Tryp Infanta Mercedes Hotel

The brand new Tryp Alcalá 611 Hotel features a modern design as well as several services 10 minutes from Madrid-Barajas International Airport, and 5 minutes away from the IFEMA Fair Centre.
Guests also have direct access to Madrid city centre thanks to the Canillejas underground station, located nearby.
In a few minutes by public transport guests will also be able to reach many interesting sights, such as the Royal Palace, the Prado and Thyssen Museums, the Juan Carlos I Park and the local Zoo, just to mention some.
Several services await guests at the Tryp Alcalá 611 Hotel to make their stay in Madrid very comfortable, including an outdoor swimming pool, a private parking area, a reception desk available 24 hours, a bar, a restaurant, a TV lounge and laundry service, among others.

Entire property is air conditioned, Lift/elevator, Credit card accepted, Private parking, Laundry service, Beach umbrellas and deck loungers, Front desk - 24 hour, Front desk - fax service, City tour, City guide, City maps, Tourist information, Multilingual staff, Outdoor swimming pool, Individually controlled air conditioning, Heating, Soundproof rooms, Baby cots/cribs available, Hairdryer in each room, Safe, Non-smoking rooms available upon request, Mini bar, Direct dial phone, Dial-up Internet access, Satellite TV, Desk, Groups welcome,

Meliá Castilla Hotel

Hotel description:
Meliá Castilla hotel is located close to the Paseo de la Castellana avenue, a commercial and financial district of Madrid, a few minutes from the historical centre.
The property offers an outdoor swimming pool, hairdresser, some shops and boutiques, 16 conference rooms, an auditorium and a business centre, two restaurants, a piano bar and a cafeteria.
For its location and services, this property is the perfect spot for business and leisure travellers alike.

Hotel Amenities:
Entire property is air conditioned, Lift/elevator, Panoramic lift/elevator, Access for disabled, Credit card accepted, Garden, Garage, Rent a car in the hotel, Internet/Email services, Piano bar, Lounge bar, Pool bar, Cafeteria, Restaurants, Laundry service, Shops in the hotel, Hairdresser, Room service - 24 hour, Front desk - 24 hour, Concierge, City maps, Tourist information, Multilingual staff, Conference room, Meeting room, Business center, Secretarial service, Outdoor swimming pool, Medical service, Air conditioning, Heating, Hairdryer in each room, Electronic safe, Mini bar, Direct dial phone, High speed Internet access, Satellite TV, Congress facilities,

Tryp Alcalá 611 Hotel

The brand new Tryp Alcalá 611 Hotel features a modern design as well as several services 10 minutes from Madrid-Barajas International Airport, and 5 minutes away from the IFEMA Fair Centre.
Guests also have direct access to Madrid city centre thanks to the Canillejas underground station, located nearby.
In a few minutes by public transport guests will also be able to reach many interesting sights, such as the Royal Palace, the Prado and Thyssen Museums, the Juan Carlos I Park and the local Zoo, just to mention some.
Several services await guests at the Tryp Alcalá 611 Hotel to make their stay in Madrid very comfortable, including an outdoor swimming pool, a private parking area, a reception desk available 24 hours, a bar, a restaurant, a TV lounge and laundry service, among others.

Hotel Amenities:
Entire property is air conditioned, Lift/elevator, Credit card accepted, Private parking, Laundry service, Beach umbrellas and deck loungers, Front desk - 24 hour, Front desk - fax service, City tour, City guide, City maps, Tourist information, Multilingual staff, Outdoor swimming pool, Individually controlled air conditioning, Heating, Soundproof rooms, Baby cots/cribs available, Hairdryer in each room, Safe, Non-smoking rooms available upon request, Mini bar, Direct dial phone, Dial-up Internet access, Satellite TV, Desk, Groups welcome.

