Checking In...Hotel Meninas, Madrid (Spain)

The Hotel Meninas is a 4-star boutique hotel that is housed in a historic 19th C. building in the heart of the city, just steps from the Opera House, Royal Palace, and Plaza de Oriente, in an area known as Madrid of the Habsburgs. Many of the buildings in this area were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, when the area was the favorite place of nobles and the bourgeoisie, due to the proximity to the Royal Palace.

The hotel building, along with the others on this charming cobblestone block, have been restored to showcase the classic style of the buildings and their wrought-iron balconies. The interior of the hotel and its 37 rooms have been fully restored to include modern amenities. The hotel offers Individual and Standard rooms, as well as Junior Suites. The Junior Suites have a separate living room area and can accommodate up to 3 people. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the Special Junior Suites are perfect for families, as they can accommodate up to 4 people.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Itinerary Suggestion: An Introduction to the Treasures of Spain I

First time visitors to Spain will often ask us where they should go or what they should see on their first visit to the country. This is a difficult question to answer, as Spain is so very rich in history and culture that it is impossible to do more than just skim the surface on any one trip. That’s why we recommend that people plan to visit Spain more than once, and on each trip they can concentrate on a specific area so that they can truly appreciate the beauty of the treasures that abound.

A good way to get a quick introduction to the people, the culture and some of the country’s most iconic cities and sites is to follow this 8 day 7 night itinerary. It is designed to give travelers an overview of some of the most significant sights to see. Once you’ve had this overview and gain some insight into what Spain has to offer, you are sure to return, and hopefully you will be able to incorporate time in your itinerary, outside of the sightseeing, to experience those intrinsic things that make Spain – and its people – uniquely special. Spaniards have a unique love of life and appreciation for living life to its fullest, and this can be seen in the simplest activities they enjoy, such as taking an evening stroll through town, meeting friends and going for tapas, or sitting in an outdoor café and watching the people go by.

This first itinerary begins in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and takes you to the enchanting Andalusian cities of Seville, Córdoba and Granada, where you can visit some of the country’s iconic sites, including the Cathedral of Seville (world’s largest Gothic cathedral and burial place of Columbus), the Mezquita in Córdoba (8-10th C. mosque that was converted into the Cathedral of Córdoba), and the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace). 

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid in the morning; sightseeing in the afternoon
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 3: Sightseeing in Madrid
• Day 4: Leave early in the morning. Drive (400 km) or take the high-speed AVE train (2.5 hours) to Córdoba; sightseeing in Córdoba
• Day 5: Take morning AVE train to Seville (45 minutes); sightseeing in Seville
• Day 6: Morning sightseeing in Seville. Depart in afternoon to Granada (about 3 hours by car, bus or train)
• Day 7: Sightseeing in Granada
• Day 8: Return to Madrid for trip home (4 hour drive or train ride, or a 1 hour flight)

Information on what to see and do, and where to eat in these cities can be found on our website or on our blog. Simply search by city.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu…Casa Labra, Madrid (Spain)

Located in the epicenter of Madrid, just off the Puerta del Sol, is Casa Labra, a Madrid institution that was founded in 1860. If you have any trouble finding it, just look for the place with a crowd spilling over onto the sidewalk next to El Corte Inglés department store.

Hungry Madrileños line up to enjoy the specialty of the house, the Bacalao de la Casa, which is small pieces of cod that are battered and fried until golden, as well as the Bacalao Croquetas (cod croquettes), which are equally delicious. Whether you stand at the crowded bar or at one of the tables outside of the bar, or sit in the restaurant where you can select from a variety of the cod and meat dishes offered, you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant that has been attracting the discerning locals for over 150 years.

Tetuán, 12                Phone: (91) 531-0081

Madrid, Spain             Web: Casa Labra

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu…Restaurante Casa Mingo, Madrid (Spain)

When you step inside of Casa Mingo you will be transported to another part of Spain – Asturias, to be exact – as it is an Asturian cider house that was founded in 1888. It is located near the Estación del Norte (North train station). The specialty of the house is roast chicken, which is a staple for the locals who either join the crowds and eat in, or take them to go to enjoy them at home.

