Now I discover that the hotel is in front of a couple of strip bars, and some reviews say that this can be a problem, so I was thinking to switch the reservation to the Tryp Cibeles , that's close to Gran Via, but looks nicer and it's cheaper.
So, what is the truth? I don't plan doing anything special for the nights, just having a quiet meal somewhere close the hotel. Do it. Tryp Cibeles is on the Castellana in a beautiful part of the city, just around the corner from El Prado , and the Retiro park.
The part of Gran Via that you should avoid is almost a km away on the Sol side of Gran Via and you have no reason to go that way. If you want to see some of the hidden Madrid safely then I would recommend a tapas tour with Adventurous Appetites.
They take you around some hard to find tapas bars, and tell you a bit about the history of the city. I too am a woman having a few days in Madrid by myself next week. I would say the Tryp Cibeles. Atocha isnt really dangerous but id rather stay a little nearer the Prado , Gran via , Sol, Opera areas. Gran via is a busy street and not dangerous. But you DO have to be careful of pickpockets who single out people who look disoriented by the numbers of people.
Plaza Mayor area is a quieter area and as in ALL the center of madrid be careful of pickpockets but other than that you will feel safe walking around in Madrid. And don't stay in at nights! Madrid never sleeps, get out and enjoy it! Profile JOIN.
