Spain 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: Hotel Anacapri - Granada
Why: Fantastic service. Great pricing compared to other hotels we stayed at.
Tim Evans in Iowa City, IA USA 12/26/2011
Best: Hotel Puerta de las Granadas
Why: Well located, clean, comfortable, great views, free wifi and amazingly helpful staff!!
Jamie in Eagleville, PA USA 12/11/2011
Best: Hotel Puerta de las Granadas
Why: Well located, clean, comfortable, great views, free wifi and amazingly helpful staff!!
Jamie in Eagleville, PA USA 12/11/2011
Best:
Why: Did not use too many
matthew bonini in chesterfield, mo USA 11/25/2011
Best: Casa de las Juderia
Why: Unique rooms make you feel like you are in Spain. the lower level has a spa with three small pools, sauna, and steam room where you could really relax after a day of sightseeing. The prices for all the spa services were very reasonable. The pool relaxation deal for 45 min. daily was included with our room and was fantastic for those sore achy muscles!
Susan Novak in Mt. Prospect, IL USA 11/14/2011
Best: Hotel Costa Vella, Santiago de Compestela
Why: Roberto and Javier were wonderful hosts. Beautiful garden and breakfast. Great place for afternoon drinks. Our room with gallery was extra special. They happily stored our luggage for the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. Highly recommended.
Barbara Senger in Lafayette, CO USA 10/20/2011
Best: Taberna del Alabardero
Why: So very pretty.So very neat & clean. The staff were exceptionally helpful & nice. Especially Noelle. Good breakfast & good afternoon Tapas.
Barbara Pearce in Freeport , NY USA 10/17/2011
Best: Taberna del Alabardero
Why: So very pretty.So very neat & clean. The staff were exceptionally helpful & nice. Especially Noelle. Good breakfast & good afternoon Tapas.
Barbara Pearce in Freeport , NY USA 10/17/2011
Best: Hotel Preciados, Madrid
Why: Okay a bit pricey, however, get a great location, very helpful staff, rooms that a large by European standards. A definite thumbs up recommendation.
David/Lakeview in Chicago, IL USA 10/15/2011
Worst: El Numero 8 apts - Grenada
Why: Just spent 3 ngts there Sep 22-25. Do not agree with Rick's review - dark & dank. All apts are too small for more than 2 people & that's a stretch if it's 2 friends sharing. The climb up the hill - you have to be part mountain goat. Not suitable for anyone with any type of disability. Furthermore, all the surrounding laneways are just covered in dog dirt - disgusting.
gail in victoria, bc canada 10/02/2011
Best: Madrid- Hotel Europa on Calle del Carmen at Plaza del Sol
Why: It was steps away from Metro SOL station and close to taxis. I have a disability and on crutches so having the metro close by was important.
Maria P. Chan in SF Bay Area, CA USA 09/29/2011
Best: Madrid- Hotel Europa on Calle del Carmen at Plaza del Sol
Why: The location was perfect. We were steps from Plaza del Sol and Metro SOL. I have a disability and use crutches so having the Metro station close by was very important. Also, we were able to walk to the Palacio Real and to Plaza Mayor.
We also enjoyed the hotel's restaurant-we had drinks and appetizers while sitting outside and people watching.
Maria P. Chan in SF Bay Area, CA USA 09/29/2011
Best: Hotel Opera, Madird
Why: location, beautiful room, great breakfast
Leslie Kreithen in Huntingdon Valley, PA USA 09/27/2011
Best: Rembrandt Hotel
Why: I don't know if I'd call it the best, but I have a lot of affection for this hotel. The staff are amazing and try so hard (and they work all day). The restaurant's Moroccan food was excellent, we went with the Moroccan dishes every night. The pool is great and there is a beautiful view of the gardens, pool and ocean from the bar. The room was simple and clean. Sure it is in need of updates, but it's Africa! If you want an American-style hotel, travel in America.
Joanne Barhite in Chelsea, MI USA 09/07/2011
Best:
Why: We stayed in: Hotel Nazari in Granada, Amadeus in Seville, Posada Monolo in Toledo, and Hotel Opera in Madrid. Loved them all! Opera had best breakfast followed by Nazari. Amadeus breakfast too expensive and crowded to do more than once, Manolo breakfast was fine but felt a touch like assembled for the bachelor crowd.
Worst:
Why: Would gladly stay in each again!
Mary Byrne in Victoria, BC Canada 07/24/2011
Best: Hotel Amadeus
Why: It was a total pleasure to stay at this hotel. The lobby, which used to be the courtyard of the owner's house, is stunning, as is the whole place. We enjoyed meeting the owner and her 2 lovely daughters, Thalia and Christina. The service was great. They have expanded the hotel to include about 7 new rooms. We stayed in one of them. Nicely decorated. Eating on the rooftop was a real treat. Well worth the money for the breakfast and the stay.
Worst: Hotel Reding
Why: The air conditioning did not work adequately. The bed was truly awful. We could feel the springs.
Sharon in Sharon, MA USA 07/15/2011
Best: Hotel San Gabriel, Ronda
Why: Delightful hosts, large comfortable rooms, lovely lounge full of artbooks and squashy sofas, plus a pretty courtyard to relax in. Nothing was too much trouble and all the staff were very friendly but totally professional. This was by far the best hotel experience of our 5 week trip.