Inside the restaurant, which is built into a stone wall, you will find walls covered in bottles of sidra, the tasty cider that comes from Asturias. You will be amazed as you watch the waiters, and others who are daring, pour the cider in the traditional manner, which entails holding the bottle around the height of their head, into a glass that is located at the height of their waist. It’s truly a technique that requires quite a bit of practice, so don’t try this at home!

• Paseo de la Florida, 34
• Madrid, Spain
• Phone: (91) 547-7918
• Website: Casa Mingo

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu...Casa Lucio, Madrid (Spain)

Casa Lucio is located in the heart of Old Madrid, not far from the Plaza Mayor. Since 1974 it has been serving traditional Castilian dishes, such as Callos a la Madrileña (Madrid-style tripe), Cocido (Madrid-style stew). Cochinillo (roast suckling pig), Merluza de la Casa (hake in green sauce), and its signature dish, Huevos Estrellados ("broken eggs" mixed with potatoes). The charming atmosphere of the interior of the restaurant, with its tiled floors and white-washed walls, adds to the warm ambiance created by Lucio and his family, who still run the restaurant to this day.

Cava Baja, 35                                   Phone: (91) 365-8217
Madrid, Spain                                   Web: Casa Lucio

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Time to Save...Madrid Card (Spain)

A great way to save those hard earned travel dollars is to take advantage of the Madrid Card on your next visit to this beautiful city.  It is the essential sightseeing pass for visitors to Madrid.

Here are just some of the benefits the card offers: 

• Free entry to more than 40 museums 
• Unlimited journeys on the Madrid Vision tour bus 
• Discounts at shops, shows, restaurants, and leisure centers

Cards are available for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours, and range in cost from €32 - €85, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.  Click here for more info on the card.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sites to See...Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid (Spain)

This magnificent museum features the greatest artists of the 20th century. Many visitors come for iconic works by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. In fact, the Reina Sofia houses Picasso's Guernica - arguably his most esteemed painting. Also feel free to peruse the extensive library collection. Discover Spain's sublime contributions to 20th century art and learn about the works of the masters. Click here for their website

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

High Speed Train Links Valencia and Madrid

From the Tourist Office:

VALENCIA, Spain, November 12, 2010 – Paella lovers rejoice! Getting to Valencia will get a lot easier come December. Just in time for the New Year, the Alta Velocidad Espanola, the AVE, or high-speed train will inaugurate service from Madrid to Valencia making the trip in only 90 minutes. On December 19, the first trains will depart, traveling at speeds of up to 205 miles per hour. Eventually up to 20 trains a day will make the trip. The AVE will have two-class service in 12 coaches with 365 seats: four Club Class coaches with 71 seats and eight for Tourist Class with 294 seats. Currently the train from Madrid to Valencia takes more than three hours and 45 minutes.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Introducing: Hotel Meninas and Hotel Opera

 We are proud to announce we are now offering two new 4-star hotels in Madrid: the Hotel Meninas and the Hotel Opera. Located in the very heart of the city, both hotels are owned and operated by the Carús family, who have been in the hotel industry in Madrid for nearly 50 years. The Carús family is well known for their dedication to the hotel sector and support of the tourism market in Madrid. Their pride of ownership and dedication show in the personalized service and attention to detail that can be found in both of their hotels. We hope you will consider the Hotel Meninas and Hotel Opera when selecting accommodations for your clients in Madrid. We just returned from visiting the hotels in Madrid, so if you have any questions we are always available to answer them. As usual, thanks for reading. 

 Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Madrid Brings The Culture This Fall

While it's certainly no secret that Madrid is a major culture capital whose cache extends beyond Spain, sometimes there's so many great options going on that every traveler can find the perfect activity. This fall season is one of those times.

In addition to world-class museum offerings, Madrid will welcome 35 major concerts, including appearances from international stars such as Diana Krall and the Jonas Brothers. The 26th Annual Jazz Festival starts at the end of October and there are plenty of theatre, dance, and family entertainment options going on as well.

