Old Madrid Neighborhoods: La Letras vs La Latina

Check out www.madridman.com for listings of available places. Just returned from Madrid and stayed in Hostal Dulcinea on Calle Cervantes. About a ten minute walk from the Plaza Santa Ana. About 5 mintues from The Prado.(Even though you are not checking the museums, it will give you an idea of the location.) Maria and Jose are most helpful and although on the second floor, it does have an elevator. It is spotless as well.

I will check that out. thanks.

Las Letras will be a better spot to stay. The area in and around Plaza Santa Ana is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, etc....a going concern all night long. And it's only a few minutes' walk to Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. La Latina is pretty good for restaurants, but can be pretty dead, otherwise.

What Norm said. Des Las Letras is a great neighbourhood, lots of cool little streets filled with even cooler little shops, hidden jewels of bars etc.

I stayed at Hostal Bruna..clean, quiet, inexpensive--across the street from the Prado. I recommend it highly

Two Suggestions: Hostal Adriano, near Santa Ana, and Hostal Dulcinea, on Calle Cervantes, about a block from the Prado. Both are well run, hospitable, clean establishments. I have stayed in both within the past year, and both are convenient to great restaurants, etc.