June in Auckland, New Zealand 07/07/2011
Best: Hotel America,Granada
Why: Location. We were able to break up our day at the Alhambra with a stop at the hotel. That location really helped.
Della Schnell in Fresno, CA USA 07/01/2011
Best: Hotel Acapulco in Madrid
Why: For the price and location you could not want more (67 E!!). The rooms were immaculate and internet was free. The staff was fantastic especially when I arrived to find that my wallet had been stolen at the airport or metro. They gave me access to their phone so I could call home and only charged me 2E, they also immediately provided the needed contact numbers for credit cards and police. No views but the rooms are quiet.
Hotel Maestranza in Seville was also delightful!
Worst: Hotel Continental Barcelona
Why: Broken elevator(for 3 days and no compensation offered by the hotel for this inconvenience), run down room. Booked months in advance and arrived to find a room that was downright scary.. would not have walked on the rug in bare feet, ceiling fan hanging by a thread as was the soapless plastic soap dispenser. No room for even a cosmetic bag in the grimey bathroom. Had my room changed 2nd night after complaining. As it turned out they said "my room" had not yet been "renovated.".. but they were charging me the same price as for a "renovated room" which proved to be ok. The "buffet" was awful unless you like canned ravioli's 24hours a day! Very outdated, the pink everything was so tacky that it was insulting. Come on people, there are really nice hotels in Barcelona (like the Jardi where we stayed for 2 days) I think you need to remove this hotel from your book.
Avis Letner in Santa Cruz, CA USA 06/22/2011
Best: Hospederķa de los Reyes .
Why: Stayed in the Apartments just up hill from the hotel. Cooking was rather limited, but it gave us a need to find a market and allowed us to cook a few meals
Ronald Gottesman in Anaheim, CA USA 06/05/2011
Best: Hotel Ateneo
Why: Up the street from Plaza Del Sol. a police station is about 100 yards down the street. Great room. Incredible breakfast! Full range of foods. Staff was okay--not the friendliest, didn't all speak fluent English, but they were very helpful. Good restaurants in the area. Room was huge by European standards. We actually had 2 rooms for the 3 of us.
Gretchen Farrar-Foley in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/28/2011
Best: Hotel Continental Barcelona
Why: Excellent location on the Ramblas. Fabulous staff! Open food and drink bar--although we did not eat there for meals, it did offer a snack or drink when wanted. Beds were comfortable. And it was quiet despite being on the Ramblas.
Gretchen Farrar-Foley in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/28/2011
Best: Emile Hostel
Why: Cheap and comfortable
Travis in Puyallup, WA USA 05/21/2011
Best: Pension Villanueva in Tarifa
Why: Great rates and Pepe was so nice and helpful. Gave us a room with a balcony and view!
Worst: Hostel Arrabal in Toledo
Why: Could not sleep for the noise, the hard beds. It was awful!
Debbie Harmon in Woodstock, VA USA 05/21/2011
Best: Hostal Jardi in Barcelona
Why: The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean, quiet, and comfortable. The location was an excellent home base for visiting the various sites in Barcelona.
Greg in Ventura, CA USA 05/17/2011
Best: Hospederķa de los Reyes
Why: In the apartments - good location if quiet is desired. not in the middle of old town. There is WiFi in apartments
Ron in Anaheim, CA USA 05/11/2011
Best: Hotel Maestranza in Sevilla
Why: Great location,good service and reasonably priced,spotlessly clean and very helpful staff.
Rich Zayatz in Asheville, NC USA 05/03/2011
Best: Hotel Denit Barcelona
Why: Serious consideration should be given on adding this hotel to the future Snapshot Barcelona guidebook. The hotel is located at Estruc 24-26 in central Barcelona, and is a 1 minute walk from the Aerobus pickup/dropoff at Placa de Catalunya, and a 2 minute walk from La Rambla and the Catalunya metro stop. I stayed there seven nights, and found the hotel to be very quiet with no street noise whatsoever. Breakfast each morning was fresh and filling. Staff at the hotel were polite and friendly and spoke English. I left a very positive review of Hotel Denit Barcelona on TripAdvisor. Rick, get this hotel in your guidebook! www.denit.com
Thomas Elliot in Nom de Plume, TX USA 03/09/2011
Best: Hotel Penon Grande
Why: super-nice innkeeper who was happy to practice her english and incredibly tolerant with my baby Spanish. The room was very comfortable and quiet. It is well situated...near the restaurant El Torreon with its spinach/raisin/pinenut dish to die for (we went back and ate it again the very next night!), and a very interesting wild thistle revuelto (in season only).
Karin McCullough in Seattle, WA USA 03/07/2011
Best: Hotel Inglaterra in Granada
Why: Hotel felt very "American," had great cable (4+ channels in English), a great location (one block from Gran Via), and a mini-fridge. While it wasn't quiet, it was better than my room in Seville. The room had a very strong smell (like too much Febreeze), though, which didn't go away, even with opening both windows for several hours.
Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 03/04/2011
Best: Hotel Continental Barcelona
Why: Good place to stay, very nice people, clean room.
Dale in Fairfield, OH USA 03/03/2011
Worst: Hotel Guadalupe, Granada
Why: A/C did not work. Hotel was understaffed. At times the one reception clerk was the only person able to deal with problems. There was no one else to help him.