Here's the full scoop from the Tourist Office of Spain:

Kicking off September 29 at the Thyssen Bornemisza is a major exhibition of 70 paintings by Henri Fantin-Latour. The Museo del Prado is presenting a show about Maíno, one of the most original and least known 17th century Spanish painters on October 20. One of the most important figures in Croatia’s contemporary art scene, David Maljkovic, will be the subject of a show running through January 18 at the Reina Sofía. The focus is on architecture at the CaixaForum Madrid with a review of Richard Rogers obra running through October 18 and Palladio the Architect, the first exhibition in Spain devoted to this 16th century Italian architect which kicks off October 7.

On October 13, Diana Krall will perform at the Palacio de Congresos. The Jonas Brothers are set to appear at the Sports Palace on November 11 and Depeche Mode will be there on the 16.

Kicking off November 4, the city’s Autumn Festival celebrates its 26th year with 35 concerts, theatre, dance and circus performances. Thirty-five companies from 19 countries including: Spain, the U.S., Argentina, Australia, France, Italy, Portugal and Morocco, among many others, will perform at 11 theatres in Madrid and in ten municipalities. On the program are:

• Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch (11/, 4, 5, 7, and 8)
• Compañía Israel Galván (11/5-8) (flamenco)
• Norwegian singer and guitarist Hanne Hukkelberg (11/5)
• Whale Watching Tour, musicians from the U.S., Australia and Iceland (11/6)
• Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto (11/11)
• Les ballets C de la B (11/12-14)
• The San Quentin Drama Workshop with Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape (11/21)
• Spanish soprano Marina Bollaín singing The Three Penny Opera by Brecht and Weill (11/27-29)

The 26th International Jazz Festival will kick off around the end of October and while the schedule has not yet been announced, there are usually 15 concerts and world-renowned musicians perform at some 20 jazz clubs.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Jardines del Buen Retiro

No matter where you are, nothing beats a lovely summer concert in the park. Yet as usual, those who visit Madrid are on the lucky side. Each summer, Madrid's main park (El Retiro) puts on a series of midday Sunday concerts by the local Madrid Symphony. You can rent rowboats to paddle around the Estanque or take a breezy ride on a romantic horse-drawn carriage. Other events vary week-by-week, but highlights include an annual book fair, puppet shows and all sorts of family friendly activities.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Sorolla and Matisse in Madrid This Summer

The Spanish Tourist Office just sent over some great news for fans of art. This summer, Madrid will feature two major exhibitions featuring Joaquín Sorolla and Henri Matisse - two of the most renowned and visually-appealing artists in history.

The Sorolla exhibit opens on May 26th and lasts through the 6th of September at the Prado. The exhibit will focus on the artist's great works and includes his Visions of Spain series of 14 panels that he produced for the Hispanic Society of America. This is his biggest show in the last half century.

Starting June 9th, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza houses "Matisse: 1917 - 1941" - a showcase of rare works that cover painting, sculpture and drawing. The Tourist Office writes, "Marked by the shadow of World War I and the forebodings of the next world conflict, the period was one of rapid ascent for Matisse, and this exhibition aims to present the artist’s central role in the flourishing of modern art during this era. More than 50 museums and private collections have lent works – many never before exhibited in Spain – for the show, which will run through September 20."

ILC offers many great Madrid hotels that are within walking distance of these great exhibits.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

What's New In Madrid (pt. 4)

The final entry in our series on what's new in Madrid revolves around the International Convention Centre. This new center (the city's third) was created and built by Tuñón and Mansilla and beautifully emerges amongst four new skyscrapers on the Paseo de la Castellana. Totaling 15 acres of space, the new construction will use thousands of small energy-saving lights that aim to illuminate the surrounding environment with an image of forward-thinking sustainability.

The main autotorium will be a major meeting spot with space for between 3500-5000 people. It's the perfect location for your next business conference and the vibrant Madrid culture will make your off-hours more than fulfilling.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

What's New In Madrid (pt. 3)

Two of the best museums in Madrid (or anywhere, for that matter) are the Museo del Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Let's check out what's going on at these legendary institutions.

