Spain (Madrid & Northern Coast)

We spent 4 nights in Spain upon our arrival from Toronto. Madrid is a busy metropolitan city which has various neighbourhoods including an old city. We found Madrid to be clean and safe and rode the metro frequently. There are various plazas to visit and a stroll down Gran Via is a must. We spent the most time in Centro because of our hotel location. We enjoyed the Salamanca neighbourhood and spent a lot of time in Chueca and La Latina neighbourhoods. The three main art galleries are in Retiro and the Palace (the largest functioning Royal Palace in the world) is in the Madrid de las Austrias neighbourhood. The city is busy and vibrant and it was nice to see that the tradition of siesta remains intact here. When most stores were closed between 3 and 5 we took the opportunity to go back to our hotel for our own siesta to preserve ourselves for the very late dinner hour in Madrid. Definitely do not think about making a dinner reservation before 930 (really 10pm) if you want to have an atmosphere of any kind. If you choose to use the metro you must get a red metro pass (which can be shared) and load the card with the number of rides you need.

Our time at the Madrid Edition was spectacular. It is a beautiful hotel and is one of the only few hotels with a roof-top pool in Madrid. The team at this hotel delivered right from the bell boys taking our bags, smooth check in and a dark wood entrance to our all white room. The bathroom was also spa-like with a shower room that was nothing short of spectacular. In fact, the shower was used 3 times daily given the city-wide strolls in 38 degree heat we were doing. The winding white staircase leading to the lobby also deserves a special call out with an ample bar and all-white built-in banquette seating area that was a gathering spot for guests and the general public.

A laid-back gastronomic experience where the waiters are as involved in the food preperation (right in front of you) as the kitchen is. Very interesting and inventive courses. There are two prix fixe menus (50 euro and 65 euro) available and all items are available a la carte should you want to try a few other items or double up on items in the menu that you found delicios

When most people think of Spanish foods one of the most popular items to eat is Paella. Paella comes from the region of Valencia and therefore if you are interested in eating this traditional rice dish make sure you go to a Valencian restaurant like this one. They have various kinds of Paella on offer including the traditional recipe with rabbit and chicken as well as a mixed seafood variety. The sangria also goes down easy!

A lovely cafe in the Salamanca neighbourhood that is famous for their palmier cookies. These cookies may look like the ones you've eaten before however they are extra crispy and have a delicious sugar coating that adds an additional cruncy sweetness.