Calvin Hilton in Jacksonville, FL USA 02/16/2011
Best: Hotel Guadelupe, Granada
Why: Beautiful room with tile floors and carved wood furniture. Small balcony overlooking olive grove. Cozy, friendly bar on the ground floor with tapas. Terrific location across from AlHambra, with easy parking.
Worst: Hostal Residencia Neutral, Barcelona
Why: Chose this hotel for location and because it had an elevator. We could take elevator from street floor to first floor reception. But hotel staff would not let us take the elevator to our room on next level. After a long day sightseeing, we 60-something folk could barely make it up the twisting stairs to our room. I would not claim this hotel has an elevator. Our view was totally blocked by construction and a tree.
Joan in Maurertown, VA USA 01/29/2011
Best: Hotel Macia in Granada
Why: Very friendly and accommodating staff. Good breakfast. They really took care of us, not just in a "we had a nice stay" kind of way but we were there during a strike which was a little werid and they really "took care of us" during the riots.
Worst: sevilla
Why: In all cities were just showed up, but in Sevilla we should have made a reservation ahead of time. Almost everything was booked.
Sara Kinsey in Redmond, WA USA 01/12/2011
Best: Santiago de Compostela, Costa Vella
Why: We love this hotel! Great location right in the old town. Maria, Jose Antonio and their staff made us feel right at home. The hotel is bright and cheerful eventhough it's raining outside. We mentioned that we were friends of Rick and they gave us free breakfast:) Feliz Navidad, Natalie and Danielle
Natalie Winslow in Monroe, WA USA 12/22/2010
Best: San Benito Pension, Seville
Why: Excellent price, clean, friendly owners who take time to talk and offer suggestions if asked. Everything works! Quiet. Well located in Santa Cruz area. Loved it there.
Mariana Early in Campbell, CA USA 11/28/2010
Best: Europa Hotel in Madrid, Amadaeus Hotel in Seville, Anacapri in Granada, Hotel Santa Isabel in Toledo
Why: All in Rick's book. Good locations, helpful staff, large rooms and bathrooms, good breakfasts.
Judy in Alexandria, MN USA 11/20/2010
Worst: Hotel Continental Barcelona
Why: I stayed in the Continental on my recent trip to Barcelona at the end of October 2010 on your recommendation. I have traveled the world, and this is definitely not a hotel I would go back to in the future. The rugs in the room were treadbare and so stained and looked so filthy I was afraid to walk on them. The bathroom had black mold in the shower. I did get into my room early, and maybe why the bathroom was dirty, but the bidet had been used as a toilet by the previous occupant and it had not been cleaned....drips on the edge and the floor.
Your comment that the free breakfast and all-day snack-and-drink bar made this a better deal than the price suggests did not take into consideration the food sat there from moring until night. I ate very little from the 24 hour food buffet. In the morning the hardboiled eggs were at least hot. I am surprised that they did not have problems with the food going bad as it sat there for 24 hours. As far as I could tell, refills were just put on top of the older food, I was not going to take the chance of getting sick. The free beer was a joke since the tap was bad and all you got was foam....they wasted so much beer with people filling a glass and then dumping it. I saw many try several times, let the tap run, and still not get a glass of beer.
I think that they would be better served to have less selection, better food and spend some money on the upkeep of the hotel.
On a positive note, everyone working at the Continental was extremely nice and helpful. I chose the hotel mainly because I could walk from the Aerobus from the Airport. I felt safe....since there were mulitple cameras on every inch of the hotel. The sheets and towels were very clean (thank goodness), The bed was also quite comfortable. The cable connection was very iffy, and usually I could not get good enough reception to watch the BBC or CNBC. I could get the music channel at least.
I am a woman traveling alone and I am used to getting the worst rooms, and the worst tables in restaurants. That is too bad, as I always pass on information about my expeiences to my many friends who travel extensively worldwide. I will definitely NOT BE RECOMMENDING THE CONTINENTAL.
kg in Denver, CO USA 11/03/2010
Best: Barcelona Continental Hotel
Why: It was perfectly situated to the bus to the airport, the TI, the entire city for us!
Hilda Fernandez in Los Angeles, CA USA 10/28/2010
Best: Hotel Jardi
Why: Located on a very lively sqaure, close proximity to Las Ramblas, Barcelona Cathedral & the Metro.
Holly Kennedy in Barre, MA USA 10/21/2010
Worst: Ronda: Los Pastores
Why: Los Pastores (2010, page 609) once had a circular one-way road to enter/exit. To allow their horses more space, the road is now partially closed forcing guests to share a very narrow one lane road with a hairpin curve and blind spots to both enter and exit (you guessed it, I had to back around several turns when I met an incoming car). Meals were not available the nights we were there and breakfast began at 9:30.
Bob in Alameda, CA USA 10/09/2010
Worst: Hotel Europa Seville
Why: With my passport in hand, the male desk clerk could not find my reservation and wanted a 3 night minimum at an inflated rate. When I produced my copy of my 2-night reservation at the discounted rate, he immediately "found" his copy. He demanded payment in advance, which I provided.I saw him turn away several young women ahead of me when he could not find their reservation. The hotel has an excellent location, but my street-level room was noisy, and I had to close the windows at night. The management refused to provide a fan or lower the a/c temperature below 25 degrees celsius and made laughable claims that other guests were claiming of being "cold."
