cordoba and that area to me is tremendous. There are also overnight hotel trains you can take over longer distances.

Both Madrid and Barcelona are big cities with many attraction .
A number of interesting day trips is possible from either
How much time you intend to spend in each ( and in the north) depends on your
interest.

Vueling offers cheap flights from Barcelona to several cities in Spain
Fast train AVE takes you from B to M in 2 :35 min.

In San Sebastian, Hotel Maria Christina was one of our best hotel experiences ever. Great location, proper service and luxurious. Crazy expensive if you are there during the film festival, but not too bad at other times.
In Madrid, Hotel Preciados is not in the same class as Maria Christina, but it was convenient, clean, stylish, and had a great breakfast buffet. It was an excellent base for 5 nights.

I liked the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao. In Madrid, I stay at the AC hotel by Marriott, using points.

We like

Murmuri in Barcelona
Jardin de Recoletos in Madrid

both 4 stars

Take a look at San Sebastián, close to Bilbao: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/

Some luxcury hotel suggestions in San Sebastián:
María Cristina has been mentioned: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury...language=en_US

Hotel Londres; the new attics with terrace and sea view are quite spectacular: https://www.hlondres.com/en/accommodation

The culinary capital of Spain, if not all of Europe: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/