SpainGuidebook corrections:Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.  I need to correct my own correction! I said Barcelona Estacio Franco sells train tickets only as far as Montserrat-SORRY! I meant Montpellier! Sheila in Albuquerque, NM USA 07/15/2008 Barcelona: 1: Montserrat: You did not give clear directions how to find the FGC La Molina Office to buy the Trans Montserrat Pass. (It wasn't on the map on page 90.) I would suggest either don't give directions (we had to ask, after only getting to Placa Cataluya with your directions) or have the next guidebook researcher clarify them. Even adding the cardinal directions (I think SE section of the Placa, but don't quote me!)would help. Secondly, the Trans Montserrat pass DOES NOT COVER the cable car! If you get off at that first rail stop, thinking it does cover the cable car, you'll either need to buy a separate ticket for the cable car, or wait about an hour for the next train that will take you to the second stop to catch the train that will take you up to Montserrat. By the way, the whole trip, starting out at Placa Catalunya and getting up to the Monastary, will take a good hour and 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, so don't plan on a quick 45 minutes trip, as the guidebook states. Our agent at FGC offices seemed to think the cable car was covered, as well...I'm wondering if your researchers have actually taken this trip , or they are just getting the info from the T.I or FGC.... We filed a complaint with FGC and have heard back from them acknowledging, more or less, the misinformation, but we really hope you make this correction in the guidebook. 2. If you are taking a train from Barcelona to France: 1) We bought our tickets right at Estacio de Franca, and they will only sell tickets as far as Montserrat. We asked (in Spanish-my husband's first language) and were told that they cannot sell tickets all the way to Arles, our final destination. Montpellier is as far as the Spanish trains will go and sell tickets for. Then you must catch a French trian to Arles. (This is correctly stated in your French guidebook.) Perhaps most importantly, that train from Barcelona train will NEVER stop at Passeig de Gracia, as I read somewhere in the guidebook. Luckily, we assumed that info was false and just took the metro to Barceloneta and walked over to Estacio de Franca to catch on the train. Sheila in Albuquerque, NM USA 07/14/2008 We were not able to find La Pallaresa Granja-Xocolateria in Barcelona. Also the directions to Cafe La Colonial were unclear and we ended up having a confusing time at Rodilla Restaurant in Segovia. Linda Cramb in Jaffrey, NH USA 07/08/2008 Correct e-mail address for Hotel Atlantis in Barcelona (page 81) is inf@hotelatlantis-bcn.com Natalie in Vancouver, BC Canada 07/04/2008 Madrid: I couldn't find the cable car, does it still exist? Madrid: Julia Travel tours have changed. No floodlit tour now (check their website.) Gibraltar: You state that private cars cannot drive to the upper rock - not true! I did. I wished I hadn't, but I did. I couldn't find the parking you mentioned in La Linea, and I was at the border before I knew it. Then in Gibraltar, I couldn't find a place to park so I just kept going - first to Europa point, and then eventually I saw a sign to the upper rock. Language: This is more of a correction to your Spanish book - everywhere mushrooms are called champinions (like the French); sandwiches are "sandwiches" often, bocadillas seems to mean sandwich on a subway-type bun, rather than bread. David Truman in Langley, BC Canada 06/21/2008 Segovia-- there are now lockers to stow your luggage at the bus station in Segovia. Very handy for a day trip. Stephanie Kosel in Ann Arbor , MI USA 06/15/2008 Prices have all gone up from listings in Spain 2008. Along with the low value of the US dollar museums are expensive - select what you really want to see! Sally Hirschheim in Baton Rouge, LA USA 06/13/2008 It would be helpful to emphasize the decreasing value of the dollar. Everything is very expensive and nobody wants to take US dollars. Marcia, Jaime, and Two Children in Rochester, NY USA 06/07/2008 Toledo: The El Greco collection that had been shifted from Museo El Greco (undergoing renovation) to Museo Victorio Macho nearby is now on display in Valencia and will be there till Aug '08 (as per Macho museum staff). Granada: The Alhambra bus (#30, #32) leaves from the SE end of Plaza Isabel La Catolica since Cuesta Gomerez is closed for construction. Granada: Veg Hotel Naturi Albayzin, #10 Calle Caldereria Nueva doesn't exist any more. Ashwin Honkan in Pune, India 06/05/2008 Seville - Internetia Internet cafe mentioned on pg 375 of the 2008 book is closed and the space is for rent (as of 01 June 2008). There are other Internet cafes open on the weekend in the city. One in the main post office (with locutorio, on Avenida de la Constitucion across from the cathedral). The other is across the side street from the post office (c/Almirantazgo?) and upstairs; it's run by an amiable British fellow; buzz and he'll come down to let you in. Justin R Ervin in Greensboro, NC USA 06/04/2008 It would be a very difficult walk to Parc Guell--uphill, as the guidebook states, but also a very long walk. There is road construction also which would make for a dangerous trek. Susan Jennings in Atlanta, Ga USA 05/31/2008 Admitedly, we used the 2006 book, so u already may have caught that POM Restaurant at top of La Ramblas is a rip off, with E2/person cover charges. We paid ~$30 for a cheese omlette, crock of watery onion soup, & bottled water. All your other recommendations are right-on!! Lynda Wiseman in Langhorne, PA USA 05/27/2008 Not necessarily a correction, but make sure you check your train schedule before purchasing a Eurail pass. We purchased a four day pass thinking that we'd use it for four legs of our trip. Come to find out, you cannot use the pass for the trip between Madrid and Toledo and back. Plus keep in mind that you cannot go from Toledo to Seville via train without going back up to Madrid. Dale Peterson in Stillwater, MN USA 05/10/2008 Guide prices in Tangier too low - maybe .... Ellen Canada 05/09/2008 In Sevilla it is mentioned that you can get "Nun-baked Goodies" at "El Torno" Pasteleria de Conventos. While the place is still there shopping is no longer done via lazy Susan and is rather a "none-nun woman" who runs the counter. In Madrid you can get into the Prado for free if you are teacher with a picture ID at any time. Some this however seems to be dependent on who is sitting at the ticket window as my mother could not get in with her non-picture ID but a traveler friend who is also a teacher got in without the picture on another line. Most prices are indeed one or two Euros higher than mentioned. Lisa in White Plains, NY USA 05/04/2008 Ronda- In your 2008 book it says that Hotel Ronda offers twin rooms and breakfast for 65,00 euros. But they do not serve breakfast! 