I really do need advice please. I am visiting Madrid for the first time in April / May 2009. I have 9 days for Madrid.

I am a 60 + year young Australian. With a spinal condition, which is limiting. I need to plan each day well.
It is therefore most important to me, that I select a hotel that is very well located, and is in the thick of the tourist precinct.
Easy walking to Restaurants – Tapas etc. As well as shopping and transport.
I know this sounds odd, however when I visit Museums and Galleries, I view these as purpose visits,
so I devote dedicated time for each of these. I can rail, bus or taxi to each of these.
It seems from researching many manyu pages posted on this excellent site, that I should be selecting a hotel in the
Grand Via / Puerto del Sol areas.
I would appreciate advice and opinions on this location, location, and location.
Advise also on specific hotels within these areas would also be most welcome