Madrid Photos

 
 
 
 
 
 

Weather in Madrid

Maps of Madrid

Madrid Freebies

Madrid is a cultural capital full of museums. The Paseo del Arte (Avenue of Art) is a tourist itinerary along the axis of the Paseo del Prado that includes museums, monuments and gardens. In this area you can find, very close to each other, what are considered as the three most important museums of Madrid. The Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía art museums, that together form what is known as the "Golden Triangle of Art". Free entrance can be gained to many of Madrid's premier attractions. In the same way, most museums are free for under 18s and the retired, and give substantial discounts to students (don't forget to bring ID in all cases).

» Museo del Prado
Paseo del Prado, s/n. 28014 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 91 330 28 00 - Fax: (+34) 91 330 28 56
Opening hours: 9-19h, Tuesday to Sunday, holidays included. Closed Monday
Free entrance all day Sunday and on 2nd & 18th May, 12th October, 6th December.

» Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (MNCARS)
Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 91 774 10 00 - Fax: (+34) 91 774 10 58
Opening hours: 10-21h, Sundays 10-14.30h. Closed Tuesday.
Entrance fee: 3.01 euros
Free entrance on Saturday afternoons (after 14.30h), Sunday mornings and on 18th May, 12th October, 6th December.

» Museo Arqueológico Nacional
Calle de Serrano, 13, 28001 MADRID
Phone: 91 577 79 12 - Fax: 91 431 68 40
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: From 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. Sundays and holidays: From 9:30 to 3:00 pm. Mondays: Closed.
Entrance fees: General: 3 Euros.
Free entrance - Unemployed, under 18 years old, over 65 years old: Free. Sundays: Free.

» Museo Naval
Paseo del Prado, 5. 28014 MADRID
Phone: (+34) 91 523 8789 - Fax: (+34) 91 379 5056
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday: From 10:00 am to 14:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays: Guided visits at 11:30 am. Mondays: Closed. August: Closed.
Entrance fees: None. Free entrance

» Museo del Aire
Autovía A-V, Km. 10,500. 28024 MADRID
Phone: (+34) 91 509 16 90 - Fax: (+34) 91 710 68 47
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday: From 10:00 am to 14:00 pm. Mondays: Closed.
Entrance fees: None. Free entrance

» Museo Municipal
c/Fuencarral 78, Metro Tribunal
Opening Times: Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-2 pm; Mondays and holidays closed. Entrance fees: None. Free entrance

» Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo
Conde Duque, 11 Metro Noviciado
Collection of contemporary art: paintings, sculptures, drawings, photos mostly about Madrid or created by Madrid's artists.
Free entrance Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am-2 pm 6 pm-9 pm Sundays 10.30 am-2.30 pm

Spanish in Madrid

Population: 3.600.000
Location: centre of Spain (in the region of the same name).
The capital of Spain and the home of the Spanish Royal Family.
Madrid has an international airport.
It is a city full of contrast where the old town and its character mix perfectly with the modern architecture.
Cultural / recreational:
Madrid has a remarkable collection of museums (the Prado, The Thyssen Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, etc) and art galleries.
If you need to relax, you can take a stroll or just lie on the grass in the most popular and authentic of Madrid’s parks: the Retiro (119 hectares with 15.000 trees).
Nightlife is an essential part of the city: you can find hundreds of pubs and bars, traffic jams at 4 a.m., lights, shows… There are several parts of the city for going out, each with its own particular style.
Madrid has over 54.000 shops, where you can find everything you want.
In the province of Madrid, the famous Escorial monastery, where the kings of Spain are buried, is not be missed.
Due to its ventral location, you can visit a lot of Spanish cities without travelling for hours and hours. In one hour you can be in Avila, Toledo, Segovia, and Aranjuez.
Critical comment:
Madrid is the most cosmopolitan of cities, combining the very best features of any European city. There is a fully interactive atmosphere. Huge green areas and a continuous flow of business people and students. The nightlife is particularly lively and you can also see a lot of traditional bars. Madrid is well worth visiting and getting lost in if you enjoy a unique experience.

