We stayed at Plaza del liceo just on the leafy outskirts of Madrid and about 15 minutes ride away in a taxi (9-10 euros). The hotel was lovely, small rooms but very modern and clean. The maid came every day, and changed the towels on our second day there. There are no tea or coffee making facilties in your room but they do have a coffee bar downstairs. The mini-bar was cheap, 2 euros for a small can of beer. We visited Plaza Mayor and had our first meal there which cost us 60 euros, and was ok. But the next night we referred to the 'Rough guide to Madrid' and ate at a place called Amironotta (i think), excellent service (the owner gave us a free beer because there was a queue for tables), the decor was ultra modern and the food was delicious, this meal cost us 40 euros and made us think we had been ripped off the night before. The next night we ate at Del fonsa Susannah, again excellent food and only cost us 40 euros. The Royal palace is well worth a visit and for the people who appreciate Art a visit to the el prado is wort a visit too. All in all a lovely clean city, with lots of beautiful architecture and no brits abroad!!! (avoid the irish pubs if you want to avoid brits abroad).