Frommer's Spain 2009

By Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince

Book Overview

America's #1 bestselling travel series Written by more than 175 outspoken travelers around the globe, Frommer's Complete Guides help travelers experience places the way locals do. More annually updated guides than any other series 16-page color section and foldout map in all annual guides Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and suggested itineraries Dozens of detailed maps in an easy-to-read, two-color design

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047028790X
• ISBN13: 9780470287903
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Frommer's
• Length: 694 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Great book

I bought this book, read it, planned along their recommendation. Had a great grip to Spain. I love the idea that a map of Madrid & Barcelona is included, it was very helpful. We walked around a lot for sight-seeing, without the map, won't be as convinent.

Good Basic Choice

Although generally much more fond of the Rough Guide series, I found Frommer's Spain to be a pleasant surprise. This guidebook is a solid, well-written piece of work. Perhaps the best feature of this guide lies in it's exactitude. Frommer's seems to go to great length to get their times right, and by telling exactly what you'll be paying for a typical meal somewhere, they have eliminated the guesswork that goes with reading "prices in the $10 to $30 range". Although Europe should be an adventure, nobody likes being caught short. Frommer's is all about making sure that doesn't happen. Culturally competent, Frommer's seems to care very much about WHY places are important. Although I do not agree with all their inclusions and exclusions, this guidebook will, for the most part, steer you in the right direction to see the highlights of Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and many other larger cities. All in all, although a bit more spotty than it should be about Spain outside of Her larger cities, Frommer's is a good buy for a decent overview of Spain and a GREAT BUY if you aren't straying too far afield from the major cities.

Travel Through Spain WIth Frommers - The Best Way !

I began using Frommer's travel books/guides in the 1970s, for Central and South America, and Europe. They were my favorite guide books then, and are still the best, providing clear, concise information for the traveler, with a predominately midlevel budget range. All their books, however, usually contain excellent low-budget suggestions, as well as information provided for luxury accommodations. With that endorsement, I most highly recommend "Frommer's Spain 2003." I have traveled in Spain widely, but that was 15 years ago. On a glorious return trip to Spain early last spring, I found the updated guide even more informative than the one I used so long ago."Frommer's Spain 2003" provides a wide range of suggested accommodations, from budget to luxury, and I decided, before my trip, on a lovely pension in Barcelona, which was my "base of operations." I made reservations, by telephone, a month in advance and found the place, and the price, to be exactly as described, along with the excellent service. Frommer's suggested local restaurants became my favorites, and the owners of the pension also made some excellent suggestions. I selected my lodgings in Marbella (Costa del Sol), Grenada, Seville, and Madrid from Frommer's, as well, and although I clearly preferred some over others, I was comfortable at all. The information in the guide was accurate in all cases. My ideas for day trips, from each of these cities, were based on a combination of past experience, the advice of friends and Frommer's suggestions. Frommers had the best and most original information about off-the-mainstream places of interest, including festivals, fairs, markets, shopping, entertainment, nightlife, etc.The fold-out country map, and city maps are extremely easy to follow. I have the world's worst sense of direction, and never got lost - even on my own, original walking tour of Barcelona's winding streets.All of the many magnificent things to see in Spain, each city's major attractions, the museums, art, churches and galleries are obviously included. It is the selection of lesser known sites, and out-of-the-way itineraries that makes this guide so special. I have read that some people find the book to be too big or bulky. I find it to be just right, and never needed to refer to another guide during my entire trip.For before trip preparation, you may wish to brush-up on Spanish history, art - whatever your area(s) of interest. If so, you will do well to look at books specifically on the topics of your choice. Frommer's does provide a BRIEF chapter of historical information. It may be sufficient for your needs, but I think it worth mentioning here.Overall, this is the Best book to take, especially if you plan to take only one, to assist you in enjoying the glories of Spain, past and present! JANA

Useful for the Beaten Path

I prefer the Frommer Guides to most others, and this is no exception. While a bit short in background, it provided a lot of useful, practical information for my recent trip to Northern Spain. As with most standard guides, however, it falls short in breadth of coverage, emphasizing the well-known sites and omitting lots of fascinating smaller towns and areas. But then, that's why I travel, to discover the real country, not the postcard one. If you're going with a group, or sticking mostly to the main roads, this is a good book to bring.

A Memorable Trip with Frommer's

My wife and I have recently returned from a six-week trip to Spain. Thanks to Frommer's guide, we had the most memorable trip of our lives. The book is helpful, opinionated, personalized, like a good friend talking to you and leading you out of the traps and into the oasis. We were directed to friendly people, affordable meals, great beds, and lovely moments that will live long in our memory. We have used Frommer's guides to America before but never one to a country in Europe. From now on, we're dedicated fans. We won't leave home without it!