Explore Madrid

Please, select the zone you want to explore of Madrid:

Casa de Campo
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Chueca
East of Sol
El Pardo
Gran Vía
Malasaña
Moncloa
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Museo del Prado
Parque del Oeste
Parque del Retiro
Plaza de España
Puerta de Alcalá to San Jerónimo
Salamanca and the Paseo de la Castellana
Sol, Plaza Mayor and Ópera: Madrid of the Austrias
South of Plaza Mayor
Tesoro del Dauphin and the Casón del Buen Retiro

Madrid Festivals

Madrileños celebrate on January 1st. the "New Year's Day". New Year's Eve ticks away at Madrid's Puerta del Sol, where crowds of mainly foreigners & tourists gather to eat 12 grapes, one on each stroke of midnight to guarantee good fortune in the coming year. Thousands of people flock together at Puerta del Sol in "Noche Vieja" (New Year). After midnight, all the city becomes the scenery of a great party.

Cabalgata de los Reyes, on January 5th, is held in towns throughout Spain. The Three Kings, or Los Reyes, parade in floats, the cabalgata, tossing out sweets and presents to children. Children get their Christmas presents the following day, the Día de los Reyes. In fact, Epiphany, on the 6th, is a Spanish child's Christmas. Youngsters leave their shoes on the doorstep to be filled with gifts by the three wise men, or Three Kings.

February, March & April

"Los Carnavales", a carnival with parades and costume parties culminating on Ash Wednesday with the traditional burial of the Sardine, marks the beginning of Lent. In fact, carnival is held in the week before Lent and is a good excuse for a party with dressing-up, floats, parades and street parties. The festivities finish up with the bizarre ritual of the "Entierro de la Sardina" (Burial of the Sardine), which marks the beginning of spring. La Alternativa is an alternative theatre and dance festival is held some time in February or March at venues throughout the city. Check with the tourist office for exact dates.

On March 19 is the Fiesta de San José (Feast of St. Joseph). Also, depending on the year, Semana Santa or "Holy Week" takes place throughout Spain at the end of March or early in April, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The Holy Week is celebrated with solemn processions and masses in Madrid. It’s not such a big event as in southern Spain, but you’ll still see some processions of venerated statues, such as the procession of the brotherhood of Jesús Nazareno el Pobre which parades around the neighbourhood of La Latina. However, processions are fewer in Madrid but are most popular in Seville and throughout Andalucía.

Madrid Shopping

An estimated 50,000 stores sell everything from high-fashion clothing to flamenco guitars to art and ceramics. Here you'll find several kinds of stores: Antiques, Fashions for Men and Wimen, Food Markets, Herbalists, books stores and more. The best time to shop in Madrid is during the winter and summer sales (rebajas) in January-February and July-August respectively, when bargains (gangas) abound and prices are often slashed by 50% or more. Keep in mind that the best bargains are usually clothes and shoes.

A walk along calle Mayor, which goes from the Palacio Real to the Puerta del Sol, is full of shops of every type. This route is definitely recommended. In the same way, the Barrio de Salamanca, is one of Madrid's most exclusive areas where the most expensive designer shops, art studios, hotels and residences are located. If you enjoy "window-shopping " you must stroll along the streets Serrano, Velazquez and Claudio Coello.

The most elegant and expensive area in Madrid is located in the eastern Salamanca district, bounded roughly by Serrano, Juan Bravo, Jorge Juan (and its blind alleys), and Velázquez; the shops on Goya extend as far as Alcalá. Excellent shoes are available, some highly fashionable. But be advised that prices for shoes and quality clothing are generally higher in Madrid than in the United States.

Eating in Madrid

Since Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, numerous recipes and influences from all the regions of Spain, and even outside the country, entered in its kitchen. Today, it is not easy to differentiate between original dishes and imported ones. Madrid has enriched its gastronomy with the contributions of the Andalusians, Galicians, Asturians and other immigrants who have settled here. These days, Madrid offers more a Spanish than a regional kitchen. In fact, international restaurants also abound and you can take your pick from a variety of European, Latin American, North African, and Asian eating spots.

