Hi all,

First it has to be said--MadridMan THANK YOU so much for this board. It has been beyond helpful to someone who has never gone to Spain.

On Topic--

I can't decide between Hostal Persal or Hotel Europa in Madrid for a September 2004 trip. I've done all the research/reading and they are both about the same price/style but different locations in/near Puerta del Sol. Can anyone help who has stayed at both? I'm just looking for something that will make it an easy decision to not stay at one vs. the other. :-)

Hotel Europa is directly on Puerta del Sol but their website doesn't have a picture of the rooms. (which makes me worry) Hostal Persal looks very clean and safe (my top two priorites) but is not directly on Puerta del Sol.

Also, Hotel Europa doesn't have air conditioning. I'm going in September so I'm guessing that's not a real problem??

I'm an ex-hotel manager, so I freely admit I'm picky, but really all I care about is a place being super clean and half-way safe. :-)

Thank you!
Aurora