Madrid

[duffshot]

I'm off to Madrid next month for the first time. Anyone have any tips? Also - anyone know a good a hotel?

 

[tuapekastar]

Hi duffshot

can offer a little, spent 2 days and nights there about 5 years ago. Hotel Carlton as I recall which was reasonably priced (or I wouldn't have stayed there!), and had nice, spacious (for Europe), and modern rooms. Not so sure the meals are good value though, probably want to eat away from hotel. It is located abt 5 mins walk from Atocha railway station, and 10 - 15 mins walk from Prado museum (though IIRC this and other museums tend to be closed on Mondays for some reason). Also near Prado museum is a stop for the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which covers a reasonably generous portion of the city and was fairly priced.

Anyway, the Carlton is one of hundreds, so for reviews on many Madrid hotels follow this link and type madrid hotels in the search function field www.tripadvisor.com

Oh, and 2 essential phrases in Spain - cerveza fria (cold beer) and vino tinto (red wine)

Cheers

 

[markis10]

Does that mean white wine is vino no tinto

 

[clifford]

Hi duffshot,

If you haven't caught up with these websites, I'd suggest you have a look at them for your hotel bookings in Europe:

www.hotel.de
www.ratestogo.com.

If anyone knows of any websites with better pricing fo European hotels, please let me know, as I'll certainly put them to the test.

By the way, I'm off to LIS/MUC/CGN/LPL next month, flying SQ/LH bus class.

Keep smilin'

 

[CdaWorld]

One tip is that the train is a very easy way into town. Wish I'd caught it as I was ripped off by my taxi driver. Nice as he was, he gave me about 15 Euros less change than I was due - I didn't realise til after I had checked into my hotel. Very sneaky.

On my departure i worked out the subway and it was great. I suppose I saved some money there - so it balanced out.

Always be on the ball is the moral here and don't rush transactions. Especially when jet lagged.