Madrid in September
Jul 11th 2009, 11:16 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: london/gandia
Posts: 1,163
Madrid in September
Hi all
My wife and me self will be spending three days in Madrid in early September 2009. We wonder if you have any recommendations in regard to hotels and places to see and eat. We have previously visited Valencia and enjoyed it but have spent large amounts of time wondering about aimlessly and hope that with Madrid that we can encapsulate the city into a manageable three days
I look forward to your recommendations
Regards
jonboy
My wife and me self will be spending three days in Madrid in early September 2009. We wonder if you have any recommendations in regard to hotels and places to see and eat. We have previously visited Valencia and enjoyed it but have spent large amounts of time wondering about aimlessly and hope that with Madrid that we can encapsulate the city into a manageable three days
I look forward to your recommendations
Regards
jonboy
Jul 12th 2009, 4:56 am
#2
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21
Re: Madrid in September
Hi all
My wife and me self will be spending three days in Madrid in early September 2009. We wonder if you have any recommendations in regard to hotels and places to see and eat. We have previously visited Valencia and enjoyed it but have spent large amounts of time wondering about aimlessly and hope that with Madrid that we can encapsulate the city into a manageable three days
I look forward to your recommendations
Regards
jonboy
My wife and me self will be spending three days in Madrid in early September 2009. We wonder if you have any recommendations in regard to hotels and places to see and eat. We have previously visited Valencia and enjoyed it but have spent large amounts of time wondering about aimlessly and hope that with Madrid that we can encapsulate the city into a manageable three days
I look forward to your recommendations
Regards
jonboy
My husband and myself are also making our first trip to Madrid this year.....1st week in August. Having spent many hours looking up hotels I have settled on this one. The room rate is very good and the style of hotel and location suits us..... Hope this helps. www.hotelpalaciosanmartin.com/index.en.html
Also we are hoping to purchase thr Madrid Card which covers transport and admission into some of the must see museums etc.
Jul 12th 2009, 8:26 am
#3
Not Banned (yet)
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Madrid
Posts: 6,400
Re: Madrid in September
Hi, with regard to the initial enquiry, Madrid is perhaps at its best in September. It can still be baking hot in the day and late afternoon, but luckily it cools down a little at night. I personally would recommend a day trip out to Toledo, Segovia or even Alcala de Henares, just to get a different feel to central Spain. Having said that there's plenty to keep you occupied in Madrid. Here's one site I find very useful regarding Madrid (its hotel page gives a list of various hotel pages); I'm sure other posters can supply others.
http://www.madridinsider.com/
I've not really spent much time in Madrid hotels - I've either used hostals (similar in value to a bed and breakfast) or rented a room for a longer period. One hotel I was impressed with lately was Hotel Ibis Madrid Centro, near Bilbao metro. C/ Manuela Malasaña 6 It's a great location in my opinion. I personally would avoid hotels next to the Gran Via - although a big shopping street there's always been a low-life element (prostitutes, bag snatchers etc) who gravitate here, and you have to be constantly alert - not what you need on holiday.
As to eating - if you can have your main meal at lunch time (I'm afraid in Spain this means after 1.30) then you can save a lot of money. If you ask around, you'll find a good place for menu del dia for around 9 or 10 Euros each (there are cheaper places in residential parts, but you have to know where to look). This should include two courses, bread, a bottle of wine and a coffee for afters. In the evenings you often get a free snack with a beer or wine; however the bars catering for American and British tourists in the centre often don't do this now. If you're looking for somewhere special to eat and like steak, I can recommend La Cabaña Argentina which is centrally located at C/ Ventura De La Vega 10. There are lots of different options to eating out in Madrid (contrary to myth there are even vegetarian restaurants) but you may need to ask your hotel as to local recommendations.
For lighter eating options try asking for a "pincho de tortilla" or a bocadillo (bread roll) either of queso (cheese), jamon (ham) or chorizo (spicy salami). Each year also, there are new ventures selling sandwich and healthy style food. Another option is to use the cafeteria in El Corte Ingles - this may be a good place to try out new Spanish dishes or merely cool down with a gazpacho. It's rarely cheap in El Corte Ingles, but they do strive towards good quality.
Breakfast is normally coffee with churros or toast or croisant. A lot of places will offer fresh orange juice too. If you really must have a British breakfast, head for an Irish pub.
