Never been to Madrid, just starting reading up on it. Seems travel books do not really recommend hotels, just give description.

Does anyone know of nice hotel in good sight seeing location for first time Madrid visitors. It is surprise for husband and he appreciates nice hotels, but I would like a little historical or cultural feel to hotel. Is there something that might fit the bill for both?

You seem to been talking about AC Santo Mauro , perhaps my favorite hotel in Madrid. A little bit pricey nonetheless although now they have this very good offer for Honeymooners, only 349$ a superior room! ;-)

Andrés

Have a look at the Intur Palacio San Martin near Puerta del Sol.
http://www.hotelinturpalacio.com/
It's a new luxury hotel in a historic building. If you do a search under Hostels & Other Lodgings, I've written a review on it last May.
Enjoy Madrid!

I highly recommend Palacio San Martin near Puerta del Sol...We stayed there twice in October. Luv it! Can't wait to get back..Excellent location. They were planning to add a health/fitness room in November. If they did - fine. If not, I wouldn't care. Spotlessly clean.. beautifully appointed furniture and great lobby & bar.
Use your Bancotel checks there for a great deal.

I think it's time for me to finally share (reluctantly :p ) with you all my favourite site where hotels are concerned; it's: www.secretplaces.com

Enjoy!

I highly recommend Hostal Chelo .

Sincerely,

Antonio

Thanks Pim for sharing your secret hotel resources with us. Great stuff! A lot of these hotels are way out of my range but there's a few that might just squeak into my budget for my trip to Spain this coming April.

You're a Devil, CaliBasco! Hahahaha...
(but seriously, I always recommend Hostal Chelo for budget-minded travelers)

Basil, too bad there aren't any Paradors in Madrid but this might be a good option if you'd like a 1 or 2-night getaway to nearby Toledo or Chinchon .

While I've NEVER read/heard any feedback on them, there are few quaint B & Bs which are listed @ http://www.MadridBandB.com . The photos certainly look nice and quite elegant too.

Also consider some of the hotels using Bancotel checks. The hotels tend to be nicer (don't they??) and at a discounted rate when using these checks.

Good luck and please keep us posted. Saludos, MadridMan

Meeting all of your requirements, except perhaps a reasonable price would be the Palace Hotel. Nearby, and perhaps slightly less expensive is the Villa Real. A great bargain on the Gran Via is the Hotel Emperador. You can get the best rates for the Emperador through. www.hotelsspain.com.

Buena suerte

Lee