I concur heartily with Leslie about the Villa Real. I've stayed there several times both on business and holiday. It is right next to the Westin Palace. The rooms are on two levels, with the sitting area two steps below the sleeping area, making the rooms feel like mini-suites. The Prado is just a few minutes walk away, as are the great tapas bars of the Plaza Mayor. Because the Cortes (which is as I recall the Spanish legislature) is across the street, the security in the area is excellent. Cheers, Fred