Jim Mahoney in Irvine, CA USA 10/07/2010
Best: Hotel Palace Posada del Peine in Madrid
Why: Great location between the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. It's very quiet and clean. The shower was great! The breakfast was delicious. The staff were very friendly and professional. We will definitely stay there again.
Worst: Hotel Nouvel in Barcelona
Why: This hotel was 100% not worth the money!! The room was only so-so on cleanliness. The shower temperature went from hot to cold and different water pressure with no warning. There wasn't much street noise, but there was a lot of noise from other rooms. They nickel and dime: a few Euros a night for the safe, 2 Euros for an hour of internet (contrary to Rick's book, the internet is NOT free), 20 Euro deposit for a TV remote. The staff was very nice, but on our next trip, I'll take my chances with a different hotel. If I were paying 75 Euro a night, I wouldn't complain, but for 175 a night, I expect a bit more from a hotel. The location was great though.
Jenny Lash Crisp in Louisville, KY USA 09/15/2010
Best: Hostal Residencia Neutral in Barcelona
Why: It was a great location for a reasonable price, and pretty much as described in the guidebook.
Deanne Reynolds in Chelan, WA USA 08/15/2010
Best: Hosteria Grau in Barcelona
Why: OH MY GOODNESS! The staff at this hostel are amazing!!! They are helpful and friendly. This place is super cute, clean, and sooo affordable. It is not what I think of when I hear the word "hostel." It was so great and was my home away from home for four weeks.
Melissa Lozano in Lakewood, CO USA 08/11/2010
Worst: Hotel Continental on Las Ramblas
Why: Awful, awful, awful. Very dirty, old food left in buffet for days, empty drink dispensers covered with flies, not at all worth the price. Booked two rooms for a family of four and they gave us rooms on two separate floors separated by at least a five-minute walk through the maze of hallways. Most of all, dirty, unkempt, and food which was a selling point turned out to be a disaster.
Mark in Queidersbach, Germany 08/07/2010
Best: Hotel Inglaterra in Granda
Why: Great location and resonable priced.
Ronald Jetke in Pacifica, Ca USA 08/04/2010
Best: Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia- Sevilla
Why: Beautiful hotel, rooms, grounds, pool area, courtyard, fantastic! Great location
Ann Heft in Gainesville, Fl USA 08/04/2010
Best: Hotel Santa Isabel la Real--Granada
Why: Utterely quaint, peaceful, and heartbreakingly beautiful inn with impeccable service. Our room was beautifully appointed, plus breakfast was included (rare for Spain!).
Lindsay in New York, NY USA 08/03/2010
Best: Rented an apartment on the Ramblas
Why: Rick - you have convinced me that renting apartments through websites like VRBO.com is the way to go. Much more roomy than a hotel and great location.
Jason in Heil, OH USA 07/25/2010
Best: Hotel Continental Barcelona
Why: Jose Maria and his staff are competent, friendly, helpful, and quick to make things right if something does not work. The air-conditioning worked perfectly. Beds were among the most comfortable I've seen in a hotel. Free internet access was a plus, as was the buffet. Small quantities of food were cooked throughout the day so things were fresh when a break from sightseeing was taken. Free beer, wine and ice-cream made this place a keeper. I saved money on lunch!
Sharron Stevens in Oberstaufenbach, Germany 07/10/2010
Best: La Casa Grande, Arcos de la Frontera
Why: Charming and personal,yet very up to date. Reasonable rates, great staff. In fact, we were having logistics problems getting from Arcos back to Sevilla to ctach the AVE and Matios (sp) at the desk got online and sorted the entire bus to Jerez, then Carcenias train to Sevilla schedule for us. Perfecto!
Worst: None from the book.
Why: Wish The book had recommendations for near the airport (early flight) in Madrid. We found one online and the beds were like those prop beds in a linen store.
Lora Rozzi in Granger, IN USA 07/06/2010
Best: Hotel El Convento, Arcos de la Fronterra
Why: We had a room with a private terrace that overlooked the entire countryside. Very quiet and breezy and a great, relaxing break from the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
Worst: Hostal Acapulco, Madrid
Why: We had room for one week on the Plaza del Carmen which was pleasant during the day but extremely noisy at night. There was a club across the square which was open late and then people congregated outside all night. Fights and police action were common. The noise did not let up until 5:30AM during the week and 6:30AM on the weekend.
Joanne in Towson, MD USA 06/14/2010
Best: Hotel Inglaterra in Granada
Why: This was a wonderful hotel in Granada- great hotel rooms with some modern luxuries (AC, large bathroom, english speaking tv channels) and the staff was very accomodating. All for a reasonable price.
Jen Guinan in Chicago, IL USA 06/13/2010
Best: Hotel Preciados, Madrid
Why: This is the only hotel we booked based on your recommendations but we were very pleased with it. The help provided by the front desk was extraordinary when we had a wrong bag!
Shannon Gardiner Collins in Alexandria, VA USA 06/09/2010
Best: Best Western Hotel Atlantico
Why: Outstanding location on the Gran Via, beautiful roof top terrace and bar, helpful staff, and clean, spacious rooms.
Teddie Lohmeier in Nicholson, GA USA 05/31/2010
Best: Hostal Acapulco
Why: (p. 371) Great value for location, room has everything you need (bathroom, phone, AC, empty mini fridge you can stock with drinks/snacks from El Corte Ingles, hairdryer on demand), free Internet in lobby, friendly and helpful staff.
