Can anyone suggest places to stay, eat and visit in Madrid. Not looking for five star - just somewhere mid range comfortable in March 2004. Oh and are there any places to avoid?

Cheers,

Dave

Went there ages ago and forgotten alot but the PRado is a must, get there early to avoid the queues. I hope you aren't a vegetarian 'cos that was a big problem for my wife. Avoid back streets unless you wish to see women kneeling before excitable men. And for some reason I remember a road full of slipper and dressing gown shops. Doesn't help really. Great city though.

Tom

Actively enjoying it all

Tom,

What did you have for dinner there?

Friends of mine have enjoyed the Hotel Bauza on Goya street. It is sleek and urbane, not your cup of tea if you wish something traditional. They even have a mineral water bar. But it is fairly new and clean (renovated about 3 years ago).

There are hotels closer to the historic center of town, but these tend to be somewhat run down (in my experience, anyway). The Bauza is next to shopping (El Corte Inglés) and a short stroll to Retiro park.

For eating, try a historic tavern such as Casa
Paco (good meat) or Casa Lucia (good fish and eggs).

Between meals, don´t miss the Goya and Velázquez paintings at the Prado. Currently, you can see the impact they had on Manet.