Where to stay in Madrid?
 

4 seniors will be spending 3 nights in Madrid at the end of our trip. My husband and I have visited Madrid briefly before, the other couple have never been. We will arrive by train from San Sebastian and fly out from Madrid airport. We would like a location in a nice neighbourhood where we can walk to restaurants, but with easy access to public transportation and taxis, as one member of the group has health issues which may prevent too much strenuous walking.

Here are our choices so far:

1. http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...805-33.htm?s=3

2. http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...921-33.htm?s=3

3. http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...nt-4738-33.htm

Would really appreciate input from Madrid experts. Ideas on how to spend our time in Madrid would also be welcome.

We always use Hotel Europa. Dead center of Madrid, across from a Metro station.

I have stayed at Hotel Opera. Liked it a lot, great location. (Your links only took me to a search page.)

Yes, post the links if you want suggestions.

With only three nights, I would avoid apartments and stick with a hotel. Where you stay will depend on your budget, but remember the city has a great transportation system and if you stay in the center of the city, everything is walkable. Take a look at Maribel's Guide to Madrid. You might find it useful in making your choice.

Even better find your accommodation on Booking.com
Real reviews, Ability to locate on a map, look at facilitates and coast. Easy to book.
When travelling use their app to reserve the next nights sleep.

Three nights is too short a time for an apartment rental and the hassels involved with key exchanges etc. Plus, if you never have been to Madrid, a hotel front desk staff will be very helpful with answering questions, making dining reservations.

We stayed at the Hotel Preciados, just off Plaza Callao. The street is loaded with restaurants (and the hotel restaurant was excellent). it is easy walking to Puerta del Sol and there are two very close metro stations. Staff was friendly and helpful and the breakfast spread tremendous.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I guess I'll rethink the idea of an apartment. We're traveling in October, so hotels are starting to sell out, but I will check out the ones recommended here.

Sorry about the links not working.

You should take a look at the area around majestic Plaza Mayor and vibrant Plaza Santa Ana right in the heart of the city.

Plenty of great tapas bars, restaurants, cafés, the best flamenco tablaos in the county (means the world) and the best jazz venues in town.
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-santa-ana.html
http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-mayor.html
Barrio de las Letas/Literary quarter: http://www.spain.info/en/lugares-int...as_letras.html

I use to stay in eiter Persal or Plaza Mayor, both are great value: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/persalmadrid.en-gb.html
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/plaza-mayor.en-gb.html

Or perhaps splurge in the Reina Victoria right on Plaza Santa Ana: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/meli...ria.en-gb.html

If you change your mind about apartments, we stayed in a great one last year from Spain Select (two couples at 155 euros per night..split two ways). It was Lope de Vega II. Spacious apartment in a great location in Barrio de Las Letras.. When the person comes to give you keys, he or she will give you the lay of the land and you're on your way. We also stayed in one their places in Sevilla...also excellent. Link here (with photos). We stayed for four nights. Greatest shower in bigger bedroom. Separate bathroom with shower, too.

<B>http://www.spain-select.com/en_US/rent-apartments-madrid/lope-de-vega-ii</B>

Here's more photos from my trip report last year...Madrid was wonderful!!

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/20265-2/</B>

((H))

I wanted to be near the Prado and, to that end, stayed here:

NH Paseo del Prado, Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, 4. 28014 Madrid

Concierge service was wonderful. Breakfast one of the best. And almost at the front door were taxis and busses.

Have a great time and good health luck.

I topped my TR in case you are interested.

I love the Intur Hotel Palacio San Martin.
http://www.hotelpalaciosanmartin.es/en/

Excellent central location but not in a noisy spot. It's not too far from the Hotel Preciados but not on a noisy street, on a relatively quiet square but only a block or two to several metro stops. Plenty of restaurants around.