We did stay at the Hotel Catalonia Gran Via. It was a good choice and Irja selected it based on good reviews on Internet.
Another reason was its central location. Most of the vital city services were at a walking distance.
Madrid does have a modern and functional subway and urban transit system. It was easy and cheap to move around.
We also used taxi; a great way to practice Spanish language.
The Madrid City Tour started from the other side of the street at Gran Via 14. It's an eye-opening experience to take the tour.
The city and its surroundings can be viewed in a few hours.
Madrid is smaller than Paris - the city that never sleeps. We certainly started to like the city.
This year we will most probably travel to Spain or / and France.
The Rain in Spain didn't hit us during our three weeks stay in Madrid. It was warm, the weather was hot, it was even hotter in Toledo, but we survived.
The sun was shining every single day. Hot, hot, hot...
Catalonia Gran Vía features a seasonal rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi and a gym with a hot tub and sauna. It is in central Madrid, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Cibeles.
Built in 1917, this charming building features beautiful stained-glass windows. The rooms are decorated in neutral tones and include air conditioning. They also come with satellite TV and have a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The La Pedrera restaurant serves Mediterranean and international cuisine. A buffet breakfast is available and the hotel’s bar offers a range of cocktails. The hotel also has a lounge and an internet corner.
The Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Prado Art Galleries are less than a 10 minute walk from the Catalonia Gran Vía. Atocha Station is 20 minutes away by foot, with a high-speed AVE service.
