High Tech Nueva Castellana, Madrid

Advantages: Very close to the Puerta Del Sol and Gran Via.
Disadvantages: None

...I booked our short break through Expedia, who are always good at finding the best deals. Neither myself nor my husband had been to Madrid before, so we had no knowledge of the city at all. I researched the layout mapwise, to find out where the centre was regarding shopping, bars etc. The Puerta del Sol seemed as central as we could get. The hotel was on the Via Arenal, just off the square. On arrival we were greeted in good English by a very friendly receptionist and the check-in was smooth. The hotel was bright and modern. Not huge, but for a city centre it was big enough. There was a lift to all floors luckily, as we were on the 5th. Our room was large and airy. Satellite TV, air conditioning (a blessing in July), large double bed, plenty of storage and a wall safe. The bathroom was clean and roomy with one of those... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Nice staff, clean, kettle in the room
Disadvantages: The local area, rather expensive

...This is yet another hotel stayed in when travelling with work. It's a four star hotel (Ciao has it listed as a three star) and is located in the business district in Madrid. The Estadio Santiago Bernabeau, the home of Real Madrid football club is also very close by if you are interested in football. Public transport is very good-metro station and bus stop near by, the bus is one Euro into central Madrid and unlike London they have plenty of bus lanes and regular services-every 5 minutes. And no over-crowding or rubbish strewn everywhere! The hotel itself is a typical sprawling 1980's concrete block. The surrounding area is a bit dodgy at night and opposite the hotel is a boarded up cinema. In fact the whole area is pretty much a concrete jungle and I would be careful with going out after dark as it's pretty deserted once... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Splendid architecture and surrounding nature
Disadvantages: destinations are scattered and hard to reach by public transport

...are unmatched anywhere near Madrid. On the whole, you may only like to take a longer tour of the monastery if you are a fan of Renaissance architecture and arts. If you are not, then El Escorial is still worth a short detour, if only for the scenic drive through the wooded hills and the wonderful views towards and from the residence. VALLE DE LOS CAÍDOS ? @@@ Remains of a Dark Period. Valle de los Caídos is located 8 miles north of El Escorial, on the M600 road which leads into the Sierra Guadarrama. It is a huge funeral for the victims of the Spanish Civil War. Although the graves are not visible ? except that of former dictator Franco ? there are over 40,000 buried here. A Basilica and the huge Santa Cruz Monument is the centre of the sight, the latter is a 150 metres high cross which overlooks the whole valley. The whole... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful