Madrid
Hotel Wellington
Classic Madrid hotel in the heart of Barrio de Salamanca. Please use the following link for special discounted rates that are active through January 31st: English: https://goo.gl/u2Knq4 Spanish: https://goo.gl/Syu6RR If you have issues, please email reservas@hotel-wellington.com or call +(34)-91-423-1407 and mention you are inquiring about Marta and James' wedding for the special discount as you can alternatively complete a form and send back to the Hotel to book.
The Westin Palace
For all you Marriott/SPG loyalists, The Westin Palace is an iconic hotel a short walk from The Wellington Hotel and many Madrid attractions like Museo del Prado and Retiro Park.
Parque Del Retiro
This centric park, located right across from Hotel Wellington and The Palace Hotel, is Madrid's largest and most iconic park. A unique place to walk around and enjoy a boat ride in its pond, or to seat in one of its "terraces" (outdoor bars) for a drink.
Madrid Old Town tour
Don't miss Madrid's old town area - we recommend doing a walk tour, starting in the Royal Palace, walking towards Plaza Mayor and stopping at Plaza del Humilladero, Plaza de la Paja and Plaza de la Villa.
Mercado San Miguel City Center
El Mercado San Miguel is a covered market in center / old town part of the city that still maintains its original iron structure, It hosts 20+ different food stands featuring all types of Spanish traditional cuisine, from the typical Spanish ham, omelettes and paella, to a wide variety of fruits, seafood, meats, bakery and more. It gets crowded during lunch time (1:30-2pm), but it's worth stepping inside to get a drink and grab a snack.
La Latina - Tapas Tour
This area is famous among students to get tapas and bar crawling. If you're around the area don't miss the tortilla de patata (Spanish omelette) in bar Juana la Loca, or the traditional huevos roots con jamón (fried eggs with fries and Spanish ham) in old historic Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio. If you're around for breakfast time, try Chocolate con Churros in San Gines, Madrid's oldest chocolateria.
Gin Tonics, rooftops and more
Don't leave Madrid without trying Marta's favorite drink - Spanish Gin Tonic. Don't ask, just try it. Here are our favorite spots for a drink, even better if they have a view: - Círculo de Bellas Artes: rooftop in the old and centric area of the city with unbeatable views of the whole city. Great for an afternoon drink or early evening - Restaurante Habanera: located close to the lively and trendy Salamanca neighborhood, this restaurant has a basement space with live music and some of the best gin tonics of the city - La terraza of Florida Retiro . This outdoor space in the Retiro Park surrounded by treetops is an oasis in the centre of busy Madrid
Eating out in Madrid
These are some of our favorite restaurants in the Capital, all serving traditional Spanish cuisine: 1. Restaurante La Maquina (two locations, c/Jorge Juan or c/ Ponzano) for more of a casual dinner 2. Ocafu: a block from Hotel Wellington, this restaurant offers food mostly from the northern region of Galicia, with some of the best Spanish omelette in the country and great Spanish seafood 3. El Triciclo: we absolutely loved this place; located in the old part of Madrid, not too far from the Hotels. Ask the waiter for recommendations, and if you feel adventurous, ask them to surprise you. Will not disappoint. 4. Restaurante Gaztelupe: great traditional food, amazing quality and good price 5. La Primera, very high quality and good prices if you want something around Gran Via, one of the main streets of Madrid with great views.