Has anyone stayed at Hostal Oporto ? I see how well Hostal Persal and Hotel Europa are rated here at the forum but couldn't find info on Oporto. Frommers rates it with a star. My 12 yo daughter and I are going to Madrid for 3 days in late November. Would anyone recomend any of these places for a pre-teen or is there somewhere else we should stay in the under 75 Euro range? Thanks!

Hi agquad! Welcome to our little message board.

I think you'll find a number of reviews here of Hostal Oporto on the message board. In the SEARCH page (see link above/right), simply type OPORTO MADRID and you should find many.

You can read my own personal review shortly after returning from Madrid in April 2002 - I spent one of those nights in Hostal Oproto - in the " Hostal Oporto (Madrid) " thread. There, I included a bunch of links to my photos of the place too. I can recommend it.

I'm sure Hostal Oporto is (much) cheaper than your other two options. The location is good too, close to the Puerta del Sol on a quiet street behind the Congreso building. It's also a short walk away from the (my favority) Huertas neighborhood.

Hostal Persal is in an excellent location too, just off the lively Plaza Santa Ana (less lively in November when you're there, unforunately, because all of the outdoor terraces will have long been removed). This building has a nice, "hotel-like", atmosphere. I toured this place in October 2000. They have a couple restaurants - one is only for breakfast though.

Good luck! Saludos, MadridMan

Thanks! This board -- and you -- are great!
BTW, I read so much about the night life of Madrid, but I will have a 12 yo daughter with me. Is it appropriate to take a girl that young to a tapas bar or restaurant for a late dinner? Any other thoughts about introducing a preteen to Madrid?

Take a look in the "Food, Drink, & Entertainment" forum. I did a quick search for you and found the following, relevant threads:

" Family friendly restaurants: BCN, Sevilla, Madrid ", " Eating out with kids .... ", " tasca\'s and tenagers mix question ". You'll likely see whole families (and some strollers) in many bars in Spain.

Saludos, MadridMan

Hi!
Just to add to Madridman's (as always) knowledgeable comments; I used to stay at Hostal Persal each year. It is kept in good condition, the staff are helpful and can speak English and you can get BBC news on the television in your room (or at least that was the case).
The only reason I stopped staying there was because the price ended up double that of more modest hostales. However if you can ask for and get a price that is attractive I can certainly recommend staying there.
Regards