65,00 is for the room only. madeleine in Utrecht, The Netherlands 04/23/2008 The Prado -- Photos are NOT permitted! Addition: The new addition greatly increases the space in the museum. A "must see" is the cloister at the top of the new addition. Hand held guides are 3.50 euro and 5.00 euro (I believe), depending on the number of sites that are described. A definite need to appreciate the exhibits. Also, the food court is good, although, as with all of Europe, not inexpensive. H J Thomask Jr. in LaGrange, Ga USA 03/31/2008 Rick Steves Spain 2007: Granada Accomodations: Hotel Los Tilos: Book indicates they offer a 20% RickSteves discount. I asked for the discount (May 8,9,10). They replied: "With the guide Rick Steves Book 2008 you have breakfast for free; during 2008 we won´t offer discount because we will have special and more advantageous, depending on the dates." Rate charged for a double was 80E/night. Deane Bell in Lake Forest Park, WA USA 03/29/2008 The 2008 guide was already out dated on cost of public transportation, admission fees and these kinds of expenses -in Portugal and Spain the charges were 1 to 3 euros more for these basic items. I think it is important for planning a trip to know this. Sommer in Santa Rosa, CA USA 03/26/2008 I'm not sure what could be done. The Prado museum guide wasn't much help because of the renovations and changes. For example, the north entrance is now closed. A new entrance is around the side to the east. Perhaps a continuing update on your website would help. Gregg Maxwell in Grapevine, TX USA 03/21/2008 A reader wrote "clarify the direction the Reina Sophia Museum is from the Atocha Metro stop. Several of us got lost trying to find the [Reina Sophia] museum, which is not directly across from the train station, as implied." The Reina Sophia IS directly across the "big" street from the ATOCHA RENFE stop - which is the train station, not the ATOCHA stop, which is (you guessed it) one stop away from the train station. The book is correct. Melissa in Hart, OR USA 05/01/2007 Bob Franks in Dallas, TX USA 03/20/2008 Yes, the prices of the attractions in Toleda were a little off. The Santo Tomas Iglesia is 2.30 Euros now and the Cathedral is 7 Euros and change. (don't remember exact but not 6) I could not find the self guided tour Entrance you mentioned for the Prado. None of them were named Goya entrance but it was easy to find room 50 anyway.Of course you were right to mention moving displays many of the paintings were in different rooms. Mary Spangenberg in PHOENIX, Ar USA 03/19/2008 The order of the El Escorial tour was messed up. Matti in Chicago, IL USA 03/19/2008 Spain 2008 page:516 Sleeping in Tarifa Outside the City Wall Hostel Alborada Website listed as www.hotelalborada.com, but this will get you into Hotel Alborada located in Portugal. I never imagined to check the address but luckily hotel asked me to send credit info by fax rather than online. That is when I discovred the mistake. Please change it ASAP. E-mail address is ok. I guess you can cancel but the headache and worry is not fun, specially if you are trying to book all the hotels, trains, etc. We have not left yet (plans May 2008) so if I find any more mistakes, I will let you know. Sincerely Mimi D. Mimi Dixon in Seattle, WA USA 03/18/2008 The website for Alhambra tickets (www.alhambra-tickets.es) is not entirely reliable. I entered all the requested info, including credit card #, and the site then took me to pages offering tickets to other events. I did not receive purchase confirmation or details of my ticket/admission time and am now tracking my credit card activity. Nina in Maryville, TN USA 03/16/2008 Hotel Europa in Madrid, the best hotel at any cost in my traveling experience, has changed their email address from www.hoteleuropa.net to www.hoteleuropa.es. Virginia Lindsey in Sisters, OR USA 03/16/2008 Arcos: there's no longer an attendant at the parking area in the old town - it's been replaced by a machine. We always managed to get a space if we were willing to wait for awhile. Cordoba: The Hostal Alcazar is mislocated on the 2006 map. It's actually inside the wall, only about half a block from the TI by the Alcazar. The hostal and the TI are on the #16 route from the train/bus station (I think it's the 16) as well as the long ride on the #3. Madrid: the times for the museums have changed; free hours at the Prado are only a couple of hours late on Sunday, etc. There seems to be only one long line for Prado tickets. If you buy the three-museum ticket (good for one entry to each), you can buy it at the Thyssen without a long line; when you want to go to the Prado later, you can go directly to the ticket window without waiting in the long line. Dick and Marjy in Fiddler, WA USA 03/08/2008 In Santiago, Hotel Costa Vella has problems with their web-site, also the e-mail didn't work. I Faxed them finally. Here is another e-mail: hotelcostavella@infonegocio.com. I am quoting from their Fax to me. Single Room - 51.Euros + 7% tax. Liz in Boerne, TX USA 02/19/2008 A few - in your 2008 guidebook to Spain: 1. the Prado in Madrid is NOT free on Sunday - just free after 4 pm. on Sunday. (Though we loved it!) 2.the Hotel Los Tilos in Granada: breakfast is NOT included because the desk-people said that not enough people were staying at the hotel to warrant their providing it(in December) - no reduction in cost, either; and the hotel tax was also NOT included in the stated price, as your book says. It was tacked on to the total room bill. 3. Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca in Toledo was E3.60, or not E1.90, to enter, and they allowed you to shoot one photo inside! Everything else seemed to be pretty much as you said it would be! Lorne in Calgary, Al Canada 02/10/2008 Hallo. We are sorry but we don't write (and speak too) very good english language. We are PICCOLA TRATTORIA GUASTINI family and we wont to specification we are not in Spain but in ITALY, in Valiano (a little historical village near Montepulciano). So please could you correction or it is late? Grazie mille. Emanuela e Davide Guastini [Editor's Note: info was deleted from Spain section and moved to Italy feedback section] Emanuela Guastini in valiano, si Italia 02/09/2008 These corrections are for the 2008 guidebook: Julia Tours in Madrid has moved, and there is no note at the old address to indicate where they've gone. New location is Plaza de Espana 7. Also, the all day Toledo trip has changed, so that you have the afternoon on your own in Toledo. Other entrances at El Prado that you suggested are only open to groups now. However, you can save time by buying the ticket ahead of time -- times were posted outside the museum for this purpose. The textile museum across the street from the Picasso Museum in Barcelona has moved to a new location.
