Blondine and I had a perfect travel schedule to Madrid. We arrived in the city at 9 in the morning after a 2 hour and 10 minute flight with KLM. Our hotel–Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor, centrally located on Calle Atocha, managed to check us in early. ‘Checking in already?’ the hotel personnel at the reception desk queried us as he smiled and looked at his watch.
After dropping off our bags in our hotel room we headed straight away to Plaza Mayor, a mere 5 minute walk from the hotel. We need some Spanish breakfast to charge us up for our full day ahead in Madrid and the best place to kick off our cultural and culinaire long weekend holiday is none other than at Plaza Mayor.
The Plaza Mayor is rectangular monumental square located near Puerta del Sol and was built during the time of the Habsburgs.
With origins dating back to the late 16th century, it is one of the most visited places in Madrid. A big tourist attraction. The Casa dela Panaderia that dominates the building currently houses the Madrid Tourist Board and Madrid Tourism Center.
A statue of King Phillip III constructed in 1616 is at the center of the square. Interestingly, this statue was only placed here in 1848.
Here are some pictures of the design hotel. We are quite pleased with our choice. The hotel was new, and the bed, ah very comfortable.
More of Madrid soon (while I recover for the time-being).
Travel Period: June 2011
Destination: Madrid, Spain