Nicole in Bayonne, NJ USA 05/31/2010
Worst: El Jardi Hotel - Barcelona
Why: Very noisy interior of the hotel. No noise dampening what so ever. Guests were loud. Not worth the 90 Euros we paid. Guests smoked in the hallways, & in the no smoking elevator. There must be a nicer, better value hotel than this one. Helpful staff, but given the opportunity, I'd never go there again.
Anika in Longmont, CO USA 05/19/2010
Best: La Posado de Manolo, Toledo, Espana
Why: Flat out charming! Awesome location in the center of Toledo. Clean and tastefully decorated rooms. The staff could not have been more accommodating.
Worst: Hotel Husa Los Seises, Sevilla, Espana
Why: There was a horrible smell coming from the bathroom. It seemed like we were staying in the sewer suite. The location was good and the room was otherwise fine. Perhaps it was a temporary issue.
Bob Male in Mount Laurel, NJ USA 05/01/2010
Best: Hostal Marissal
Why: Best location - right in the middle of everything and on the Balcon de Europa. On the pedestrian streets with good windows so little noise. Friendly staff, well maintained rooms and a good restaurant.
Steve in Westcliffe, CO USA 04/27/2010
Best: Anacapri - Granada
Why: Wow, the owner really enjoys her job, and is ridiculously fast and efficient. She booked our tickets for the Alhambra for us, and looked up and printed the bus schedule for Granada. I have never seen a hotel owner/employee work so hard.
Ryan MacDicken in Auburn, WA USA 04/23/2010
Best: Hotel Acapulco, Madrid; Los Tilos, Granada
Why: location - walk to everything; good value; helpful staff.
Dave Fisher in Calgary, AB Canada 04/12/2010
Best: Hotel Puerta las Granadas
Why: Perfect location near the Alhambra and Plaza Nueva. Clean and comfortable rooms. Free internet. Friendly and helpful staff.
John Osgood in New York, NY USA 03/31/2010
Best: El Convento in Arcos
Why: the view and service was tremendous, much better than the book could even describe. picture of us cracking up about staying in the "Rick Steves Room": http://picasaweb.google.com/larasueg/Espana#5448383765967448178
Worst: N/A
Why: however... a little more information or warning about the perils of driving on the single-lane uphill narrow streets of a town like Arcos would have helped us be ready. we were white-knuckled driving there, and then a parking lot "attendant" who helped us back into a tight spot outside Convento kept shouting at us as we got out of the car, "Estoy voluntario", I guess meaning, I'm a volunteer, you better tip me. Out of fear for anything happening to our car, we went ahead and gave him our only change, 2 euro even though it was a public parking lot. Sometimes it's good not to have much cash on you.
Lara in Denver, CO USA 03/14/2010
Best: Hotel Europa - Madrid
Why: Location and nice staff. They were so helpful, was sad to leave
Worst: Hotel Catalonia Albinoni - Barcelona
Why: Travelled solo, was put in an indoor room that was so hot. Bellboy worked with a frown all the time. They moved me grudgingly to another room, which had an odor.
Tee in New York, NY USA 02/27/2010
Best: Hotel Alcantara, Sevlle
Why: Wonderful place. Stayed for 8 nights in Feb and they gave us a great off season rate. Room was small but very clean and great linen. Staff were terrific. Location excellent.
Barb M in Calgary, AB Canada 02/23/2010
Best: all the ones we visited (Toledo, Sevilla, Madrid)
Why: Toledo: Hotel Las Conchas, good value Madrid: Hotel Europa, great location, but being on the main plaza at night, means that there is no quiet until 6 am, not for light sleepers. The staff is more than helpful, and the restaurant is good. Sevilla: Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia (the BEST) This hotel is in a fantastic location for exploring Sevilla on foot. Lovely, comfortable, clean, quiet rooms. The lobby and piano bar and other open areas are beautiful. We would make it a point to stay here again.
Julie Langill in Danville, CA USA 02/15/2010
Best: Hotel Victoria 4
Why: Fantastic location, excellent front desk staff, good rates and when asked to extend them to later in the month (though not listed) they agreed!
Susan in Portland, OR USA 02/11/2010
Best: Hostal Alborada, Tarifa
Why: Although we stayed an unexpected 3 nights here, it was a nice and comfortable place to stay. The staff is friendly and made us coffee (for free) when we were having trouble booking arrangements for our next stop. We even got a ride to the bus portable on a rainy morning.
Worst: Oasis Hostel, Sevilla
Why: The only reason this place receives low marks is because the staff was unorganized and we stayed in the second building away from the main living area and reception.
NJ in Seattle, WA USA 02/08/2010
Best: Hostel Grau, Barcelona
Why: very friendly staff, recommended a wonderful nearby restaurant- Xaica Petit, the best food, best deal and biggest plate I had in Europe (one month)
Jane Keller in Oregon City, OR USA 01/21/2010
Best: Duc de la Victora in Barcelona
Why: Great rooms--modern and comfortable, reasonably priced, GREAT location.
David MacKenzie in Lafayette, CA USA 01/04/2010
Best: Hotel Europa
Why: clean, friendly and convenient.....awesome location and view from balconies over Puerta del sol
Pete Hall in Haddonfield, NJ USA 01/03/2010
Best: Hotel Vincci La Rabida
Why: They were very accommodating when we wanted to switch rooms to a quieter section of the hotel, we were here for the Immaculate Conception as well as a marching band competition and the whole city was crazy and noisy until the wee hours of the morning.