Kathy Koegel in Madison, WI USA 01/16/2008 Hotel Don Juan Salamanca does not have parking anymore. Because the bathroom was so dirty, I don't think you want to recommend it. Marian Quirk in Chicago , IL USA 01/08/2008 The Alcazar in Seville is closed on Christmas Day. The guidebook states that it is open on holidays. Richard Bendix in Newcastle , WA USA 01/03/2008 The luggage storage lockers were not working in Cordoba train station, but were working in the adjacent bus station. I guess readers would be advised to check both places. Uma Murthy in Blacksburg, VA USA 01/03/2008 Casa Batllo in Barcelona is incredible yet you dismiss it as not worth the $13 (now 16.50) Euros. Its expensive but it includes the audio guide and is just incredible. Robert Perry in Hingham, MA USA 01/01/2008 Reina Sofia Museum- Some of the signs of the paintings and artworks are in small print, occasionally I used a finger to pinpoint the exact artist, dates, or title. The Museum security yelled in Spanish very loud not to touch the title sign. She followed me around. The Reina Sofia is closed on Tues. karen in san francisco, ca USA 12/28/2007 The stop for the airport bus in Sevilla is no longer on Avenida Roma as indicated in the guidebook. We could have easily missed our flight. We got three different explanations from the locals. We finally found the bus stop, after 45 frustrating minutes, on Avenida del Cid between the Jardines del Prado and the University. The stop was on the Jardines side and was not at all well marked. The only reference to the Especial Aeropuerto bus was on a small schedule directly behind a bench--which had someone sitting on it. Luckily for us, that someone was an exchange student from California who had already experienced the shell game the Sevilla bus junta is running and spoke up when she saw our apparent frustration. She said the explanation she got was that Sevilla moved the stop as part of the construction of their inner-city train (a local joke). Philip in Tempe, AZ USA 11/15/2007 It may not be a correction, just us, but I couldn't find the Casa Labra Taberna restaurant. larry in richmond, va USA 11/05/2007 No corrections--just one big thank you for making our trip outstanding. I think my husband got jealous of all the time I spent with "lil Ricky" -- our name for your guidebook. By the end of the trip, before we headed out to sight-see, he would always ask, what does "lil Ricky" say today --- out of respect and great leads as to what to see and not see. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We enjoyed the intermittent humor too!. Renee Jones in Clinton, Wa USA 10/18/2007 Self-service laundry on p.164 is not there. My husband and I were able to use a full service laundry not far from there, however. Continue on Avenida de Rosalia de Castro,turning left (south) onto Avenida de Romero de Donallo, #23 (We only wanted wash, dry and fold,so are not sure if they iron.) Also, we stayed at the Hostal Giadas (misspelled in your book as Gaidas) at 47Euros p/night. Rebecca W. Sheppard in Fort Worth, Tx USA 10/15/2007 The laundry service mention in Madrid is self-service. They do not offer to wash and fold your clothes. Joe I in Bartlett, IL USA 10/15/2007 There is a WC in the Cathedral in Toledo. It's actually in the Sacristy off to the side! Robert Turner in San Francisco, CA USA 10/13/2007 2007 Spain Guide Page 260--Numbers for pub crawl do not correspond with those on map or in text Donald Rosier in Arvada, CO USA 10/08/2007 Inform readers more strongly to expect higher rates than what you quote. I'd say every single museum, hotel or whatever had raised prices by 3-10% for 2007. Also maybe mention that those hotel room finding services only deal with certain hotels, not all of them or even all the ones RS recommends. Nick Warner in Palo Alto, CA USA 10/03/2007 There is no audioguide for the Valley of the Fallen. You cannot take pictures in any sight that has paintings including the Prado, all the museums and most of the other sights. It seemed like the only places we could take pictures were in the Cathedrals. Bethany USA 10/02/2007 The cathedral in Seville is NOT free on Sundays. Tiffany Harris in Birmingham, MI USA 09/25/2007 The little map on page 317 of the 2007 Spain book has a non helpful note on it. It says "not to scale-Plaza Zoc. to Pension Lumbreras is a 5 min. walk". Unfortunately, Pension Lumbreras is not on the map so the timing is of little use. [Editor's Note: Thanks for your comment. You'll be happy to hear this has been fixed for the 2008 edition.] Virginia Lindsey in Sisters, OR USA 09/23/2007 Regarding Toledo, I just returned and have a correction (actually a change). The great Cathedral has changed the entrance location. It is no longer at the front entrance with tickets available at the shop across the street. It is now located in the back, between the Cloister and Sacristy as shown on your map on pg 305 in the Spain 2007 book. They have portable ticket booths outside the iron gates there. Also the new policy now (which is printed on the ticket) is photos are allowed but no flash. Unfortunately, the Sacristy, and the paintings themselves, are so dark you need a more steady hand then I have to get good results. Some of the other spaces are well lit so it's easier to get good pictures. Virginia Lindsey in Sisters, OR USA 09/23/2007 Barcelona; "Agut d'Avignon Restaurant" Closed LYNN BURGIN in DALLAS, TX USA 08/05/2007 You can make reservations for the Alhamba on line at their website www.alhambra.com. It worked flawlessly for us prior to leaving the states and we got out tickets without a hitch. Also Rick recommends taking the red minibus #30 to the Alhambra from Plaza Nueva, €1 fare. The bus actually picks up outside the gate to the Royal Chapel on Gran Via de Colon (down from the Plaza Nueva) and is actually a large city bus, not a red mini-bus. Jody Hunter USA 07/31/2007 I would NOT recommend Hotel Jardi in Barcelona. Although it had an excellent location, the size of the bathroom was so "tight" that I'd bruise myself each time I entered, exited, or turned.Exiting the shower required me to turn sideways to squeeze through the narrow space. My husband couldn't even shower without turning off the water, so he could open the shower doors and have space to maneuver! We are NOT obese Americans, either!!!! Maybe, we got a dumpy El Jardi room---though we booked 6 months in advance. bj Kukawka in Agoura Hills, Ca USA 07/26/2007 Well, more of a warning. In