I am going to Madrid for the first time. I have been in Barcelona many times, but now I would like to see the capital as well. So can anyone help me - where to stay? It would be nice if it is not too expensive. Please give me any advise - thanks.

Madrid is a big city... most firs time visitors like staying near Prado . Take a look at maribel's guide for info.

http://www.maribelsguides.com/

Hi Storker,

the opportunities that Madrid offers are by no means lees than Barcelona's. Main attractions are in the city centre, so you might choose to stay near Puerta del Sol, the livest square of Madrid. If you don't want to stay in a hotel, you can rent a holiday apartment. Here are some cheap offers:
http://www.globalcitybreak.co.uk/Hol...adrid.139.aspx

I stayed at Hostal Macarena right next to Plaza Mayor and loved it. Perfect location and about $125 per night.

I just came back from Madrid and stayed at Hotel Prado -great location, two computers available free, great breakfast. We loved it.
Millie

I've now stayed at three places in Madrid:
Tryp Cibeles (on Gran Via between Gran Via and Callao metro stops)
Hotel Carlton (a little bit south of Atocha and a short distance from Reina Sofia)
Hostal Gran Duque (very close to the Opera metro stop)

I would go back to any of them, and the locations were all convenient for me. I have heard positive things about staying in the Plaza Santa Ana, which is not really that far from any of those places, but I agree it's quite a charming place.

To some extent, it's the luck of the draw in terms of where your rooms face, but in all cases I had no problems with noise. It seems to me that noise is perhaps the #1 complaint about accommodation in Madrid, and it certainly could be a problem. However, I think that Tryp Cibeles at least had double-glazing, so that might be something to consider.

Hi

We had a lovely stay at the Hostal Marlasca. We had a street facing room which had a small balcony. Well worth it but it if you're a light sleeper ask for a room off the street. Excellent location too.