A small warning for the poster going in August. Normally a lot of places close in August and half the population head to the sea or mountains to escape the heat. To a certain extent this improves the city as there's less congestion and stress; however you may have to walk further to find a shop or bar still open. It's not as bad as it was once, and many places stay open to take advantage of the tourists. Also it's "Rebajas" season - the sales are on, so you may pick up a bargain.
Please heed warnings regarding pickpockets at busy tourist spots, such as Metro stations, rail stations and the Puerta del Sol. Also, if you sit down for a drink in a central cafe-bar, please keep any bags secure and in sight. Distraction robberies are not unknown - better by far to leave any bags in your hotel, and keep wallets in hard to access places. So long as you're sensible in tourist zones you'll probably be alright. If you know your money is hidden and secure you can then relax and enjoy the life of the capital.
Buen Viaje!
http://www.madridinsider.com/
I've not really spent much time in Madrid hotels - I've either used hostals (similar in value to a bed and breakfast) or rented a room for a longer period. One hotel I was impressed with lately was Hotel Ibis Madrid Centro, near Bilbao metro. C/ Manuela Malasaña 6 It's a great location in my opinion. I personally would avoid hotels next to the Gran Via - although a big shopping street there's always been a low-life element (prostitutes, bag snatchers etc) who gravitate here, and you have to be constantly alert - not what you need on holiday.
As to eating - if you can have your main meal at lunch time (I'm afraid in Spain this means after 1.30) then you can save a lot of money. If you ask around, you'll find a good place for menu del dia for around 9 or 10 Euros each (there are cheaper places in residential parts, but you have to know where to look). This should include two courses, bread, a bottle of wine and a coffee for afters. In the evenings you often get a free snack with a beer or wine; however the bars catering for American and British tourists in the centre often don't do this now. If you're looking for somewhere special to eat and like steak, I can recommend La Cabaña Argentina which is centrally located at C/ Ventura De La Vega 10. There are lots of different options to eating out in Madrid (contrary to myth there are even vegetarian restaurants) but you may need to ask your hotel as to local recommendations.
For lighter eating options try asking for a "pincho de tortilla" or a bocadillo (bread roll) either of queso (cheese), jamon (ham) or chorizo (spicy salami). Each year also, there are new ventures selling sandwich and healthy style food. Another option is to use the cafeteria in El Corte Ingles - this may be a good place to try out new Spanish dishes or merely cool down with a gazpacho. It's rarely cheap in El Corte Ingles, but they do strive towards good quality.
Breakfast is normally coffee with churros or toast or croisant. A lot of places will offer fresh orange juice too. If you really must have a British breakfast, head for an Irish pub.
A small warning for the poster going in August. Normally a lot of places close in August and half the population head to the sea or mountains to escape the heat. To a certain extent this improves the city as there's less congestion and stress; however you may have to walk further to find a shop or bar still open. It's not as bad as it was once, and many places stay open to take advantage of the tourists. Also it's "Rebajas" season - the sales are on, so you may pick up a bargain.
Please heed warnings regarding pickpockets at busy tourist spots, such as Metro stations, rail stations and the Puerta del Sol. Also, if you sit down for a drink in a central cafe-bar, please keep any bags secure and in sight. Distraction robberies are not unknown - better by far to leave any bags in your hotel, and keep wallets in hard to access places. So long as you're sensible in tourist zones you'll probably be alright. If you know your money is hidden and secure you can then relax and enjoy the life of the capital.
Buen Viaje!
Jul 12th 2009, 8:36 am
#4
Not Banned (yet)
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Madrid
Posts: 6,400
Re: Madrid in September
Hi Jonboy
My husband and myself are also making our first trip to Madrid this year.....1st week in August. Having spent many hours looking up hotels I have settled on this one. The room rate is very good and the style of hotel and location suits us..... Hope this helps. www.hotelpalaciosanmartin.com/index.en.html
Also we are hoping to purchase thr Madrid Card which covers transport and admission into some of the must see museums etc.
My husband and myself are also making our first trip to Madrid this year.....1st week in August. Having spent many hours looking up hotels I have settled on this one. The room rate is very good and the style of hotel and location suits us..... Hope this helps. www.hotelpalaciosanmartin.com/index.en.html
Also we are hoping to purchase thr Madrid Card which covers transport and admission into some of the must see museums etc.