Toledo: After walking over an hour trying to find Taverna de Amboades, having asked shopkeepers and other locals for directions (near the Bisagra Gate doesn't quite do it; no one seemed familiar with the address or the restaurant) we finally found the place -- closed. On Sunday night, not Monday, as mentioned in the book. The next day we recounted our tale to Juanjo, our wonderful guide, and he rolled his eyes, saying Miguel (the tavern owner) was a "character" who opens when he feels like it. Marcy Nicklas in Frederick, MD USA 07/23/2007 The line drawing map of hotels in Granada is very misleading as to the Hotel NH Inglaterra. James in Baton Rouge, LA USA 07/16/2007 Posada de la Villa, a restaurant recommended in Madrid, does not serve suckling pig. They act shocked when you suggest that maybe they ever did. "NO! The specialty is LAMB." Debra Iles in Boston, Ma USA 07/08/2007 In Granada, on our recent Rick Steves tour, we planned to have an independent main meal at Restaurant Sevilla. When we arrived at the spot, we found that it was not open at midday and that it was a nightclub. James B. Ellsworth in Caldwell, TX USA 06/30/2007 I was in Southern Spain from June 17-26, 2007: Tarifa - Hotel La Marada: there is a loud bicycle/scooter gang that hangs outside all the windows racing their scooters until around midnight. Don't expect quiet until then. They were there every night we stayed there. Granada - Need to put in BOLD print that if you are driving to a hotel inside the city, to give your license plate number to your hotel. I just happened to find that tip in the middle of a paragraph and I am glad I happened to see it. Seville: 1. Casa de la Memoria Flamenco - although RS only says reservations are "welcome," MAKE A RESERVATION!! We were lucky to get on the waiting list after 2 nights of sold out shows and there were many Rick Steves followers that were very disappointed that night. 2. The Cathedral is NOT free on Sundays. 3. Bullfights are NOT on "most" Sundays like Rick Steves says. We were greatly disappointed. I recommend finding some sort of website telling you the schedule and I recommend Rick Steves provides a website in his book. 4. Alcazar - the audio tour is rather boring compared to other audio tours we had at other locations. Lindsey in Arlington, VA USA 06/29/2007 For Aziz Begdouir tour (of Tangier Gran Tour), the rates in the book is listed in USD. It should be in Euros. Walikng tour is €18/ 18€ or 18 Euros. The Gran (without the "D" according to Aziz) Tour is 34€. Instead of going on the ferry, Aziz can arrange for you to go on the catamaran for 54€. Spain 2007, page 520 Christine Nguyen in NYC, USA 06/24/2007 The launderette for Santiago de Compostela is no longer there. A nearby one is LAVANDERIA LOBATO, Santiago de Chile 7, 981599954, 9 a 2 & 4 a 8:30; and Avenida de Villagarcia 32, 981524290, 9:30 a 130 & 4:30 a 8:30 Bill USA 06/19/2007 Paella Real in Madrid is not open on Sundays. Michelle in A, NY USA 06/10/2007 Some distances in the map are inaccurate: Granada - Nerja is 75 miles (not 50) Nerja - Gibraltar is about 120 miles (not 70). Pullmantours now offers a day trip from Madrid to Toledo that does include cathedral. The price is 60 EUR (49 without lunch) and it leaves Madrid (plaza del Oriente - across from the Royal Palace) around 9:30, returns around 6 pm. In the month of May, the best view of Alhambra (from the St. Nicholas viewpoint) is late afternoon - around 6 pm. As the sun starts going down the view is less and less spectacular. Maybe it is different in the summer? John Petrovic in Portage, MI USA 06/06/2007 The Aerobus connecting the Barcelona airport to Placa de Catalunya is now 3.90 euros (up from 3.75) and it runs every 6 minutes (up from 3 per hour). Also, there was nowhere in the Barcelona airport to buy a T10 metro Card. I was told they can only be purchased at metro stations. Lea Galigani in Cross Creek, FL USA 05/25/2007 The e-mail address for the Catalonia Hotel Albinoni is incorrect. It should be albinoni@hoteles-catalonia.es (the one in the book listed albinoni.reservas@hoteles-catalonia.es). [Editor's Note: Accoring to the Hotel Albinoni, both emails are correct but they prefer you use albinoni.reservas@hoteles-catalonia.es when making reservations.] Tricia Mack in Seabrook, TX USA 05/23/2007 For the Julia Tours you cannot just show up for the night time tour, you have to purchase your ticket much earlier in the day - no exceptions. Yvette in Silver Spring, MD USA 05/22/2007 On April 13th in Madrid on our visit to the Prado there were long lines so we made our way to the south entrance as recommended in the Guidebook but that was closed to the public except for educational groups. G. McKellar USA 05/10/2007 In Madrid there are only two bus lines for the double decker buses and not three. L. Chen in Pacific Palisades, CA USA 05/06/2007 Clarify in which direction the Reina Sophia Museum is from the Atocha Metro stop. Several of us got lost trying to find the museum, which is not directly across from the train station, as implied. Melissa in Hart, OR USA 05/01/2007 The one-day Cordoba Card is no longer available; there is only a 7-day card for 47euro. The TI closest to the Alcazar is the only one that sells the cards and the bus tickets to Madinat. Also, the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid (along the "Welcome to Madrid" walking tour) is no longer operational. We were there at 11am on a Friday; it was completely closed up, and didn't look like it had been used as a market in quite some time. There were also some fairly aggressive homeless folks who did not appreciate our presence. Katie in Belmont, MA USA 04/24/2007 No, not a correction, but a highly suggested recommendation. "Museo Sorolla" is a welcomed respite from the big museums and bustling fabulous Madrid. It is the home of famed early 20th century Spanish impressinist artist, Joaquin Sorolla. Do Not Miss this museum! His home, studio and gardens are magnificent. Small and intimate and beautiful. Scenes in his paintings are often scenes of his gardens and children. Iglesia Metro Stop. www.museosorolla.mcu.es. ENJOY! Dan Stoddard in San Diego, CA USA 04/23/2007 You cannot feed the apes on Gibraltar. The Immaculate Conception means that the Blessed Virgin Mary was excmpt from all stain of original sin. She was not conceived as Our Lord was. Thanks. Regina PA USA 04/17/2007 More content needs to be provided with regards to Sevilla and Holy Week (Semana Santa). There is only a blurb about how hotel prices double, but more info should be given regarding the processions and even the mass street closings, which makes it very difficult to get to and/or find your hotel (especially during the processions) in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. To