Virginia in Boston, MA USA 12/17/2009
Best: Hotel Europa
Why: Location, location, location; wonderfully helpful and friendly staff; rooms were clean, roomy and "old wordly".
Catherine in Edmonds, WA USA 12/15/2009
Best: Los Olivos (Arcos) and San Francisco (Ronda)
Why: Los Olivos was very nice with a large, clean, room. The interior of the hotel was very nice. The San Francisco was a very good bargain. The price was low, but we had a large room and bathroom that were in good condition. The staffs at both hotels were friendly and helpful.
Jim Perschbacher in Mableton, GA USA 12/06/2009
Best: Hotel America
Why: Location, location, location (on the grounds of the Alhambra), plus charming rooms, good value, and a friendly, super-helpful staff. Dining at the Parador next door is convenient, and the tapas bars along Calle Navas are a quick taxi ride away.
Worst: La Casa Grande in Arcos de la Frontera
Why: Although this hotel is appealing in many ways--its perch atop a ridge overlooking a verdant valley, the owners' sense of aesthetics (a glass of sherry to welcome guests, candles lighting the courtyard at night), the fold-out sofa bed in our family suite was infested with bedbugs or fleas, and my daughter was miserable for several days as a result of bites all over her back and shoulders. The owner was off site when we checked out, so I left him a note telling him about the bug bites. He responded with an e-mail about how he planned to address the problem, but he didn't offer to refund any portion of our room charge.
Nancy Zeilig in Denver, CO USA 11/14/2009
Worst: Hotel Maestranza Sevilla
Why: This hotel has a great location and very helpful staff. Rick claims that this is on a quiet street. It may be as far as limited traffic but there are tapas bars very close by that are noisy into the wee hours. Don't stay here if you want a good nights sleep.
gerrys in Milwaukee, WI USA 11/10/2009
Best: Hotel Anacapri in Granada
Why: Helpful. English. Well organized. Near everything. Speaks Iowan fluently.
Worst: Hotel Jardi In Baecelona
Why: Couldn't find my confirmed reservation. Changed offered price from $60 euros to $80 euros on confirmation email. Toilet didn't work, no water, even after he said he fixed it while I watched. WiFi had a 24 digit password that didn't work. Two flights of stairs to get to check in lobby before you get to elevator. I got my luggage back after arguing with check in guy and went 50 feet away to Hotel Atlas and checked in for 30 euros less at a modern professional 3 star hotel.
Gary Porter in Ann Arbor, MI USA 11/09/2009
Best: HOTEL CONTINENTAL RAMBLA, BARCELONA
Why: The hotel has been expanded and upgraded since our last visit four years ago. An additional floor has been added with a full twenty four hour food and beverage bar which includes beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, snacks and hot items served cafeteria style. Although some rooms are a bit tight, the room with twin beds provides more space for the same price as a double room.
WILLIAM RODRIGUEZ in JACKSONVILLE, FL USA 11/05/2009
Best: Hotel Plaza Mayor - Madrid
Why: Excellent location near Plaza Mayor; rooms are big and very clean; staff very helpful. Nice street views from some rooms.
Esta in Sarasota, FL USA 11/02/2009
Best: King Luis XV in Madrid
Why: Friendly service, very clean, very safe and secure.
Worst: Casa del Sol Y Luna!!!!
Why: Dark, dirty, hot, smelly. We think that is where my daughter got multiple bug bites.
Marge Clark in Marion, Oh USA 11/02/2009
Worst:
Why:
Barb McKay in Denver, CO USA 11/02/2009
Best: All of the Paradores in Spain
Why: We stayed in several on our trip and found them to be in historic locations, clean and well maintained with very helpful staff members. The restaurants were also nice. You should talk about these more in your book, as they have great deals for seniors and for people staying in multiple Paradores for 5 or more nights.
Worst: Hotel Husa Los Seises in Sevilla
Why: The location was good, but the place was over-priced and not well maintained. The rooms were not clean and the matresses were old and sagging. We checked-out after one night. I would drop this from your list of recommended hotels on page 506. Thanks.
Ron Hendrick in Boulder, CO USA 11/01/2009
Best: Segovia: Hotel Santa Isabela
Why: We asked for a room overlooking the plaza and had one of the nicest rooms of our trip. Large room, tastefully decorated, large towels, and a fantastic view.
Sharon in Anaheim, CA United States 10/28/2009
Worst: Seville, Casa Soly Luna
Why: The price is right, but there is a new manager that isn't very cordial. The rooms are very dated, quite noisy and we found the hotel difficult to locate. We would not recommend this hotel.
Skeeter Kershaw in Portland, OR USA 10/26/2009
Worst: Grandada, Pension Landazuri
Why: When making reservations, we requested one of their renovated rooms. When we arrived, only a very well-worn room was available and it was pretty bad. Suggest you have someone look at them. We liked the location and their small resturant next door.
Kay Kershaw in Portland, OR USA 10/26/2009
Best: Hotel Continental Palacete
Why: We stayed here 11 days. Fantastic! Showing your Rick Steves Guide book gives a 5% discount. The staff was friendly and cooperative. They have a 24 X 7 food and drink bar. Actually real food plus three wines and beer. Ate both breakfast and a late lunch there each day then had a very good evening meal at a restaurant. There is a large room where you can just sit or enjoy your meals. Great time to meet and share stories with other travelers. Conveniently located two blocks from Placa de Catalunya in Eixample. The sun rooms are worth the extra expense. We would definitely stay there again.