Jul 12th 2009, 8:37 am
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: spain
Posts: 711
Re: Madrid in September
Hi, with regard to the initial enquiry, Madrid is perhaps at its best in September. It can still be baking hot in the day and late afternoon, but luckily it cools down a little at night. I personally would recommend a day trip out to Toledo, Segovia or even Alcala de Henares, just to get a different feel to central Spain. Having said that there's plenty to keep you occupied in Madrid. Here's one site I find very useful regarding Madrid (its hotel page gives a list of various hotel pages); I'm sure other posters can supply others.
http://www.madridinsider.com/
I've not really spent much time in Madrid hotels - I've either used hostals (similar in value to a bed and breakfast) or rented a room for a longer period. One hotel I was impressed with lately was Hotel Ibis Madrid Centro, near Bilbao metro. C/ Manuela Malasaña 6 It's a great location in my opinion. I personally would avoid hotels next to the Gran Via - although a big shopping street there's always been a low-life element (prostitutes, bag snatchers etc) who gravitate here, and you have to be constantly alert - not what you need on holiday.
As to eating - if you can have your main meal at lunch time (I'm afraid in Spain this means after 1.30) then you can save a lot of money. If you ask around, you'll find a good place for menu del dia for around 9 or 10 Euros each (there are cheaper places in residential parts, but you have to know where to look). This should include two courses, bread, a bottle of wine and a coffee for afters. In the evenings you often get a free snack with a beer or wine; however the bars catering for American and British tourists in the centre often don't do this now. If you're looking for somewhere special to eat and like steak, I can recommend La Cabaña Argentina which is centrally located at C/ Ventura De La Vega 10. There are lots of different options to eating out in Madrid (contrary to myth there are even vegetarian restaurants) but you may need to ask your hotel as to local recommendations.
For lighter eating options try asking for a "pincho de tortilla" or a bocadillo (bread roll) either of queso (cheese), jamon (ham) or chorizo (spicy salami). Each year also, there are new ventures selling sandwich and healthy style food. Another option is to use the cafeteria in El Corte Ingles - this may be a good place to try out new Spanish dishes or merely cool down with a gazpacho. It's rarely cheap in El Corte Ingles, but they do strive towards good quality.
Breakfast is normally coffee with churros or toast or croisant. A lot of places will offer fresh orange juice too. If you really must have a British breakfast, head for an Irish pub.
A small warning for the poster going in August. Normally a lot of places close in August and half the population head to the sea or mountains to escape the heat. To a certain extent this improves the city as there's less congestion and stress; however you may have to walk further to find a shop or bar still open. It's not as bad as it was once, and many places stay open to take advantage of the tourists. Also it's "Rebajas" season - the sales are on, so you may pick up a bargain.
Please heed warnings regarding pickpockets at busy tourist spots, such as Metro stations, rail stations and the Puerta del Sol. Also, if you sit down for a drink in a central cafe-bar, please keep any bags secure and in sight. Distraction robberies are not unknown - better by far to leave any bags in your hotel, and keep wallets in hard to access places. So long as you're sensible in tourist zones you'll probably be alright. If you know your money is hidden and secure you can then relax and enjoy the life of the capital.
Buen Viaje!
http://www.madridinsider.com/
I've not really spent much time in Madrid hotels - I've either used hostals (similar in value to a bed and breakfast) or rented a room for a longer period. One hotel I was impressed with lately was Hotel Ibis Madrid Centro, near Bilbao metro. C/ Manuela Malasaña 6 It's a great location in my opinion. I personally would avoid hotels next to the Gran Via - although a big shopping street there's always been a low-life element (prostitutes, bag snatchers etc) who gravitate here, and you have to be constantly alert - not what you need on holiday.
As to eating - if you can have your main meal at lunch time (I'm afraid in Spain this means after 1.30) then you can save a lot of money. If you ask around, you'll find a good place for menu del dia for around 9 or 10 Euros each (there are cheaper places in residential parts, but you have to know where to look). This should include two courses, bread, a bottle of wine and a coffee for afters. In the evenings you often get a free snack with a beer or wine; however the bars catering for American and British tourists in the centre often don't do this now. If you're looking for somewhere special to eat and like steak, I can recommend La Cabaña Argentina which is centrally located at C/ Ventura De La Vega 10. There are lots of different options to eating out in Madrid (contrary to myth there are even vegetarian restaurants) but you may need to ask your hotel as to local recommendations.