clarify Jennifer's post (3/12/07) about no direct, non-stop train from Granada to Madrid. There are two trains daily, at 06:50 and 18:50, that have stops (notably at Cordoba), but no change of train is required. She is correct about the travel time of 4.5 hours. CH in Tampa, FL USA 04/16/2007 FYI, photos in the Prado are not allowed, despite what the latest guidebook says. After getting scolded by a museum employee, I confirmed the no-photo policy in the fine print on the museum map. Jeffrey Han in Chicago, IL USA 04/04/2007 Yes-NERJA, HOSTAL MIGUEL is now owned by a new couple (also British), Ian and Jane since March of 2007. Very nice, very polite, clean. chris in PORTLAND, USA 04/04/2007 Emphasize more strongly the almost excruciating amount of walking that has to be done. Often there is no other way to efficiently get around(unless you can afford to take taxis everywhere). LL in Levittown, pa USA 03/29/2007 things are more expensive than thought so be aware of that. o'brien in everett, USA 03/28/2007 Sevilla - Entry to the Cathedral and the Giralda Bell Tower is no longer free on Sunday afternoons. It costs 7.50 euros, like every other day. Michael McDaniel in Atlanta, GA USA 03/25/2007 I'd like to make a correction to a correction, correctly! Spain 2007, lists the website address for the Hotel Gonzalez in Cordoba as www.hotelgonzalez.com. A reader corrected the address as www.hotel-gonzalez.com. After many attempts with various Spanish websites, I found the corrected correct email address as hotelgonzalez@wanadoo.es This should work for anyone attempting to contact this hotel in Cordova!! Cathy Girgen in Lander, WY USA 03/16/2007 The stuff you have about what you can see before/after 14:00 at the Alhambra does not exist. My husband and I had an argument about it. Your description is very vague and we argued about how to interpret your wording. Then we later found out that it was irrelevant. We scheduled our palace visit at 13:30 and we were told we could enter all the other places until 20:00. Naturi Albayzin in Granada no longer exists. It was replaced with a tea and narguile place. Unless you confused this place with Kasbah. There are no more direct, non-stop trains from Granada to Madrid. But good news: I believe it goes to Seville then Madrid. Altogether it now only takes 4.5 hours. The ice cream place in Granada was closed in March! Jennifer in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/12/2007 The Parador de Ronda is considerably more expensive than stated in the brand new Spain 2007 book. For March 25, 2007, they quoted: "Standard room: €183 + 7% iva, superior room with views: €206 + 7% iva, incl. breakfast for two persons." David Ginn in Walnut Creek, CA USA 03/03/2007 Three months ago I made lodging reservations for Sevilla Abril Feria for April 25. I really panicked when I saw the Feria dates you give for 2007. I believe you are wrong. I have seen different dates on several sites by googling. I don't want to quote dates, because I don't know what the official Feria site is. Sylvia Powell in Suquamish, WA USA 02/18/2007 I would like to note a small factural error in the 2006 Spain Guide book (I assume this error is also in the 2007 version). On page 329 of the book the article about the "Washington Irving Room" states that Washington Irving lived in the Alhambra in 1829 during his tenure as US ambassador to Spain. Mr. Irving was infact NOT the US ambassador at the time. Alexander Hill Everett was. Mr. Irving was not appointed ambassador until February 10, 1842 and his credentials were presented on August 1, 1842. He served untill July 29, 1846. Richard Lee-Berman in Portland, OR USA 02/16/2007 On page 428, the website of the Hotel Gonzalez is stated incorrectly. The correct web address is: www.hotel-gonzalez.com
Steve Swartz USA 02/15/2007 Avila bus station does have lockers for luggage storage. The books needs to be clearer as to exactly where St. Teresa's finger is located. It is not in the museum where you have to pay to get in, but in the shop. This isn't clear in your book. After the description of the museum, the books states that no photos of the finger is allowed. This makes people think that her finger is in the museum and paid to get in in order to see it, only discovering afterward that it was elsewhere. The train from Salamanca to Madrid is at times a very small commuter train and handling large luggage is difficult. If you have large luggage and a number of pieces, it would be better to take the autobus, which takes the same amount of time as the train. Patricia Branson in Kodiak, AK USA 01/21/2007 Driving to Pileta Caves is not "easy" and it should be stated that it takes quite while to get there b/c of the distance plus the winding, narrow roads. (But certainly worth the drive!) Stephen in Lausanne, VD Switzerland 01/12/2007 MOST IMPORTANT : The barrier system is no longer in effect in Granada. We drove on and on expecting to meet up with the police barrier, and wound up driving right into the Albayzin. That was an adventure we do NOT recommend. Also, the highly recommended vegetarian restaurant in Granada, Naturi Albayzin, has closed. However, a tea shop is using the same name at the same location. They serve only tea. It was excellent but we were STUNNED to be charged 8 Euros for a pot! Rincon de Eloy in Toledo has closed as has Bar el Frances in Tarifa Mary O'Connell in Hingham , Ma USA 12/31/2006 First of all, we only have ourselves to blame. After all, we are the ones who bought Rick Steves' Spain 2006 even after our father went into insulin shock searching for one of the restaurants Rick recommended in the Florence section, Italy 2002. In this book there are so many corrections, we could not possibly list them all. The most important one however is that the "Lavanderia" in Santiago de Compostela on Avenida de Rosalia de Castro #116 is now a bookstore, and has been for 12 months. Thank God we speak fluent Spanish and were able to locate "Lavanderia Axiña" located on Ramón Cabanillas #1, telephone number 981 591 323, hours M-F 8:30-1, 4-8:30. Saturdays 8:30-1:30, closed Sundays. We am glad we have a good sense of humor and learned to say in the good ole Spanish fashion, "Que te jodas Rick Steves y que te chupes la mama polla." Kitt and Cody Starnes in Charlotte, NC USA 12/26/2006 You mentioned in your 2005 guide that driving in Spain is easy. I stongly recommend against renting a car, as drivers in the cities, especially at the many circles, are crazy! I'm not a particularly timid driver, but we all thanked the Lord when the car was finally returned. Our experience with trains was much better. Barak Gale in Index, WA USA 12/21/2006 The Atocha Train Station ticketing process has improved. You can