Holiday in Madrid
Having recently spent a few nights in Madrid thought it might be worth while to share my opinions on this Capital City. Great place – it contrasts somewhat with Paris however it’s a lot more friendly and welcoming. It was built approx 300 years ago and is the geographic centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Because it’s quite high up it can be very hot in summer and conversely cold in winter. In fact we had great sunshine but once out of it you noticed the chill. However it was dry!!
The main points if interest are Puerto del Sol, Gran Via, The Plaza Mayor with its great square and market stalls. The Prado Museum is a must for its great art collection and the adjacent Retiro Gardens. However these are just a few of the long list of things to do. There are very many squares and each has its own character plus restaurants and bars/cafes a plenty.
Main shopping street is Serrano (like a long Grafton St) but for everyday things the best department Store is El Corte Ingles. Great value in all sorts of leather goods particularly in shoes.
I visited the three hotels that Peter and Louise are featuring -
Hotel Petit Palace DUCAL. (Watch it because there are a group of Petit Palace hotels)
This one is just off the very busy street Gran Via and so it’s less noisy. Small reception area and tiny sitting area with a separate high tech coffee shop and bar. However there is no real lounge or any public space to talk about. Rooms are very smart black and white décor -completely modern with all the facilities you would expect including in room safe. There are 58 rooms including a number that have four beds. In all – a great hotel for city centre but with limited public areas – but everything is available in the vicinity.
Hotel Catalonia les Cortes.
This hotel is slightly off the Gran Via – but nearby the Spanish National Theatre and Plaza Santa Anna. Lovely square had lunch here in the sunshine…!! Hotel is just around the corner and is a real gem. The building is 18 century palace but was re modelled as an hotel and only opened January 2006. They have preserved a lot of the old palaces features including wonderful painted ceilings and original staircase etc. All of the 65 rooms are spacious with good high ceilings so it’s very airy. Super honeymoon suite. Plenty of space on ground floor with good bar and restaurant. It’s a real find (unless you clients are seeking the ultra modern)
Hotel Gaudi
After the other two this hotel is a bit dull. It is facing onto the Grand Via and has 185 rooms. There is nothing at all wrong with the place however its décor is 1950′s style dark timber panelling which give it a sombre appearance. The rooms I saw were facing the Gran Via and had very effective double glazing so little street noise. The rooms on top floor (7th ) are more spacious and with some good views. However if you have a group and they want to be central this will be perfect. It has a street level restaurant and coffee bar with a good reception area. In the basement they have a fitness room and plunge pool but no swimming pool. The young man that took me around is Joaquin Cruz and he trained for some months in Mount Clare Hotel in Dublin – he was very helpful.
Getting Around
Aer Lingus fly into the new Terminal 4 – This is a VAST building with a satellite building and connecting monorail. Be sure to warn you clients that they will need plenty of time to get to the gates. Lots of shops here before and after security. To get into Madrid if there is 3 or 4 of you the taxi is best about €30.00. If using public transport you will need to transfer to the old Terminals 1/3 about 5 kms away and get the metro there. Bit messy until they extend the metro to T4.
In Madrid city centre.
We used the metro. Its safe fast and efficient. You need to know the various lines but once you master this – its very good and great value. Taxis are plentiful and are all cream coloured cars. The couple we took were very helpful and seem to understand some English.
The prices overall were good value and the people without exception really welcomed you.
There are a number of Irish Pubs. I didn’t try them all!! – but from what I did try found they are a bit mixed like in most major capitals.
This is a good choice for somebody wanting a”New ” Short break destination – with EI featuring it now ex Cork.
Search www.travelnet.ie for the best deals on Flights and Hotels in Madrid.
About the Author
Hi
I alina Thomas
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