Sercotel Apartamentos Togumar - Madrid, Spain     

My sister and I stayed here for vacation from January 7- 10, 2007. This hotel was included in a budget package booked through Air France. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect because there wasn't a lot of info on this hotel, and the neighborhood didn't look all that great, but this hotel exceeded my expectations. The room here was very neat, clean and large. The bedroom included 2 twin beds, TV, a very large closet, and a dining area with table and chairs. Upon entering the room there was a large kitchenette area, with dishes, fridge, sink, hot plate and microwave. The bathroom was large and included a hand held shower as well as a bidet. The thing I really liked about the room were the heated floors, it really made the room feel cozy. As for noise, we had no problem, often we felt like we were the only ones there, we rarely saw or heard anyone else. The elevators were tiny but that seems to be the norm in Europe. We actually had no problem fitting our 3 bags and selves into the elevator. The continental breakfast was pleasing and consisted of cereal, pastries, chocolate, coldcuts and coffee, tea and juice. Yes, the staff spoke little to no english, but that was also true of most of the people in madrid. The staff were very friendly though and always spoke when they saw us. On first glance the neighborhood didn't look too appealing, but we didn't have any problems. Walking around the area I felt pretty safe. The hotel is located in a residential area, not alot of tourists around. There is a store across from the hotel where you can buy groceries and other items. There are alot of mom and pop stores in the area as well as a church and park, all within walking distance. The metro is only 3 blocks from the hotel and is a very inexpensive and quick way to get around. It was a 15 to 20 min ride from the airport and only cost us 1 euro. The ride downtown only took 10 min, and we were able to get a 3 day pass for less than 10 euros. The metro is very clean and easy to navigate. Also the metro near the hotel had escalators so it helped when lugging lots of bags. I noticed that most stops in the city only have steps and alot of them. I would definitely stay here again and would recommend this hotel to anyone that wants a good value without spending alot of money.

A friend and I booked the Barcelona-Madrid holiday through a travel company and stayed at the Togamar Apartments in Madrid. We knew that it was not close to the City Center, but had no idea it was so far away from all the major attractions. If a person doesn't mind staying a good distance from the City Center, in a neighborhood with very few restaurants (but a great pastry shop!), and at a hotel where only one employee spoke English, then you might enjoy this facility. The rooms facing the street are very noisy (and cars driving over the metal plate placed over the street repair didn't help the noise level!), so ask for a room at the extension at the rear of the hotel. The continental breakfast is average. Rooms are good size and large bathroom. But, again, the location is very far out and not close to any of the sites. Few taxi drivers are familiar with this area. If I had to do it over, I'd pay more for closer accommodations.