now buy a ticket electronically at ATM-like terminals inside the ticket office, avoiding a long wait in line. English-speaking staff people monitor the area and provide assistance and the process takes only a few minutes to complete. One note: you must use a debit card to purchase tickets at the machines as American credit cards are not accepted. Michele Cohen in Belmont, CA USA 12/01/2006 Pricing for the museum ticket that covers all 3 museums in Madrid was incorrect. Too low. Don't want to quote what it ended up being - can't remember. Book price was too low. Lynne Forbes in Mission Viejo, CA USA 11/24/2006 As of now, the Prado self-guided tour is completely on its ear. They've moved quite a bit and I think only the Velazquez are still where your book says they are. At least as of last week! Amy Battis in Beverly, MA USA 11/21/2006 The phone number for Hotel la Espanola in Ronda was wrong. Luckily the woman I spoke to was very nice about it! Mark and Jill Caulfield in Chaska, MN USA 11/01/2006 We went to Spain this past summer and used Rick’s Spain 2006 as our main guidebook. There were so many inaccuracies in this book that we were convinced that Rick has never been to Spain. Our running joke during the whole trip was if something wasn't listed on the Internet Rick didn't know about it. Here’s some highlights: Costa Brava: Unfortunately, I discovered too late that your guide book leaves out the Costa Brava including Valencia. We had planned to travel the Costa Brava to get to Barcelona from Granada. As a result, we had no information on this area. Luckily, we had a GPS system which listed places to stay and used the Internet to research where we can get Paella in Valencia. We had the most awesome Paella in Valencia, and possibly in Spain. I still think about the Paella. Madrid: Posada de la Villa. We ate there because according to the book, roast suckling pig is the house specialty. The book even had this description about the restaurant "Peek into the big oven to see the baby pigs". The waiter was impressed to hear that they served roast suckling pig since the restaurant has never had pig on their menu. Toledo: Visiting the basic cathedral and cloisters are no longer free. You now have to buy a ticket to visit the basic cathedral and cloisters which includes the great artwork Los Cuatro Tiempos Restaurante was not opened on the Sunday we went even though the guide book says the restaurant is open daily. D. Fong in San Francisco, CA USA 10/30/2006 The "Lavanderia" mentioned for Sevilla is closed. The other laundries we used (Onda Blu in Madrid and Sol y Mar in Cordoba) charged twice or more what was quoted in the book, but both allowed us to leave clothes and pick up later. Michele Bell in Bellevue, WA USA 10/29/2006 yes---your pricing is truly understated by about 20% as to tour costs and meal costs and some hotels need to provide more comprehensive caveats as to the pricing as it does change mike schoenfeld in gold river, ca USA 10/29/2006 The Prado and Theissen Museums in Madrid are not free if you are over 65 from the US, only EU countries. The Reina-Sofia Museum is free for over 65, no matter what country you are from. Earl Miller in Kutztown, PA USA 10/29/2006 The Cathedral in Toledo is closed to tourists Sunday mornings and now requires a ticket to get in Sunday afternoons. Jackie Pflipsen in Sierra Vista, AZ USA 10/22/2006 The absence of Valencia is like not mentioning Chicago in travelling the US, Vancouver in travelling Canada or Milan in travelling Italy. I can't believe this was accidental Noel Bates in Creemore, ON Canada 09/30/2006 Rick, Great book!!! Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you that I am in Granada right now and that there is a 2,00 € fee for the first time purchase of the Bonobus Card. Also, the cost has been raised to 10,80€ from 10,50€ Robert Kwan in San Diego, CA USA 09/22/2006 In the Sevilla section, specifically in the Barrio Santa Cruz self-guided walk, there is one inconsistency with the numbering on the map (p. 363) and in the explanation (p. 366). In the explanation, it says "At #8 is Casa de Murillo," but it's really #6 on the map. Christine Lee in Staten Island, NY USA 08/28/2006 Holy Toledo, Batman - the Toledo Cathedral no longer requires long pants for men. I wore my wrap around sheet I 'borrowed' from my hotel & the guard laughed saying 'shorts are no problem' John Ravekes in Williamsburg, VA USA 08/27/2006 Just got back from Spain, there is no 5 hour bus ride to Lisbon..on any day. Dilly in SF, CA USA 08/20/2006 Hello You have listed the Haveli Indian restaurant in Nerja as being English run. I think you mistook her accent. We spoke to the owners, who happen to be from the same town in India we are from. They are from Calcutta, India, and moved to Spain direct 6 or so years ago. also, we are currently at the pension o mare in salema,~and i don't think John works here anymore. It seems to be run by someone named Jorn who is not British. He isn't as friendly as the book described, but the town is great. nice people and gorgeous natural views. Ryenne in NY, NY USA 08/17/2006 The listing for the Nouvel Hotel in Barcelona notes a 10% discount in 2006 if you book direct and reference this book. I emailed the hotel to book a room and mentioned the book. They responded that they had no availability rather than just saying they didn't want to give a discount. I was able to book the accommodations on line that same day. Disappointing! Joyce Beach in keizer, OR USA 08/15/2006 The Ave train now goes from Madrid (Atocha) to Toledo in 25 minutes. It takes you to the regular Toledo station. It's a great way to go to Toledo. Also, if you take the train to Salamanca (from Chamartin in Madrid) there is a stop in Salamanca AFTER the main stop. It is called Salamanca AL. It puts you a short (10 minutes or less) walk from the Plaza Mayor. However, to return to Madrid you have to go to the station, the regular Salamanca stop. Joe and Kathie Myers in Sylvania, OH USA 07/31/2006 Sevilla (Jul 2006): The city is building a subway system, so the entire Avda de la Constitucion is under construction, the Plaza is closed, makes it rather difficult to get around. Sevilla (Jul 2006): The American Express office has been closed for 1 year and will not reopen. Granada (Jul 2006): The driving directions into the city in the Spain 2006 guidebook leave something to be desired and only work if you are on the Autovia. If you are on the national highway from Cordoba, you enter the city on the opposite side. Andalucia (Jul 2006): If you travel in low season (Jun-Aug) (not uncommon for Americans), be aware that a lot will be closed and the operating hours of restaurants will be shorter than the "Spanish" reputation would lead you to