I'm making my first trip to Madrid (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal) toward the end of this month. Looking for recommendations on the following:
1. Reasonably priced and safe places to stay in both destinations
2. Things to do and small towns to visit (I'll be in each place for about 5 days)
3. Best way to get from Madrid to Lisbon
Thanks
Melroy
For Madrid, I use the Hostal Cruz Sol, close to Sol and Plaza Mayor but not on a busy street (hostalcruzsol.com). If not available, the Hostal Santa Cruz is in the same building a floor down (hostalsantacruz.com), run by the same owners. If no luck, search hotel and hostel websites and look for "hostals," a class of small hotel with few facilites (no restaurants, bars, or spas) akin to pensions...pretty good value. As for trips out of Madrid....Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, and Alcala de Henares would be my choices, in that order. The best way to get from Madrid to Lisbon....fly easyjet or vueling, but book ASAP to get a good fare. There is a train connection, but only an overnight run, and it can be expensive.
Melroy,
I think your question is too broad. I would suggest you read Rick's Spain and Portugal books, then come back with questions about specific hotels, neighborhoods or activities.
When asking about hotels, it would be wise to include price range (or list of required amenities) instead of 'reasonably priced.'
FWIW, we stayed at the Hotel Intur Palacio San Martín in Madrid last summer and loved it. We paid about 160 euros for a double during high season. However, without a budget or list of amenities, I cannot tell you if it is 'reasonably priced' for you.
As for activities, you are talking about visiting two major cities. The list of potential activities is nearly endless: restaurants, cafes, bars, tapas joints, museums, historical sites, churches, bull fights, soccer games... read Rick's books and narrow down potential activities and maybe we can help you with some specific questions.
Dave