Len Duffy in Towson, MD USA 10/17/2009
Best: YH Giralda, Sevilla
Why: Location, location, location...lovely room, friendly and helpful staff- walking distance to everything.
Worst: None
Why: Hostal Acapulco, Plaza Del Carmen in Madrid was also terrific, perfect location, free internet, 3 metro stops within five minute walk. Pensione Landazuri in Granada offers less but with love, joy and another great location plus a very low price.
George in Pittsburgh, PA USA 10/10/2009
Best: Cortijo Las Piletas near Ronda
Why: What a grea location for exploring Andulacia. This was a great break from city hotels and the innkeepers were there to pamper you. It was withing easy driving of Ronda, Arcos, Granada and Jerez.
Worst: None
Why: We enjoyed each place we stayed some had some really hard beds but such is life.
Hank Smalling in Aiken, SC USA 10/09/2009
Worst: Pamplona - Hotel Europa
Why: Not really a "worst" - just a note that the rooms facing the pedestrian street front are extremely noisy on the weekends, which may have been because it was the little San Fermin and everyone was apparently drinking until sunrise.
Liza in Hereford, AZ USA 10/08/2009
Best: Las Casas de la Juderia, Seville
Why: Very interesting and beautiful hotel. Centrally located by the Barrio Santa Cruz. Great breakfast and the staff were very kind.
Jean Brubeck in Santa Cruz, CA USA 10/06/2009
Worst: Hotel Catalonia Albinoni - Barcelona
Why: The room had a distinct odor from the plumbing system. When we asked the hotel attendant, he said they had no other roms available for 3. Some of the staff at the front desk was particularly discourteous. The hotel said they wouldn't charge us for breakfast because we showed them the Rick Steves' book but they charged us for breakfast for 1 of the 2 days we ate in the hotel. Although the location is good, there are many hotels in a Barcelona and we had an especially bad experience at this hotel that I felt the need to try to discourage others from staying here.
Seema Dekhtawala in Chicago, IL USA 09/25/2009
Best: Madrid - Hotel Europa
Why: Terrific, extremely helpful staff and a nice clean, quiet room with very comfortable beds, exactly like we reserved. Price and location make this place perfect! And the cafe downstairs can't be beat for fun staff, good food at reasonable prices...and the people watching is fantastic.
Bill in Miami, FL USA 09/22/2009
Best: Hotel Continential Barcelona
Why: I wouldn't exactly classify this hotel as "best," but it is more than adequate. The location is exceptional, right on Las Ramblas, right beside a metro stop and a very short walk from the airport bus stop. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel's free, all-day buffet was exactly what you would expect - nothing to write home about. But, then again, you don't pick a hotel for the free buffet. The room was basic but functional, and generally a good value for the money.
traveldorks OK USA 09/19/2009
Best: Hotel Europa Madrid
Why: Location
Worst: Hotel Ingleterra, Granada
Why: Security - theft occurred.
Mary in New Haven, CT USA 09/19/2009
Best: Hotel Dugues de Bergara, Madrid
Why: Incredible combination of centralmost location off of Placa de Catalunya and off Ramblas yet quiet and comfortable, accommodating hotel with wonderful pool in the middle of summer Barcelonian heat.
Mila Felder in Chicago, IL USA 08/20/2009
Best: Clara at Hostal Don Peque, Nerja; Javier at Hostal Gonzalo, Madrid
Why: Wonderful people, great hospitality, nice accomodations; Loved the location and views from Hostal Africa in Tarifa.
Worst: Josip from Hotel La Botica de Vejer
Why: OK'd accomodations verbally, then backed out (he must have had a better offer --- i.e. longer tenant);
Steve Richards, M.D. in Spokane, WA USA 08/17/2009
Best: Clara at Hostal Don Peque, Nerja; Javier at Hostal Gonzalo, Madrid
Why: Wonderful people, great hospitality, nice accomodations; Loved the location and views from Hostal Africa in Tarifa.
Worst: Josip from Hotel La Botica de Vejer
Why: OK'd accomodations verbally, then backed out (he must have had a better offer --- i.e. longer tenant);
Steve Richards, M.D. in Spokane, WA USA 08/17/2009
Best: Hosteria Grau
Why: Great air-conditioning and friendly front desk staff.
Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 08/11/2009
Best: HY Giralda in Seville
Why: Small, great location, wonderful staff, cheap $58 Euros a night for a double, air conditioned your own WC...great! Although make sure your cab driver knows where to go apparently there are 2 in the city and we had to call to find out which one to go too.
Worst: Hotel Imperio-Toledo
Why: No air conditioning...hotter than you can imagine in mid July...could not sleep..
Daphne Weaver in Bremerton, WA USA 08/03/2009
Best: also good was Hotel Plaza Mayor in Salamanca.
Why: Location so close to the Plaza Mayor. We had a balcony room overlooking the pedestrian street.
William Campbell in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/10/2009
Best: The Oasis Backpackers Hostel in Sevilla wasn't the best or the worst accommodation.
Why: The location was great and it was very clean but you could only turn on the air-conditioning at midnight and off at 8AM. We were there in June and it was 100+ degrees each day (very little air conditioning at most businesses). I would stay there again but not in the summer time.