believe. Often found it hard to get food after 10 p.m. Madrid: The airport has a new terminal (T1), which can be confusing, especially since it's quite a ways from the old T4. The Left Luggage bag check room at the train station closes at 10 p.m. Russell A. Burgos in Thousand Oaks, CA USA 07/25/2006 Toledo: The AVE is now running between Madrid and Toledo, 30 minutes, 13 Euros. Bus #5 does not appear to stop at the train station to pick up or drop off from Plaza Zocodover. There is a bus #22 that is pretty much dedicated to this trip, but its runs follow the arrival of trains only, not handy for returning to the station. Dale in Fairfield, OH USA 07/24/2006 Not exactly a correction, but (another reader observed this too) it can be difficult to find the information on transportation to a site (e.g., Segovia from Madrid) when it is in the Madrid section and not that re: Segovia. The guidebook is SO incredibly helpful in its specifications of how to get places (what bus station, what metro stop etc) that you want to be sure that info is very easily accessible. Julie Davies in Sacramento , CA USA 07/14/2006 I was in Madrid July 7-11, 2006, and from what I could tell, the Cafeteria Europa adjacent to Hotel Europa was closed or undergoing renovation. We walked all around the area of Hotel Europa, and the adjacent area was boarded up--which is where I assume the Cafeteria Europa is located. The Hotel Plaza Mayor advertises "free WI-FI" in their cafeteria/lobby area. There is also a computer terminal in the lobby as well, with internet access. However, this costs 4 Euros/hour to use. Not that it is a huge deal, but I think that advertising free WiFi, then charging to use the internet is a bit confusing. Lee in Washington, DC USA 07/12/2006 This is more an update than a correction. When we arrived in Madrid (Barajas airport - page 258) from London, it was at the "new" Madrid airport terminal, not terminal 1 or terminal 2 as listed in the guidebook. When I check the airport web page for British Airways - it says it arrives at TERMINAL 4 - which is where I expect we did..very new, with a very long luggage waiting period as well!!! We arrived at about 6:30 PM and it was very close to 8 PM before we got our luggage and moved on....this could have been mentioned in the guidebook! I would think Rick and his staff would have been aware of this new airport terminal, but the fact that it was missing caused us some extra delay - riding from the new one to the "old" terminals 1 and 2 , finding the RENFE office, getting train tickets, and then a Metro ride to our hotel (Hotel Europa,,,very nice location)...we were supposed to get there by 7 PM and it was after 10 before we actually arived, part of the delay due to the new vs old terminal confusion. I would suggest you issue an update to your 2006 book asap on this matter. Dale Weeks, Tallahasse, Florida Dale Weeks in Tallahassee, Fl USA 07/09/2006 Don't know... We used the 2003 version. Sherry Cavanaugh in Clearwater, FL USA 06/27/2006 Sevilla: Tickets for the recommended Casa del Memoria Flamenco shows must be purchased in advance - the guidebook seemed to tell us that you needed to line up 45 minutes ahead of showtime to obtain tickets. If you do that, you'll be out of luck. You need to line up 30-45 minutes before showtime with your tickets to obtain the best seats, which aren't preassigned. Shaun Simpkins in Beaverton, OR USA 06/26/2006 Madrid, June 2006: The Paseo del Arte pass is €14.40, not €7.80. The AeroCity shuttle doesn´t have a booth in the airport´s terminal 2, just a phone number. We found that a taxi downtown cost about the same as the shuttle for the 3 of us. Granada: The Albaiacin Vegetarian restaurant mentioned in Spain 2006 is closed...or at least it has moved well south of Gran Via and morphed in to a place called the Couscousceria.
Shaun Simpkins in Beaverton, OR USA 06/22/2006 1) Cafe Terra Nova: The "cuatro hombres" are down to two, as the other two fellows have returned to Texas. Matt and Jacob are still around and are both great, friendly guys. This is a great expat hangout with a loyal native clientele also, and fine coffee to boot. They've recently started hosting art exhibitions and other cultural events. 2) The lavanderia listed in the guidebook is no longer there. Several others can be found in the Ensanche (new section of town) -- try looking on Rua de Ramon Cabanillas, west of Praza Roxa. Expect to pay E6-7 for a wash, dry and fold. 3) The vegetarian restaurant, Cabalino do Demo, closed in February. There's a new establishment there, which I never got around to trying. Joseph Sargent in San Francisco, CA USA 06/16/2006 We had a lot of trouble getting back to the train station in Cordoba. I think Rick needs to be specific about where to wait for that bus. John Wilde in Whitesboro , NY USA 06/16/2006 Again, I used 2005, but re Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, it is a mistake to say it has minor works by major artists. These are fascinating atypical works by major artists -- not the usual signature masterworks. It was maddning that photography was forbidden, because all the unusual gems there are not represented in their postcard collection. The weak museum collection of the great Madrid trio is the Reina Sofia -- very thin collection, begun too late, so the visit's value depends on the appeal of whatever temporary exhibition they have on view. Suzaan Boettger in NYC, NY USA 06/05/2006 Granada resturants - Casa Torcuato (page 349)is the name on the menu inside, but not the name on the wall outside. recommend looking for the address, then checking the name. we found it and it was great food. Peter McCray in Tucson, AZ USA 06/04/2006 The museum wing containing Picasso's "Guernica" is curently closed for renovation. Also, the ruins of the Moorish Baths in Granada were closed for renovation during our visit (late May). Otherwise, everything in the book was accurate, as usual. John Govern in Towson, MD USA 06/04/2006 Just a quick feedback on the traveler who indicated that the Misiani in Tarifa, Spain was closed in March, seemingly permanent. We did have a hard time contacting the hotel in advance, and as a result we booked elsewhere (La Sacristia, which we highly recommend -- best small hotel we've ever stayed in). But I can report that the Misiani is alive and well. We only visited the lobby and bar, but it seems like a fabulous place with an ultra modern design (W Hotel-like). And it's super expensive. Tom Kelly in Park City, UT USA 06/03/2006 I have an addition. For the horses in Jerez, it says the place is open until 1 pm. The problem is they stop selling tickets at 12:30, and we got there at 12:35. We did not get to see the horses. I think this time limit should be mentioned. We drove