Archive for the Madrid category
Sunday, Nov 12th, 2006
Categories: Madrid
The first appointment of the day was set at 10:30 so I decided to stop at Puerta del Sol as it was convenient from where I was staying and walk from there. Before any walking I went to the famous “la Menorquina” patisserie in Madrid, located in the Puerta del Sol (ask anyone if you can not see it ) to get the their most popular pastry “napolitana”. They are always recently made and taste just great, and therefore this place is always packed with people. From Puerta de Sol I took Calle Preciados, a very popular street for its shops and big department stores, reaching plaza Callao another popular meeting point. From there I walked through Gran Via and took Fuencarral street where the popular Fuencarral market is located, and five minutes later I was at the door of Pop Hostel. This hostel is located between Malasaña-Chueca-Tribunal which is a very popular and vibrant area of the city. It is a small hostel and has a nice atmosphere, self catering facilities and colourful decoration, and also provides tourist information. In the same area is also Ole Internatinal Hostel which is also in the same tune as the previous visited property.They have internet facilities and young helpful staff.
From there I headed to Gran via street again to visit United World International Hostel. I really liked that this place is located between Gran Via and Plaza de España which is another emblematic place in Madrid. They have wooden floors and it is almost like a nice private house, although the rooms can be noisy though as the traffic is huge in Gran Via.
It was time to eat something, and going back to Calle Preciados I then went to the popular “Casa Labra“ to try their famous “bacalao rebozao” or battered cod. This is a place of great tradition and it is always so busy be prepared to eat your food in the street, but it is still well worth it if you like cod.
Next stop was Metropol Hostel, located in Calle Montera which is a kind of red district area but is just steps away from Puerta del Sol. Metropol hostel has a very big common area with a TV and plenty of space to stay around and relax and they provide updated daily information with all cultural events.
The last appointment was at Los Amigos Hostel. I walked there and it took less than15 minutes from the Metropol. As you may have realised most of these places are within walking distance to each other which was great for me. I pass through again Puerta del Sol and went to Isabel II square. From there you can see the back part of the rehabilitated Real Theater. Any one of the two streets that surround it take you to Plaza de Oriente where the Royal palace is located. It is a place that is today closed to the traffic, and ideal to walk any Sunday morning, or to enjoy at night in one of the terraces. The hostel is very cosy and welcoming, with plenty of sunlight and colours. They have a TV room with comfortable sofas and have a spacious eating area with kitchen facilities, and I found them as a very good choice in Madrid.
That was all for the hostels in Madrid. I really enjoyed my stay there and I am looking forward to going back soon!
Sunday, Nov 12th, 2006
Categories: Madrid
The sun was shining in the early morning when we awoke, and we were very pleased; Madrid was looking fantastic and we had exiting appointments ahead!
We started the day with Cat’s hostel. I heard people saying that is one of the best hostel’s in Europe. While this could be a bit exaggerated, I would say that it is definitely a lovely building with a stunning patio, and definitely has a fantastic backpacker atmosphere (the first so far that we had found on our visits).This place is perfect to meet other travellers as they have a bar and a lot going on for their guests including DJ sessions, flamenco dance performance, paella days…etc.
The Mad hostel is just around the corner and is its sister hostel. The Mad is a newly refurbished “Corrala! (traditional building in Madrid). They are both located close to tribunal a very popular area for night life (especially for the younger population).
After visiting these two hostels, we head to Paseo del Prado, which is a good 15 mins walk but as it was a lovely day it was enjoyable. From tribunal we reach Atocha street, and leaving the Atocha station on your right (the station itself is worthy a visit), you walk through Paseo del Prado . Just in front of Museo del Prado you will find Hostal Sudamericana which is perhaps a more modest place to stay. The bathrooms are shared although they have ensuite rooms in a near building. They are under renovations are the moment so will be able to offer more facilities in the future. If you are looking for a place to eat the delicious tuna and cod salads and “tostas” of all types do not miss “Cerveceria Cervantes” just in front of the church “Cristo de Medinaceli”. The beer taste incredible also! The Museo del Prado, Thyssen Museum, botanic garden and Retiro park are also very close to this hostal.
La Posada Huertas is also one of the few youth hostels in Madrid, and it has good services. They have self catering facilities and laundry, and is another good option for meeting other travellers. They provide tourist information and are very close to the Royal Palace. The area is also famous for the night life and bars so you won’t get bored here.
Sunday, Nov 12th, 2006
Categories: Madrid
There is a lot to do and some good places to stay in Madrid. Easyjet and Ryanair both fly here, so it is an opportunity for an exciting and inexpensive weekend break.
Many of the properties offered are around the emblematic Puerta del Sol, in which very soon the celebration of the New Year will take place, thousands of people gather and eat 12 grapes, one on each chime of the clock, representing each month of the year. The large clock that dominates the square sees the New Year in for many Spanish people and it is an unmissable occasion for any visitor during these days.
Our first appointment was Hostal el Pilar in the very popular calle Carretas that connects to the Puerta del Sol. Apart from its perfect location, this place offers comfortable rooms (all of them with private bathrooms at reasonable prices), and air conditioning which is something very much appreciated during the hot summer months.
Gay Hostel Puerta del Sol (in Puerta del Sol) is a very cosy hostel with only private rooms. The hostel is well kept, with comfortable rooms and nice bed linen, and is one of the few that offers a free breakfast to their guests. The staff are helpful and you can get good advice here about where to go out at night as well as general tourist information.
Hostal Marlasca is also in the area, with its building being fully restored in 1998. The place is clean and comfortable, again with just private rooms are on offer, and all with air conditioning. Although there are no breakfast facilities, there are plenty of bars around.
Hostal Cruz Sol, which is also housed in a fully restored building, offers full comfort “ensuite” rooms. It is located in a Plaza de Santa Cruz, one of the small plazas typical for Madrid and a few steps away from the Plaza Mayor which is one of the more beautiful of the city, The statue of Felipe III, in the centre serves as a meeting point for many people, and if you happen to be there over Christmas you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas market. The square is full of traditional bars where you can eat tapas, and traditional Spanish dishes, and here you can also get here the typical “chocolate con churros” which make a perfect closure for a late night out.
Hostal Madrid has again the same good standards as the previous properties, and rooms are even equipped with hair dryer and free WIFI. The location is also perfect between the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Salamanca was the last place visited, and we had to catch the underground to get there. If you are travelling by the underground, do not forget to buy the 10 trip ticket as it is more than half price as buying single tickets. The hostel is located in the prestigious “Barrio de Salamanca”, which in relation to the others is a little further, but by underground is only 15 minutes to Puerta del Sol. The place is very quiet, clean and the building is also in very good condition.
