Novotel Madrid Puente de la Paz, 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

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Advantages: Good areas: Puerto Del Sol, Plaza Santa Ana
Disadvantages: Bad areas: Chueca can be a bit dodgy at night

...) option for those with a moderate budget, with clean, comfortable and air-conditioned double rooms costing about 48 pounds stirling for two a night, including breakfast. Make sure you check out the streets towards the Plaza Santa Ana, including great bars such as the Alhambra and De Solero. If you are looking to save money, just keep on buying drinks (una cana (pronounced canya) being the phrase that pays for beer), because with every drink in almost every bar will come a free tapa (or snack) - from olives to tortilla. If you really feel the need for a big meal, and in the 38 degree heat right through summer that is fairly unlikely, the best option is a menu del dia at lunchtime - three courses including wine and bread will set you back about a fiver. The best way to enjoy Madrid is to do as the local Madrillenos do and sleep in... Read review

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Advantages: culture, people, nightlife
Disadvantages: none

...ok i am going to give a more detail view of Madrid. First of all Madrid is the greenest city in Europe , people don´t know that but is true you´ll find historical parks like Retiro, Campo del moro, fuente del berro,el capricho parque del oeste and on the other hand you have new parks like Juan Carlos I close to the airport and huge parks like casa del campo. A good itinerary to see part of the old Madrid starts at the royal palace, is a towering structure that has already 250 years of history and it is considered one of the best in Europe. Then should take calle mayor and you´ll find at your right La plaza de la villa, It's surrounded by 15th to 17th-century aristocratic mansions that have been taken over by the Town Hall. At this point if you want you can get lost on the narrow streets or if you prefer stay on calle mayor and you... Read review

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