I know I should probably put this on the "hotel forum", but wanted to get some help quickly and I know everyone at least looks at off topic.

So in looking into doing our own air for TUT, we have a issue coming home and it looks like we will have to overnight in Madrid, arriving around 6pm, with flight out next day at 4pm.

In this situation we'd probably like to stay in the historic/old town part of the city center.

So all you wonderfully traveled LCT'er where would you stay? And.....just as a thought, would you actually choose to stay an additional day? We figure this, arriving around 6, collect luggage, find transportation into city (and i've read nightmares about the cabs) arrive hotel around 8, check in go to dinner (at least in Spain its normal to eat really late), get up fairly early next morning, have breakfast and try to spend 3-4 hours walking around (or should we get a private guide, if so who?) and then plan to be back at airport around 2. Does this work? Does anyone know if there is any place to store luggage at the airport, so we could just take an overnight bag? Hotel recommendations? What about private driver services that would pick us up at airport, take us to hotel, pick us up next day give short tour and then drop at airport?

Thanks everyone, I know there are some of you out there who will be a lot of help.

Here's a great hotel suggestion for you, JoAnn:
Villa Real

It is in a perfect location, near the 3 big museums and walkable to the Puerta del Sol. I would stay an extra night if you have the time, then you could see museums on different days, the Royal Palace and get more of a flavor of the city.

I don't think you need a private guide - everything is right there. The hotel can arrange an airport transfer for you, or taking a cab is very easy - as I recall it is about a 1/2 hour drive. Their web site estimates a cab is around 20 euros.

Request a for a room overlooking the front square.

Thanks Leslie, I knew those of you who are much more traveled that we would have some great ideas.

My only concern with taxis is that I have read they rip you off, and it can take almost an hour to get from airport to hotel due to traffic.

Any input on this?

Hi JoAnn,

I have been to Madrid many times and unfortunately it is the one city where I have been scammed 3 times by taxi drivers. There must be private car services but I have never been able to find a recommendation for one. I know of a shuttle service (aerocity.com) but for two people it would be more money that taking a cab. Having said that, I would still recommend going to Madrid and staying an extra day if you can. It's a great city. The airport is very close to the city center, aroound 20 mins in normal traffic. Regarding the cab, just make sure they start the meter. Leslie's idea of arranging a car through the hotel sounds good. Don't know why I have never thought of this. Next time I go I'll probably do that.

Same as Leslie, one of my hotel recommendations is the Villa Real. I also like the Westin Palace and the Melia ME Reina Victoria. They are all in the same area, close to Museo del Prado. That is the preferred area.

You really don't need a private guide. If you have good weather, besides the Museums, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, you should take a stroll on Parque del Retiro

My favorite restaurant is Posada de la Villa , near Plaza Mayor. Their specialty is roasted lamb.

Editing to add: Are you flying into Madrid the same day the cruise ends? If so, I notice it is a Sunday , so you should not have traffic issues from the airport that day.

JoAnn - I absolutely second (and third) Leslie's and Maria's recommendation for the Villa Real. It is a lovely small hotel, with very nice rooms, on two levels (a couple of steps between them), the bedroom being on one level and the living room on the other. Definitely ask for a room overlooking the Plaza or the Cortes. I've stayed at Villa Real several times, both on business and holiday, and find it the best hotel in Madrid for the $$$. It's an easy walk from the hotel to the Plaza Mayor, which is blessed with a series of delightful tapas joints, perfect for a tapas crawl, our favorite way of eating in Madrid. Have fun. Cheers, Fred

Thanks Maria and Fred for your input. I would say the Villa Real is at the top of the list by far and most likely we will definitely stay there (especially Fred with you mentioning a tapas crawl - we love tapa bars too).

Maria - yes we are flying from Venice to Madrid the day the cruise ends, its a forced overnight since the only flight out of Venice we could get on with miles, misses the flight to Dulles. But now I am thinking it might be worth moving that flight to the next day and allowing ourselves a full day in Madrid, as on the 17th we don't arrive until 6:00pm, so we wouldn't have much chance to sightsee.
I'll keep you'all posted on the final outcome. :)