Arrival at the airport. Airport express bus to Atocha the main station. 5 euros.
Hotel 5 mins brisk or 10 mins leisurely walk from station.
Very good standard room. We had two twin beds pushed together. No balcony. Good storage space for the 4 night stay we had.
Good sized bathroom . Very efficient and hot shower.
Public areas well decorated and kept spotless. Reception staff helpful. Bar staff friendly and efficient. We ate at the hotel restaurant on new years eve because all the restaurants in the immediate vicinity were closed. Food good without being exceptional.
Breakfast was good for the most part. Plenty of fresh breads, pastries , fruit, cold cuts and cheeses. Fresh fruit juice made each day. The coffee machines were a bit tempermental. The disappointment was the hot food. Lots of choice but it was not kept very hot. One thing I did like was how they served honey. A full honeycomb in a glass case, sloping, so it dripped honey into a bowl. Lovely on the fresh fruit.
We got a map from reception which proved adequate but did not not show every road. I suggest buying a more comprehensive map prior to the visit.
We did not use the extensive metro service because we like exploring and walking is the best way to do this. We found many small tapas bars hidden away off the main roads.
Our visit coincided with the new year's festivities. we were advised to see the fireworks at the Plaza Cibeles where the Bank of Spain building is. The fireworks were nothing like Rome, London or Paris but the atmosphere was very friendly and we had a good time seeing in the new year.
We enjoyed the Parque de El Retiro where we enjoyed chocolate con churros, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Templo de Debod where you get good views of the palace.
We walked the length of Gran Via starting from Plaza Cibeles. This takes you past wonderfully ornate buildings and up to the famous Shweppes advertisement.. There is a roof garden on the8th floor but it was shut.
Fortunately we walked further and arrived at the Ginko building.
We paid 6 euros each for entrance to the roof garden on the 12th floor. However this was taken off the cost of our drinks and or food. The value was excellent with a bottle of very good Rioja for 14 euros 50. Even without the refund it was well worth visiting.
The bars and cafes are a bit careful about who uses their toilets . Best to go in and buy something. Some have a code for the loo on the receipt so don't throw it away.
Cafe Europa opposite Atocha station serves good inexpensive wine and beer. by the way take a look inside the station it has a garden on the ground floor.
We recommend Restaurant Arcade and La Taba both serve great wine and tasty tapas.
We were fortunate with dry sunny days throughout our stay. We made the most of this handsome city.