In appreciation for this great site and all your wonderful advice...
I wanted to pass along a good deal for those with flexible schedules...
www.thedailyauction.com has super cheap flights from Lufthansa (I just bought 2 tickets for $440 including tax, i.e. $220 each from LAX to Madrid.) Also check out www.Lufthansa.com they're having a different auction coming up on their site with lots of tickets listed.
Even if you can't get a flight to Spain, for $89 you can from anywhere in Europe!

I'm happily using the Bancotel check system for some nights and trying to get reservations for the Hostel Lopez for others.

thank you! thank you! thank you!

[This message has been edited by MadridMan (edited 02-26-2001).]

I also found a great fare, allbeight out of Miami, via Munich. Lauda air quoted me $468.00 total. Catch is you have to fly out and return on a wednesday. This is good till the end of may.