I have a reservation at En Busca del Tiempo but read a comment on another site that said the neighborhood is "run down"; so I now have an alternate reservation at Principe 11 . Both hotels look fine for me, but I need to cancel one of them...is one in a "better" neighborhood than the other? I'm a single woman traveling alone and want to feel comfortable walking on the street near my hotel. Thanks in advance for your help!

I'll jump in before MadridMan jumps in with his timely Ahem...Are you talking about Madrid!
Anyway I don't know where the first place is you mention, but as for the second in C Principe in Madrid, well this is as safe as anywhere. The streets are always bright and full well into the night at weekends, so you shouldn't have problems there.

Thanks Barry. I can't believe I left out "Madrid" after reading so many posts here that left out the city name. How embarrassing. (picture me bonking my forehead with my hand).

lindacarol:

Please see my recent query under " Apartamentos Hispano ", which I was weighing against Principe 11. MadridMan replied directing me to the coolest site ever, QDQ.com . You go to "Madrid fotos," type in the address you want, and behold, you will not only see its picture, but will be able to "wander" about the neighborhood. MadridMan's note contains direct links.

There are two more places you might want to investigate. One is a two-story apartment they call the "duplex" at Calle de la Montera 33 may be found at gomadrid.com/apartments , I think, which rents for 60 euros a day for two people, less for one. It has a washing machine, no dryer and no services, but seems a bargain and the man you deal with on the Net, Roger Warwick, is very nice. The other is Hostal Madrid , at Esparteros, 6, practically on the Plaza Mayor, which has both rooms and apartments with a separate bedroom, the latter at 84 euros a night for two, 10 more than Principe charges for an efficiency. Remember most places charge depending on the number of people. All the neighborhoods, I am told and guess from the pictures, are very much alive night and day and thus presumably safe. I have booked the Hostal Madrid and will report back in March.

Thanks Barry for "stepping in". I was out of town but now have edited the subject line to reflect the city location.

I'm also trying to choose between these hotels for a one night stay in April (and also traveling solo).

Does either hotel have an elevator? If not, how many stairs are we talking about here? :o