Several dishes and recipes can be considered typical of Madrid. Among them, the Cocido Madrileño must be mentioned; Callos or tripe is another of the typical dishes. Sopa de Ajo (garlic soup), Caracoles (snails), Tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), the famous recipe of Besugo al horno (baked bream). In the same way, Madrid's sweet tradition can be appreciated through its dessert; from torrijas (a type of French toast), to the barquillos (rolled wafers), bartolillos con crema (a type of small pie with custard) the buñuelos (a type of fritter filled with custard whipped cream, etc.).

Madrid Nightlife

Madrid is noted for its nightlife (or la marcha) and night clubs. In fact, there are many people who say that Madrid were Europe's capital of Night Life. On weekends, Madrilenian youth are famous for dancing all night long, stopping only to have some chocolate y churros at dawn, go home, take a shower, shave (or not), and go to work. This fresh movement was called la movida and it initially gathered around Plaza del Dos de Mayo (Malasaña area). It has been said that Madrileños rarely sleep, largely because they spend so much time in bars; not drunk, but socializing in the easy, sophisticated way that's unique to this city.

Nightlife and young cultural awakening flourished in Madrid and, in general, in all Spain after the death of Franco, especially during the 80s while Enrique Tierno Galván was Madrid's mayor. Because dinner is served late in Spain, nightlife doesn't really get under way until after 11pm, and it generally lasts until around 3 or 4 am. Traffic jams in the small hours and office workers heading straight to work from the clubs justifies the madrileños’ reputation as party friends; despite municipal meddling and earlier closing times. Another "night point" in Madrid is the gay district of Chueca, where tattoo studios and street-chic boutiques break up the endless alleys of gay and lesbian bars, techno discos, and after-hours clubs. Chueca is not only for gay people but also for straights looking for fun in their crowded clubs and popular discos.

Gay & Lesbian in Madrid

Madrid is a city designed for all tastes and inclinations. Whether you’re gay, lesbian or bisexual, there are activities, bars, clubs, and places of interest for everyone to enjoy and share. Perhaps one of the best-known gay areas in the city is Chueca. This neighbourhood is right in the centre of Madrid, just off Gran Vía. It's a tightly compact area, actually two areas a short distance apart. The northern end of the neighbourhood is mainly the area of straight college students, but the central Plaza Chueca provides a vibrant mixture of heterosexuals and homosexuals.

A few years ago this neighbourhood was a dangerous area where drugs and male prostitution were rampant. However, Madrid's increasingly growing and affluent homosexual community has made Chueca one of the most fashionable and cosmopolitan areas of Madrid. Furthermore, the cultural diversity and variety of Chueca provides an infinity of leisure and entertainment options night and day. Chueca shines especially bright at night. In this atmosphere it is easy to see movie, music, fashion and theatre celebrities.

Best of Madrid

Its majestic facade, in the traditional Madrid combination of red-brick and granite, is one of the few examples of 16th C. architecture which have been preserved in the city. The interior of the "Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales" is notable for the richness of the decoration and the fine works of art which it contains. Founded by Juana de Austria, sister of Felipe II, this Monastery is a building with a religious, enclosed character. Its interior houses paintings by famous artists such as Titian, Sánchez Coello, Brueghel, Luini, Paolo de San Leocadi, Gaspar Becerro and Pompeo Leoni, amongst others.

Madrid's Royal Palace, "El Palacio Real", is an impressive example of classisistic italian baroque style. This place is the most visited landmark in all of Spain. The construction of this palace was begun under Philip V by the architects Juvara, Sabatini and Sachetti. In 1714, Charles III was the first king to have his residence here. In the Armory of the palace, you'll see today the finest collection of weaponry in Spain (i.e. powder flasks, shields, lances, helmets and saddles).

Massive foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in gardens (the Jardines de Sabatini to the north, the Campo del Moro to the west). The "Palacio Real" can easily take 15 minutes to walk around to the other side and though you shouldn't miss this view, the other side is much closer to downtown and to everything else there is to visit.

