Specific details from Craig and Geoff's third trip to Europe: Winter 2000-01

All our hotel rooms were nice, quiet, etc. and had private bathrooms.

Madrid:

We stayed at Hostal Dulcinea in a studio apartment with a kitchenette, 3 single beds, and dining table for 8,560 pesetas (about $52) per night. It was nice, and well-located on Calle Cervantes, a couple blocks from all the major museums.

We went to a the flamenco tavern/restaurant Casa Patas for a performance of the singer Merenguito and his band and dancers. Casa Patas is near the Antón Martín metro stop at Cañizares, 10. Their phone number is 91-369-04-96, and their web site is here.

We had excellent paella in a somewhat snooty atmosphere at La Baraca.

Granada:

We stayed at Hotel Guadalupe (Paseo de la Sabica, 958-22-34-23) in a very nice room with a balcony overlooking the walls of the Alhambra for 12,150 pesetas (about $75) per night. It's located across the street from the Alhambra -- an excellent location for that but a bit remote from the rest of Granada.

Málaga:

We stayed at the Parador de Málaga-Gibralfaro (Monte Gilbralfaro, 95-2222-19-02) in a very nice room with soft, old, beds for 17,500 pesetas (about $90) per night. We had a great view, but the location on top of a hill made getting into town difficult.

Seville:

We stayed at Hotel Ducal (Plaza del la Encarnacion, 19, 95-421-51-07) in a good room with three beds for 7,250 pesetas (about $45) per night. It was well-located, especially for the shopping.

Had our favorite meal of the trip at Sopa Boba (and met the owner later at a bar!) It's located near the fine arts museum.

London:

We stayed at the Days Inn Knightsbridge for £75 (about $110) per night. It was nicely modern and right near the Imperial War Museum and the Lambeth North tube stop.

Had excellent Italian food at Spiga on Wardour St. near Old Compton in Soho, and good cheap Indian at Maharaja of India on Charing Cross near Leicester Square.