http://www.gloria305travels.com/google68e958dd14763a9e.html .

 

 

We just got back from Madrid and Rome and wanted to share withyou, that despite the strong  Euro, it was worth it.  It was a journey through history that we enjoy, as well as the very nice people we met which made the trip even more enjoyable. This trip (Miami-Madrid) we used miles earned on American Airlines, and  from Madrid to Rome we flew with Iberia where we ran into a some inconveniences due to a 2 day strike they had in Oct. 26 & 27.  What madeit worst it was their attitude  toward us, our reservations etc.  We had to call the hotel to inform them of our delay, change our transportation arrangements to the hotel, and canceled our tour arrangements.  Iberia never compensated us for our loses and the so called “ inconveniences” we had.  We recommend a more reliable airline.

 

Our Hotel in Madrid

We stayed at Best Western Carlos V Address: Maestro Victoria 5, Madrid, Tel: 34-91-5314100. They made us feel at home. We are very grateful to the front desk staff Manuel, Rafael, Jorge and Manel. Yhey are well manner and always ready to help us with directions. We used the hotel shuttle to and from Barajas airport  for just 20 Euros each trip for the two of us and our luggage.  The restaurant with its magnificent breakfast, not included in the room price, run by Domingo, who spread his joy and kindness at all times.

 

Hotel B.W. Carlos V Restaurant view

 

The hotel is old but everything is remodeled, very clean, and in an excellent location.  We could walk to the Puerta del Sol Plaza, where in one corner is “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree” symbol of Madrid, this square is considered the center of Madrid. This is for the people of Madrid as the Time Square is in New York.  The plaza is the place to be to celebrate NEW YEAR’S EVE in Madrid.

“El Oso y el Madroño” in Plaza of  “La Puerta del Sol”

 

Madrid’s people sleep very little,  they are known as “cats”, night after night we heard the noise and music of the youth, but next morning we found them having breakfast and discussing what a great time they had the night before.   We usually had breakfast at Canas y Tapas, where we met John, a young man from Barcelona  that works at this restaurant in Madrid, he was kind, polite and we chatted with him as if we knew him for a long time .  No doubt I recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, or to have a drink, they are a restaurant chain, but this one is on the same block of our hotel. Near by there is an entry to “EL Corte Ingles” which is a famous department store and  supermarket in Madrid.  The supermarket is in the basement, where you can buy water, soda, cookies, etc.  rather than paying the hotel “mini bar” prices.

 

CANAS & TAPAS RESTAURANT

 

For lunch we had no special place, when hunger, we stopped in one of the many restaurants of the area we where at that time.  I recommend that you look for the “Menu of the Day” it is usually better and less expensive.  Almost always it cost 9.99 Euros.  Includes: a starter, the entree, a glass of beer or glass of wine, dessert and coffee.   We ate at “Meson Cinco Jotas”  where I engage in a conversation with a lady from Argentina and her daughter, we ate well there and had a great time.  I send my love from Miami! Ola Graciela!.

LA CASA DEL JAMON. It is a well known restaurant (large chain) where the local people have breakfast and lunch at the bar.  They also have a separate restaurant away from the bar, but you pay more for the food there.   If you want just a few tapas and a little wine or bear with a ham sandwich it will cost you only a dollar for each item.

Well you know now that you can eat in many places, but to have a great  Chocolate with Churros, there is nothing like the “Chocolateria San Gines” which is near “Plaza Major” in Madrid.

THE METRO. To ride the subway which is very good, you have several lines and can be purchased at machines 10 tickets for 7.35 Euros, or if you prefer to pay for each trip individually is 1 Euro per trip per person.  Don’t forget to get a Metro Map before you go in a trip.

