Madrid, Hotel Europa

This is one of Ricks recommended hotels in his book. He may have it listed on his "best destinations" web page section under Spain - try a search on the top. PS - you may also wanna delete this and put it under the "SPAIN" section of this wall - since you placed it under "EAST" (its west europe!)

Great hotel...stayed there a couple of years ago, but found it a little pricey for my wants, so I've stayed elsewhere since then. Right on Calle del Carmen, one of the main pedestrian shopping streets, with the entrance about half a dozen steps from Sol. Their upgraded rooms now have better soundproofed windows which is good, since the crowds can get noisy on weekend nights. And if there's a demonstration, it can get pretty crowded around there (EVERYONE in Madrid demonstrates at Sol). If you're going this year, ask for a room that's NOT along the Calle de Tetuan side, since they're still doing exterior renovations there, and you won't be able to see a thing out your window. Outdoor part of the cafe one of the prime people-watching spots of Madrid, but you'll pay twice as much for your Cafe con leche.

stayed there last Sept, very central clean and right in the middel of everting
have the paella in the cafe downstairs it was great,
the window are noise proof so when you close them its quiet , you are right on the placa de sol so on the weekend people are up all night long

have fun

oh they have NO parking for a car