Where to stay in Madrid?

Question

I'm trying to book a hotel on priceline.com for my family's (husband and 2 children under 2) visit to Madrid for 2 days in mid-october. The area options are: East Madrid, La Castellana, Old Madrid/Bourbon Madrid, and Bajaras Airport. I want to make sure that we do not end up at a run down/high crime area while still be able to get to places easily. Please let me know what area would be good, or what area should I avoid.

Answer 1

Old Madrid/Bourbon Madrid is the center of activity for visitors, so anything you get in those neighborhoods will be near the museums and other main attractions.  There is a bit of crime in some sections of those zones, but Priceline will not be factoring that in.  However, Priceline is likely to assign you to a hotel that has reasonable security, and for what it's worth, cabs and the subway are not too expensive.  So if you're more interested in being central than in taking precautions against crime, this is your area.

The Castellana zone is the next closest. It is very safe, as it is the financial artery of Madrid.  It is also near the Salamanca neighborhood, which is the city's main upscale shopping and residential district.  Part of the Castellana is close to Bourbon Madrid, but part of the Castellana also stretches pretty far north.  However, if crime really is the major concern for you, this would be your best bet.  Central Madrid is only a subway or bus ride away.

East Madrid isn't really well know to tourists, at least if you're referring to the section of the city east of the Retiro Park.  It's mostly pretty safe, but it's also very residential, and you'll be travelling a lot to get to the sites.

Barajas is the airport zone, and it is a hike from the center city.  I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a convention near the airport, or if you really want to be near the airport.

Madrid is a fun and dynamic city--enjoy!