In fact they've started at the bottom near Paseo del Prado and are working uphill. I think they're passing Hostal Lopez just about now, but haven't got anywhere near the top yet.

You guys are terrific! Thanks for a quick response. My cousin and I are deciding now between Hostal Lopez and Hostal Martin . They both seem fairly equal in price, service, rooms and location. Since I am only going by their websites, does anyone have any personal experience that would help us to make a more informed decision? We're only going to get to do this once, so I'm trying to do good research before we get there. And thanks again, you've already been very helpful.

Never mind, we decided to go with Hostal Lopez . It sounds like that's a good area. I have already made the reservations. My cousin and I are going to stay in Madrid for 5 days, then go to Sevilla for the bienal for 7 days. This is our second trip to Spain. The first one was 30 years ago with a group of kids from school. We are soo looking forward to this.