For lighter eating options try asking for a "pincho de tortilla" or a bocadillo (bread roll) either of queso (cheese), jamon (ham) or chorizo (spicy salami). Each year also, there are new ventures selling sandwich and healthy style food. Another option is to use the cafeteria in El Corte Ingles - this may be a good place to try out new Spanish dishes or merely cool down with a gazpacho. It's rarely cheap in El Corte Ingles, but they do strive towards good quality.
Breakfast is normally coffee with churros or toast or croisant. A lot of places will offer fresh orange juice too. If you really must have a British breakfast, head for an Irish pub.
A small warning for the poster going in August. Normally a lot of places close in August and half the population head to the sea or mountains to escape the heat. To a certain extent this improves the city as there's less congestion and stress; however you may have to walk further to find a shop or bar still open. It's not as bad as it was once, and many places stay open to take advantage of the tourists. Also it's "Rebajas" season - the sales are on, so you may pick up a bargain.
Please heed warnings regarding pickpockets at busy tourist spots, such as Metro stations, rail stations and the Puerta del Sol. Also, if you sit down for a drink in a central cafe-bar, please keep any bags secure and in sight. Distraction robberies are not unknown - better by far to leave any bags in your hotel, and keep wallets in hard to access places. So long as you're sensible in tourist zones you'll probably be alright. If you know your money is hidden and secure you can then relax and enjoy the life of the capital.
Buen Viaje!
Jul 12th 2009, 8:45 am
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,101
Re: Madrid in September
Best place for hotel reviews is www.tripadvisor.com.
You'll get far more info there about hotels that you will on a forum.
You'll get far more info there about hotels that you will on a forum.
Jul 12th 2009, 10:34 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: spain
Posts: 711
Re: Madrid in September
jardín botánico
"El Museo de Ciencias Naturales" just at the back of "Biblioteca Nacional"
Museo de ciencias naturales
Biblioteca Nacional
El Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is very interesting and you can see the painting collection of the Varon Thyssen and its also in Recoletos area, near the Retiro and Museo del Prado
MuseoThyssen
El Retiro is also very beautiful to take a walk for, ant there are a lot of monuments inside
Retiro
and so on..
Museos en madrid
there are also a lot of "galerias de arte" very interesting
galerias de arte en madrid
There are so many things to do and so many places to visit and so many bares to enjoy....
i hope this help
Jul 12th 2009, 10:44 am
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: spain
Posts: 711
Re: Madrid in September
a good link with pics and everything. Sorry, i didnt find it in English but i keep on trying
que ver en madrid
que ver en madrid
Jul 12th 2009, 10:59 am
#10
RETIRED ;-))
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Benalmadena Pueblo,Spain
Posts: 20,156
Re: Madrid in September
Best place for hotel reviews is www.tripadvisor.com.
You'll get far more info there about hotels that you will on a forum.
You'll get far more info there about hotels that you will on a forum.
Jul 12th 2009, 11:27 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: spain
Posts: 711
Re: Madrid in September
There is an apartahotel very near Plaza de Castilla (Bravo Murillo) Apartahotel Quo Galeon that has a very good price and is near the metro and autobuses
quo galeon
el Apartahotel Plaza de España, in the plaza de España near everything
apartahotel plaza de españa
buen viaje!!
quo galeon
el Apartahotel Plaza de España, in the plaza de España near everything
apartahotel plaza de españa
buen viaje!!
Jul 12th 2009, 11:38 am
#12
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: spain
Posts: 711
Re: Madrid in September
If you come to madrid, you have to try Casa Mira, they sell the best sweet things
casa mira
and eat croquetas in Casa Labra
casa labra
casa mira
and eat croquetas in Casa Labra
casa labra
Jul 12th 2009, 1:38 pm
#13
Not Banned (yet)
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Madrid
Posts: 6,400
Re: Madrid in September
This video of tapas bars in central Madrid (looks like the area close to Calle de la Cruz) may interest you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR51bHksveM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR51bHksveM
Jul 12th 2009, 2:23 pm
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21
Re: Madrid in September
This video of tapas bars in central Madrid (looks like the area close to Calle de la Cruz) may interest you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR51bHksveM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR51bHksveM
Jul 12th 2009, 2:25 pm
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21
Re: Madrid in September
Sorry used the wrong quote there.