Novotel Madrid Campo de las Naciones, Madrid

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

...Many tourists who plan a trip to Madrid like to combine it with some excursions in the surrounding area. Nearby Toledo and Salamanca, for example, are places that most of us may have heard of, if only from an Ernest Hemingway novel or from Cervantes' famous account of Don Quixote de La Mancha. But this wouldn't be worth an FTC review, had I not some more exclusive places to tell you about. On the third day at the latest, every first time visitor to Madrid will feel worn out from the dry climate in the Spanish capital. At an air humidity often below 30%, one longs for some fresh air and nature. The Province of Madrid, as well as surrounding Castilia is full of attractions worth a day trip. So where to go? There are two very popular day trips for Madrid tourists: 1. To the cities of Salamanca and Avila in the province of Castilia... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lots to do, everything's cheaper
Disadvantages: None that I can think of

..., such as wildlife, or you could just sit and watch the world go by. The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace is definitely worth a visit. You can look over Madrid from the Courtyard or go on a tour of the Royal Rooms, some of which are incredible. You’ll need about 2 hours at least to do this. Afterwards walk down to Plaza de Isabel II to east at one of the many cafes there. Eating in Madrid s fairly easy, even if you hate Spanish food. Like in any city there is a MacDonald’s or a Burger King on each corner. If you do like Spanish food, find a small family restaurant. However you may have to practice a bit of Spanish as these are the sort of places that wont speak English. I must warn you under no circumstances should you visit a restaurant called Museo de Jamon. The quality of service was appalling and the food was cold... Read review

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