 

Hope in and out tour bus

 

We recommend the double-decker bus, which stops at all major attractions, where you can get off, see what you want, and get on the next bus which are usually every 15 to 20 minutes away.  I advise buying the two days because I’m sure that one is not going to be enough for all the things you need to see. Tickets can be purchased  at many newsstands and bus stops.  If you are over 65 ask for your discount, since sometimes is not mentioned.  One day tour Adults 16 seniors 8.50 Euros.  The second day on the 2 day tour is about half the price.

 

TRAVELS CHECKS WARNING:  Very few places including most banks don’t change American Express travelers checks.  They can only be changed at the American Express office in the airport and the rates are usually much higher than the going rate.  In Madrid we found only one office of Banco Santander that will change ours, but they charged us 18 Euros for changing $500.  This was the only office (including other offices of the same bank) that will accept American Express Travelers Checks.  This office was across from  La Casa del Jamon, between Arenal and CalleMayor. Preferably, bring cash, as hotels provide a safe in your room, for a minimum fee.  If you take large amounts of cash, carry it in a hidden money belt or similar,  This is a good tip for any city anywhere you travel.

 

PALACIO REAL

 

ROYAL PALACE began construction in 1738, and is not the residence of the Kings since 1931. It is used by the state for some important meetings, Entry fee is 9 Euros per person, but if you belong to the European Union is halved. There are tours and you can Select your own language in most cases.

 

 

CATHEDRAL ALMUDENA

Almost next to the Royal Palace is the Almudena Cathedral, famous above all for the wedding of Prince Felipe and Doña Letizia.

 

EL PRADO MUSEUM

 

MUSEO DEL PRADO.

The famous El Prado Museum, has famous painters and sculptors, among others, Goya, Velazquez, etc. It has over 7000 famous paintings. The entry fee is about 6 Euros, but  check for discounts.

 

SAN JERONIMO CHURCH

On one side of the museum, across the street, is this beautiful church that was annexed to the palace by the Catholic Monarchs. In the 19thcentury was restored and inside the church, there are sculptures of Benlliure and Juan Pascual de Mena.

Madrid is all history, beauty, luxury and simplicity. Next year (2010), “La Gran Via” celebrates it’s 100th anniversary on April 5.  King Alfonso XIII decided to begin the construction of this highway, planned since 1895.  I met a lady at “Parque del Retiro” and her eyes sparkled as she described, how years ago people used to dress up to walk and admire the surrounding of “LA GRAN VIA”, but even today people appreciate the beauty of its buildings, exclusive shopping and its illumination at night.  Today you can visit nightclubs such as The White Elephant, Chicote, famous for  their famous cocktails, and watch movies or plays, as famous as those of Broadway.

 

Lake at “PARQUE DEL RETIRO”

 

In 1868, this beautiful park was where monarchs took their guests to enjoy  its 350 acres of leisure.  Today is a playground for both locals and visitors.  You still can enjoy privacy, if you want to turn away from the crowds, and talk quietly, you certainly can do so.

Around the lake you’ll find cafes and tables where you can eat while enjoying yourself viewing people  rowing boats in the lake. Very nice to see and rest at the same time.

 

CONVENTO DE LAS DESCALZAS REALES

It was founded by Joan of Austria in 1557.  A place of peace and tranquility in his chapel, where we heard Mass.   To take a tour of the convent you need to wait in line, since the tours are of 20 people at a time.  They charge 6 Euros per person.

 

FUENTE DE CIBELES

One of the most famous fountains which is at the intersection of Alcala and Paseo del Prado, opposite to the Bank of Spain and the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which is today the Town Hall building.

 

TEMPLO DE DEBOD

It is an Egyptian temple donated to the Spanish Government for their help with the Aswan Dam.   It was transported stone by stone, from the Nile in 1968.

My blog would be endless with all you can see in this big city, so I did a page with pictures,  so you can get a better idea of  Madrid.   There is a saying in Madrid…

From Madrid to Heaven and in Heaven … .. have a window to see Madrid.

You can see more Madrid photos at: http://gloria305vacaciones.com/madrid-espana/

Photos by Gloria & Vily