overnight in Madrid

Hi Nancy. I recently stayed at the Hotel Europa and it's a nice place in a fantastic location, just off the Puerta del Sol . Here's the description from Rick's Spain book:
[$$] Hotel Europa, with sleek marble, red carpet runners along the halls, happy Muzak charm, and an attentive staff, is a tremendous value. It rents 100 squeaky-clean rooms, many with balconies overlooking the pedestrian zone or an inner courtyard. The hotel has an honest ethos and offers a straight price (Sb-€79, Db-€99, Db with view-€119, Tb-€142, Qb-€168, Quint/b-€190, breakfast extra, sometimes cheaper with Web specials, air-con, elevator, gym with sauna, roof-top solarium, free guest computer, Wi-Fi, Calle del Carmen 4, tel. 915-212-900, www.hoteleuropa.eu, [email protected], run by Antonio and Fernando Garaban and their helpful and jovial staff, Javi and Jim). The recommended Europa cafeteria-restaurant next door is a lively and convivial scene--fun for breakfast.

We stayed in Hostal Santa Cruz (or Hostal Cruz del Sol - same building, different floor - can't remember which?).

It's well located about a block from Plaza Mayor and a block and a half from Puerta del Sol. Other than that it was just okay - not bad but nothing to write home about.

Consider the Hotel Preciados - nearly as good a location, but modern semi-luxury, near a Metro stop. What Rick calls a Worthwhile Splurge.

I would recommend Hotel Europa. It has been our main stay hotel for a number of years and have seen it go through a couple transformations. We always request a front room facing the plaza with the little french balcony because we love over looking the plaza. It is a little nosier but that is why they sell ear plugs.

We are staying at Hotel Europa on Sept. 30 for 2 nights, very excited.