over two hours to get there, and it was very disappointing. deborah Evenich in Petaluma, Ca USA 05/30/2006 Not a correction, per se, but I think it is time for Rick to find new hotels. I had Let's Go Spain, Rough Guide to Spain, The Dummies' Guide to Spain, and Fodor's Spain (and Rick's book of course) and they all listed the same hotels. That made it nearly impossible to find a room in any of the listed places. Too much overlap. Pat Fleury in Fort Worth, TX USA 05/19/2006 My son wanted the Madrid walking tour but we could not reach the Wellington Society. It said the phone was disconnected. We did have a great tour with Ines Martin who knew the Prado and the old neighborhoods very well. John in Highland Park, IL USA 05/14/2006 Your guidebook is fantastic for what it is. You are truly one of a kind. Most guidebooks give their info which they feel is the best, which you seem to do as well. But the difference is that you go a step above and list out additional sources of information, including other guidebooks as well as providing free information online that has become an extremly valuable tool in traveling Europe. Your service is invaluable and has without a doubt bought my loyalty and my desire to let others know about you. Roberto Alfaro in New York, NY USA 05/03/2006 The email is info@magicalspain.com and websight, http://www.magicalspain.com has just been updated. Sean & Maria Healion + family in NYC, NY USA 05/01/2006 No. Chris McClure in San Francisco, CA USA 04/26/2006 although it corrects the 2005 book, there is no laundry at Castelar 2 in Seville. it cost 20 euros taxi ride , and a 77 euro charge for laundry at the hotel. Didnt check the phone listed...... David Holbrook in New Haven, ct USA 04/26/2006 Just got back from 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal. Hotel Europa in Madrid was great. We had a balcony onto Puerta del Sol, and it was even very quiet at night. We found Seville to be the absolute best, we were there for Holy Week, which was amazing. Stayed at Hostal Picasso (in Rick's 2001) we had one room with a balcony overlooking all of the processions, but the second room didn't have a window. We switched to hotel San Fransisco and it was incredible! Hotel Don Juan was also great in Salamanca. We didn't arrive until after midnight because of trains from Portugal but they were waiting for us and so accomodating! Some of Rick's maps for Madrid were wrong, but otherwise very helpful. Jenna in McLean, BC Canada 04/21/2006 Jerez - Map and directions in book are way inadequate to navigate this maze of a town, which doesn't have many street signs. Patrick Farrell in Baltimore, MD USA 04/21/2006 We were told that American Express offices are now permanently closed in Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Madrid. Jan Schwert in Seattle, WA USA 04/18/2006 p.381: directions to Italica direct you to go north on N-603. It's actually N-630. Unfortunatley, this is a *very* dense area in terms of turn-offs and signs in a very short space, so you have little time to work out the transposition. Suzanne Lacey in Vista, CA USA 04/17/2006 Not specifically, but the cab fares listed from trains to hotels in the Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla sections tended to be three to five euros lower than actual. David and Juliana Matsumoto in Seattle, WA USA 04/01/2006 the Chocolateria San Gines in Madrid appears to be closed indefinitely, possibly even out of business. Gretchen Gallucci in Worthington, OH USA 03/26/2006 Tarifa Spain: Hotel Misiana was closed when I arrived in town in early March 2006. Judging from the signs in the window, its might be closed permanently. Michael Roberts in Vancouver, WA USA 03/20/2006 Spain, page 360, the Andalusian Minibus tour website is now www.theotherspain.galeon.com and email is theotherspain@galeon.com Julie Joyce in Woodbury, MN USA 03/19/2006 The Dali Museum in Figueres is closed on Mondays, or at least it was in early March, 2006. The guide book lists its hours as daily. We visited again later in the week and it was as much fun as described. Steve Vopat in Wrenshall, MN USA 03/14/2006
ken in Concord, CA USA 03/08/2006 The American Express office near Sol in Madrid just closed last week. The only true American Express office in Madrid is now in Barajas airport. Alan Richbourg in Arlington, TX USA 03/06/2006 Several key rooms of the Prado are closed; consequently the paintings that were located in those rooms are now scattered across the rooms that remain open. This keeps you from being able to follow much of the detailed Prado tour provided in the book. Stephen O. Addison, Jr. in Charlotte, NC USA 03/04/2006 Hotel Gonzalez in Cordoba now has an e-mail address and a website. The e-mail is hotelgonzalez@wandoo.es, and the website is http://plaza.telefonica.net/tienda/hotelgonzalez Steven Bluestine in New York, NY USA 02/26/2006 Pg 356: Though we got a fine long walk around Seville where we met some nice folks, which was fun, it would have been nicer if the 25# backpacks could have been left at the hotel first. The mistake is that when you leave the bus station, the street you're supposed to turn right on isn't called San Fernando, it's called Juan Carlos V at that point. It doesn't turn into San Fernando until much farther to the right. Jen Portz in Port Ludlow , WA USA 02/12/2006 According the a security officer who spoke limited English, the Madrid Tower's observation deck has been closed to visitors for over a year and that there are no plans to reopen it. A good alternative is the Faro de Madrid but it is closed until April or May 2006. As your guidebook update notes, the AVE train between Madrid and Toledo is now in service. Round trip cost is 13 euros. At the time we visited, no one was allowed free admission to the Toledo Cathedral. Also, the cathedral's ticket is only checked once, at the entrance; there were no separate checks as we entered the choir, etc. The nice restaurant part of Casa Labra in Madrid opens for dinner at 8:45. Madrid Metro 10-ride tickets now cost 6.15 euros. They can be shared by multiple users on the same trip. Round trip tickets to Segovia from Madrid on La Sepulvedana cost 10.86 euros. Stephen O. Addison, Jr. in Charlotte, NC USA 02/11/2006 None curtis baysinger in Nashville , TN USA 01/12/2006 Additions not corrections. In Madrid we stayed in the Hostal Isabelle located in the same building as the Acapulco, because the Acapulco was full. Address: Salud 13 - third floor. For only 39 euros bath included we loved it. Old wallpaper, old charming lady and a very sweet stay. Huge rooms with balconies looking out over the square. Definately one of our best deals and should be included as a fine cheaper option. Ruth in Victoria, BC Canada 01/06/2006 |