Museo del Prado recently completed a $208 million expansion. The biggest exhibition right now is called "Among Gods and Men: Classical Sculpture from the Albertinum in Dresden and the Museo del Prado." It features 46 classical sculptures from the Dresden museum (for the first time ever). Other upcoming exhibits include a Francis Bacon retrospective, a Victorian painting survey and a special show of murals by Sorolla.

You can click here for more information.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza also recently expanded and is now twice its original size. Ongoing and upcoming exhibitions include "The Shadow" - a depiction of shadows in art throughout history - as well as a major Matisse retrospective that runs from June 9th to September 20th.

You can click here for more information.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

What's New In Madrid? (pt. 2)

Another great recent addition to Madrid's cultural scene is the CaixaForum. Just opened, this $96 million marvel will hold art exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, concerts and conferences. The renovation was completed by Herzog and de Meuron and converted this former 1899 electrical power station into a landmark cultural hotbed.

For more information on the architecture, please click here.

Here's an excellent behind-the-scenes video:

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

What's New In Madrid?

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, sets a high mark for culture and nothing is more interesting than the city's world-class museums. In this multi-part series, we'll start with the Museum Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.

Reina Sofia is Spain's majestic modern art museum. They are currently planning a large modification and restoration project throughout the interior and exterior of the building, while also making a large investment in new art acquisitions. A recently-opened series of sixth floor terraces will host a series of happenings, poetry readings and dance performances that are free to the public.

As far as exhibitions, there is a major retrospective of Julio González (a prominent 20th century sculptor) running through June 1st. Paul Thek shows his American cult art through and Eulàlia Valldosera presents her conceptual material until April 20th. Other upcoming shows include sculptures by Paul Sietsema and Juan Muñoz and multimedia installations by Fischli and Weiss.

After seeing these shows, hungry art lovers can enjoy lunch at the museum's restaurant, presided over by Sergi Arola, one of Madrid's most inventive chefs.

For more information, please visit Reina Sofia online by clicking here.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Air Europa Flys Nonstop To Spain

We received another round of excellent news for American travelers eyeing a Spanish vacation in the near future. Starting June 1, 2009, Air Europa will fly nonstop from JFK Airport in New York to Madrid Barajas International Airport in Spain. Rates start at $490 plus taxes and surcharge. For those looking for a real value, we recommend looking into Air Europa's special $159 fare to mark the low season (starting October 29th). This flight in combination with the unbeatable hotel and tour rates that we offer is a great value play for 2009.

Here's the full story from the Tourist Office of Spain:

New York, NY, March 6, 2009 – There’s good news for American travelers to Spain. Air Europa, which recently announced new non-stop service from New York to Madrid, is offering some very competitive fares for its inaugural season. And there was news coming out of FITUR, Spain’s annual tourism fair which ended a few weeks ago. One of the world’s leading tourism expos, FITUR attracted more than 260,000 attendees who had the opportunity to learn about new developments throughout Spain’s 17 regions. Air Europa Announces Introductory Fares Spain’s second largest airline has announced a promotional fare for its new service to Madrid. Beginning June 1, when Air Europa launches daily nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD), the fare will be $490 plus applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. Later in the year, the airline will have a special low season fare of $159 to mark its inaugural season. Valid beginning October 29, that fare is good for midweek flights, must be paid upon booking, and travel must be completed by December 13. Air Europa will fly 299-seat Airbus 330 aircraft in two-class configuration. Founded in 1986, Air Europa is the second largest carrier in Spain and today serves 44 destinations. The airline is part of the Globalia Corporation and is an associate member of the Sky Team Alliance. For further information about Air Europa, go to www.aireuropa.com.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Street Shots: Madrid

One of our main interests at ILC has always been street photography. What a great, innovative way to capture a city in its pure state! With improvised snapshots and a wandering eye, photographers can provide an unparalleled view into unique populations.

We came across the Flickr page for a user named Publikaccion this morning. This is a whimsical set of street photographs in Madrid that includes citizens and tourists from all walks of life while demonstrating vibrant urban scenes in an uncontrived and spontaneous style. If you're thinking about booking a trip to Madrid with us, this black-and-white set should surely get you in the mood.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.