We also vistied Santiago de Compostela and stayed at Hotel Residencia Costa Vella. Very nice rooms, beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding area. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the price was actually ok. Breakfast is included.
Monica in Chapel Hill, NC USA 07/03/2009
Best: Hotel Catalonia Albinoni
Why: Great service! Nice clean room, even though small (par for the course in Europe). Spoke excellent English. Just be warned, it is on a pedestrian street so you will be dropped off at the Placa de Catalunya so if you are disabled not sure how you'd get to the hotel with your luggage. Plus, don't bother buying breakfast. There are tons of places nearby to grab a coffee and roll, or go to the market and get juice and fruit. Breakfast here was very overpriced for the offerings.
Amy Teague in Fishers, IN USA 06/08/2009
Best: Hotel Maestranza in Sevilla
Why: Very friendly and helpful staff, nice functional room that rivalled any we stayed in Europe
Russ Lorber in Westminster, MD USA 06/06/2009
Best: Hostal Gonzalo
Why: I booked into Hostal Gonzalo during the week I was in Madrid (March 20-27). I was pleased. It was clean and quiet and the family which runs it was courteous and helpful. The WIFI worked well too. The Hostal is close to all the sights in the "museum" district. Thanks for the recommendation! It was worth the price of your guidebook to get a nice place to sleep.
Cliff Gilbert in Mount Laurel, NJ USA 03/31/2009
Worst: Hotel Las Conchas, Toledo
Why: We slept poorly because they overheat the place (mid-March). Other aspects of the hotel are fine.
Steve in Princeton, NJ USA 03/24/2009
Best: Hotel Preciados Madrid, Hotel Jazz Barcelona
Why: Both excellent hotels near Metro, restaurants and shopping. Jazz is not in Rick's book, but is one of our favorites. You can get on the Metro without crossing the street. Lovely rooftop pool, free internet, Quiet, clean and beautiful. Get coupons for free drinks at Cellar de Tapas from reception.
Worst: Hotel Alminar, Sevilla
Why: My Wife and I checked into The Alminar (page 506)and soon realized that it was the noisiest room we have ever booked. We could hear all manner of street noise and you had to slam our door to close it. We asked about a quieter room and were assured that all their rooms were the same and that "it is impossible to find a quiet room near the center of any large European city." We paid a cancellation fee of 120 Euros and rolled our bags half a block to The Hotel San Francisco (also page 506) where we got 3 nights of good sleep in a larger and much quieter interior room for 56 euros per night. The Alminar doesn't belong in Rick's wonderful book.
ED ERWIN in CORSICANA, TX USA 03/23/2009
Best: Granada Hostal Britz March 2009
Why: Book's descrition fit to the T, friendly, clean, economical and a little noisy, as all rooms face Plaza Nueva. The location is the most central for heading in any dirction.
Kathy Kirch in Cadillac, MI USA 03/20/2009
Best: Hostal Gonzalo in Madrid
Why: Price was right (55 euros for a double). The room had a hot shower with good pressure, great Wifi included, was central for walking, fine beds, and a good closet. I didn't think the Anton Martin metro stop was that far of a walk away, either. The night manager spoke very little English (we communicated, though!), but the day guy spoke good English. There was always someone there if we needed something.
Kyla Gurganus in Ypsilanti, MI USA 03/06/2009
Best: Hotel Amadeus, Sevilla
Why: Charming, clean, and well located. HOWEVER, I would definitely recommend NOT staying in the annex (Hotel La Musica), as it is on a very noisy corner and is very poorly soundproofed. It would have been nice if they used some of that soundproofing in the piano rooms for the guest rooms! I would recommend asking for a room on an inside courtyard. Also, they claim on their website that they can reserve you a parking place in a nearby garage for a special price and that is simply not true. There is a nearby garage, but there are no reservations or special prices possible. Also, the directions that they provide to get you to the hotel are awful. In fact, their address is a street that is too narrow to accommodate a car. Also, their receptionist at night speaks not a word of English, which wasn't very helpful when trying to figure out where the parking garage was!
Ava Nackman in Chapel Hill, NC USA 01/26/2009
Best: Hotel Anacapri in Seville
Why: Reasonably priced, beautiful lobby and breakfast room. FREE 10 euro breakfast with Rick Steves book and it was a bountiful breakfast! Helpful staff. Great location.
Arlyce in Stillwater, MN USA 01/16/2009
Best: Hotel Alcantara, Seville
Why: Excellent location, great service, and reasonable prices. Also, the breakfast for 5 euros was exactly how I wanted to start my mornings!
Worst: Hostal Residencia Neutral, Barcelona
Why: It was expensive for what we got, and the bathroom was way too small and made noises at night.
Jennifer Chen in Fremont, CA USA 01/03/2009
Best: Le Petit Hotel - Salamanca, Hotel Altair - Santiago
Why: Both places were just as described, and were little gems. Both offered good value and outstanding service/hospitality. Hortensia (Le Petit) and Begonia (Altair) were especially wonderful.
Worst: Hostal Buen Dormir in Sevilla
Why: Really, we have little reason to complain, since this was described as a bare-bones place. The owners were nice enough, but our room was very cold and helped my wife get pretty sick. Maybe the hostal is just a shade below the minimum one should consider?
Jon Strebler in Chula Vista, CA USA 01/03/2009