LOCAL AREA

Seeing speeding cars swing around the chicanes at Circuito del Jarama, 10km from Holiday Inn Express Madrid-Alcobendas. The 13-curve, 3.8km track was Spain's first permanent racing circuit and has played host to the Spanish Supertruck Grand Prix.

Discover science at Museo de la Ciencia Cosmo Caixa, 500 metres from the hotel. This hands-on museum explores the mysteries of the universe in its Bubble Planetarium, and you can learn how to forecast the weather at an interactive workshop.

High-end shopping is on offer just 2km away at the ritzy Moraleja Green centre, which is joined by a footbridge to an 8-screen cinema, trendy bars and nightclubs. You can bag Spanish fashion brands like Mango and Zara at the modern Plaza Norte, 3km away.

A quick and easy way to navigate Madrid city centre is by Metro. Hop on blue line number 10 at La Granja station, a short drive from the hotel, for trains to central Madrid. Save euros by taking a tour of the city with a 10-journey Metrobús ticket.