Madrid Entertainment

Madrid is also famous for its vast selection of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as for what it has to offer in food: Tapas, a wide variety of restaurants, food shops of various origins and ethnic flavors. Especially around Puerta del Sol, you'll find a high concentration of everything relating to food, drinking, entertainment and staying away from your hotels as long as possible.

To have a drink, the Libertad 8 (Calle Libertad 8) is a small nice and quiet café, it often welcomes cuentacuentos (story tellers) and cantautores. Otherwise, if you prefer flamenco, go near Calle de los Cuchilleros à La Guitarra. To eat cheap, cervecería Cien Montaditos (calle Mayor) sells excellent bocadillos (sandwiches) for 1€.

In Madrid, cinema lovers will find a large choice with plenty of movies in English or Spanish. The Filmoteca (National Filmboard Repertoire Cinema), a must for movie buffs, shows films in their original language. Also the Filmoteca is really cheap. The majority of foreign films are dubbed into Spanish, but many films are also shown concurrently in their original language with spanish subtitles.

If you want to see some non Holywood movies: cinema Renoir and Alphaville (metro Plaza de España) are your best choice. Go also near Gran vía and Plaza de Callao. You can find the majority of cinemas in Madrid around Gran Via and in all the commercial centers.

Madrid Safety & Crime

There has been an increase in the number of passport thefts reported at Madrid’s Barajas. In fact, pickpocketing is the most common security issue you will face. To fight against it, avoid carrying your passport or other important documents when you go out. If you must take out important ID documents, then make photocopies of them and store them in a safe and secure place.

With so many people pressed together in metro stations, there's always the chance that a pickpocket or purse-snatcher is looking for a potential victim. Be aware of those standing next to you and behind you at all times. Be aware of those attempting to draw your attention away from your bags or distract you with "diversions". Do not carry large sums of money on you,and keep an eye on your backpack, purse, and cell phone at all times, particularly in bars, discos, and cyber cafes.

In the event of theft, travelers are encouraged to deal with uniformed law enforcement personnel only. After a theft, if you think that going to a police station to make a denuncia is the best option, think it over. In the police station, you could be faced with a waiting time of an hour or more. It's better to make your "denuncia" (complaint) over the phone. Ask for an English speaker. Call the following number (0034) 90 2102 112.

Summer in Madrid

August is the month when Madrid is at its most peaceful as many of its inhabitants have escaped to the mountains or are sunning themselves on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts. Almost the 3/4 parts of the city's restaurants and markets are closed, but visitors usually find enough for their needs. Only in September does the city open properly for business again.

In July and through most of August, the city simply gets very hot, with temperature frequently touching into the 40's (over 100 Fahrenheit). However, the principal problem with the climat in Madrid during the summer is that it doesn't cool down very much at night, making sleeping uncomfortable for those without air-conditioning. Wear short clothes during the summer in Madrid: Sleeved shirts, shorts, sun glasses, hats to keep the sun off your head. Sandals are a very good idea, and Madrid is a good place to buy them.

If you want to enjoy a formal summer dining, some of the good hotel restaurants have private and peaceful gardens or roof terraces. Some of them are Faisandé Santo Mauro, La Terraza del Casino, El Jardín de Orfila or the roof terrace at the Hotel Urban.

Madrid Transports

Central Madrid is served by a comprehensive network of around 200 city bus routes, a modern and extensive metro system and local trains to the neighbouring cities and towns. The main hub is Puerta del Sol. Although most of Old Madrid can be reached within itself by foot, when one chooses to cross-town or when one needs to rest after being onfoot after a long day of sight-seeing, Madrid's public transportation is at the ready. Whether going by metro, bus, or taxi you can be sure you'll have a safe, comfortable ride at reasonable prices. The Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid (tel: (91) 580 4260; website: www.ctm-madrid.es) offers maps and information on Madrid's metro and buses.