“Amazing hotel in a perfect location”
Have to admit I was a bit nervous when I read some of the older reviews indicating noise and other needed improvements to the Villa Real. I'm here to tell you those people need to get a life.
This was one of the most enjoyable stays I've ever had worldwide, and I travel a LOT on both personal and company money. We had a standard room overlooking Plaza de Cortes and were thrilled with the comfort and location of the facilities. We went in the best time of the year - May, 2011 - and while the East 47 bar was always packed in the evenings we never heard a peep from our neighboring rooms. We kept the window open most of the time to enjoy the air and the peaceful sounds of the city drift in. With it closed, you heard NOTHING outside. I was surprised by how quiet a town Madrid is given its size. Very little horn honking, for example. Some kids liked to skate and dogs liked to play in the plaza below but we found these peaceful sounds, not an irritation at all.
Madrid is not nearly as expensive as I expected given prior reviews. Spent less than 200 euros/day on food *and* shopping *and* entrance fees and more. Granted, we didn't use cabs as the entire city was within walking distance for us - and we hit it all including Debod, the Palace, and Bodin. If that seems like a lot of $$ to you, we ate and drank at AMAZING places with reckless abandon.
The staff at Villa Real and East 47 were VERY accommodating and pleasant. We're already planning our next visit.
Area recommendations
First, make reservations in advance at Bodin. You HAVE to eat there.
Spend a full day at Retiro... this park is amazingly beautiful and will calm your soul.
If you can, hit Rastro on Sunday. Put your wallet in your front pocket and have a great time.
For tapas, head to Huertas / Plaza de Santa Ana for tapas. Just wander the streets and try different places. Your experience will likely vary from others'... trust your instincts and have fun.
Take in tinto de verano at the outdoor cafes in Plaza Mayor for lunch.
There's a couple ATMs around the corner to the left as you exit the hotel. Most convenient.
Pick up mTrip for your iPhone. You don't need to be connected and pay roaming charges and it will help you navigate this very walkable city.
WiFi is sparse and unreliable in Madrid. Sometimes you can get free service at bus stations, and I hear when you're on the busses, though we didn't take any. I used the hotel-sponsored service a couple times for something like 6 euros for 45 minutes. Just enough to upload a few favorite pics to Facebook.
Villa Rosa has great Flamenco.
NEVER felt threatened in any way walking through the streets at night or in Rastro. That said, I'm not a small guy and have traveled a lot, so your mileage may vary.
Ladies, bring comfortable walking shoes!!! Carry your short-strapped purse tucked under your arm. You'll be fine.
When to go
May was perfect. Warm but not hot. We had rain one afternoon/evening but right at the time we were siesta-ing and it cleared up in time for a walk to Huertas for tapas and nightlife. I can imagine it being hot in the summer so pack accordingly.
We forgot to bring suntan lotion. Bring it and use it if traveling in the warm months.
Getting around
Bring comfortable shoes and walk. There is no better way to get to know the city than to walk its streets - words I've lived by in all my travels.
Madrid has the advantage of being extremely accessible. There are hills but they're not as steep as Barcelona's.
As an example, after getting off the plane and checking in by 11am or so, we walked through Plaza del Sol to the Palace, all around the Temple Debod area, back to Plaza Mayor, through Huertas back to the hotel in time for an afternoon quick nap. Then back out for the tapas/nightlife. And I'm 45 (a young 45 but still 45).
