Hi all, we just returned from spain and italy (that's another post somewhere else). we initally stayed in madrid at the Crowne Plaza for 2 nights in rooms 812 & 814. If you go I suggest asking for 812 since it has a a great balcony with a great view. We had ordered the madrid card over the internet and picked them up on arrival at the airport. I expected customs and immigration to be like here in the states and found that there was really none to speak of. ok, we had reserved for AeroCity to take us in to the city and our reservation was honored. actually we used them a total of 3 times.
1. on arrival into madrid
2. hotel to airport; to go to italy
3. from last hotel to airport to go home
in all instances they were on time with no problems.
While in madrid (2 days) and then (3 days) we traveled extensively using the metro and never had a problem with the pickpockets.
we used Marisol's guide to madrid but it needs updating as we spent a whole morning looking for and found the the "Casa Bonet" only to find that the store is now closed because according to a security guard across the street the owner has retired. so i guess the Royal family is now buying their Lace from the El Corte Ingles

We had dinner at the "Paraiso del Hamon" up the street fromn the Crown and it was the worst. after ordering drinks we were informed by our waiter to hurry up and order since the kitchen was closing. It was 11pm! Needless to say we left.

Food was very good in general around Madrid and we enjoyed that tapas. Don't be afraid to vote with your feet and to post, eventally they'll get the message.

On our return from Italy (2 days and too short) we picked up a car from Avis at the airport in Madrid and headed to Asturias. We stayed at the hotel Hontoria in Llanes and the it was beautiful. (breakfast was not worth it) went to Picos de Europa and had a great time. Weather was great. We also went to Ribadesella and saw extended family in Sardalla.

On our return to Madrid we stayed at the Hotel Villa Real which we recommend. It was expensive but worth it, having rented 2 suites for 3 nights for a party of four. you do the math.

We Went to the Royal Palace, Prado, Thyssen and feel that we walked the whole city. Never had a problem with pickpockets. Taxi's can be hard to get especially late at night.

Had Paella at the La Barraca; very good.

On 10 Jun we saw a Flamenco at the Corral de la Moirera - very good and video cameras/camaras are allowed even thou we didn't take ours thinking it was not allowed.

As for shopping, one of the places we went to was the Antigua Casa de Talavera (see Maribel's guide) and the guy acted like we counld't afford the stuff. so we left and spent our $$$ somewhere else.

Overall we had a great time in spain and would return in a instant.

If you have any questions feel free to email us.

Jose