Madrid Hotels

Madrid, the Spanish capital since the 16th century, is a city that embraces its glorious past even as it celebrates its promising future as one of Europe's crown jewels. The home of Emperor Carlos V, Madrid was the seat of power of one of the largest global empires in history, and remnants of its majesty remain throughout the city.
Perhaps Madrid's most impressive cultural legacy is its art collections of both early masters and contemporary artists. The Prado, one of the most visited sites in Europe, contains the finest collection of Spanish art in the world, as well as one of the most comprehensive collections of European art from the 13th through 19th centuries. The Reina Sofia is world famous for its contemporary art. Smaller yet no less impressive museums, such as the CaixaForum and the Lazaro Galdiano, are also definitely worth exploring.
The juxtaposition of the city's iconic red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets with gleaming modern skyscrapers is yet another element of the charm of Madrid. The old and the modern coexist beautifully in this thriving and bustling city; you can find Madrid hotels with every level of amenity and comfort for the perfect Spanish vacation.
May, when the city celebrates the San Isidro fiestas. Look for hotels in Madrid near the Salamanca district to be close to the excitement.
Spain is famous for tapas, and a tasca crawl is definitely in order. Tascas, or tapas bars, are everywhere and feature exotic ingredients such as bull testicles and lamb sweetbreads in addition to classic favorites such as shrimp, chorizo, and gazpacho. Wander along Ventura de la Vega or Calle de Cuchilleros for an authentic tasca experience.
The Rastro, Madrid's huge market dating back to the 16th century, is an experience for travelers who love the haggling to and fro of bargain shopping with local merchants. You'll find everything from antiques to used clothing to religious relics and tchotchkes. The Rastro is located on the Calle Ribera di Curtidores; get there early and be prepared for jostling crowds.
Spend a day exploring the glorious gardens and museums in Parque de Retiro, a favorite of Queen Isabella. Sunday mornings are the most interesting, with fortune tellers and magicians delighting visitors, and lazy pleasure boats gliding along the lake. Some of the finest hotels in Spain are found near stately Retiro park.
Not for the faint-hearted, Madrid's nightlife is something that must be experienced to be believed. The clubs are wild, chaotic, exuberant, and exciting. It's also not for early birds; the action rarely starts before midnight and goes all night long.