Madrid, Spain

[SCT]

We just picked up a 5 day trip to Madrid, Spain next month. Has anyone been there and have suggestions w/ hotels/ sight seeing/ etc?? How safe is it?

Thanks for any input,
SCT

 

[g4800xp]

There is a really nice old winery or monastary that is now a hotel called the La Casa Grande, not far from the airport, great atmosphere.

 

[GVFlyer]

The Prada Museum is exquisite.

http://museoprado.mcu.es/ihome.html

I generally stay at the Westin Palace Madrid.

http://www.luxurytravel.com/directory/spain/madrid/hotels/11237963.shtml

Be sure to take in a Flamenco.

Enjoy.


GV

 

[AA717driver]

Don't take anything of value with you on the street. Don't take your passport--make a copy if you want. Don't take much cash or any debit cards. Pickpockets are rampant and I got robbed in front of the Grand Hyatt by two guys dressed as cops supposedly looking for drugs.

You will fly to Torrejon but be prepared to be diverted at the last second to Barajas (the commercial airport about 5 miles away). Spanish ATC will "suddenly" determine the ramp is full.

It's not a big deal--just keep the LEMD charts handy. I'd go with the Westin like GV said. It's got to be nicer that the Hyatt. Internet is scarce. Like Italy,
Spain seems to be mired in the 1970's when it comes to technology...

Have fun! TC

 

[Gulfstream 200]

+1 again on the Westin. easy walk over to the Prado and the park.

TC - ya wanna buy a nice used rolex?

 

[SCT]

"Well I never been to Spain but I kinda like the music......"- 3 Dog Night.

Thanks for the info, guys. Spain is a country I've always wanted to visit.

We are checking on the Westin.

AA717- I'll watch taking valuables/passport on the street. We already have back-up creditionals that we take on overseas trips.

So is the food as good, the wine as wonderful, and the women as beautiful as I hear they are in Spain?? Any other must see or do things?

Thanx-
SCT

 

[TransMach]

Spain

The food IS wonderful. The beef is some of the most flavorful I've ever had. Much better than our US or Asian stuff. Now as for the seafood and tapis (read appertif) they're far out. I don't care for the wines as much as our California stuff.

Yes the ladies are most lovley, I married one.

TransMach

 

[pilotviolin]

Don't let people scare you. It is pretty safe, just like all big cities there are problems. The train system is very good. Take a day trip to Toledo is a must. It is just over an hour train ride. Pick up a good spanish sword while your there..
Also another good day trip is El Escorial, and on the way is Valle de los Caidos. It is amazing! Biggest cross in the world built by franco for his tomb.
If you are really want to see some sites away from tourists take a bus or rent a car to Chinchon, about 45 min. away. Come to think of it, just rent a car. Very exciting.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Take a Easyjet or Ryanair flight to Amsterdam !!! doh !!

 

[AA717driver]

Take a Easyjet or Ryanair flight to Amsterdam !!! doh !!

That's the best suggestion yet! TC

 

[nfg2u]

This time of year go to Amsterdam and leave a beautiful country like Spain? I don't get it!!!!!