The wonders of Madrid, right on your doorstep

Madrid shopping malls and streets

For many, a trip to Madrid means incredible shopping and at NH Collection Madrid Abascal we couldn’t be better placed. Take a 10-minute stroll up to Nuevos Ministerios where you’ll find Spain’s largest El Corte Inglés department store, with a mind-blowing variety of products and brands and the possibility of international tax-free shopping. The gourmet floor is a “foodies” paradise and perfect for a tasty, distinctive refueling stop. Once you’re done, head back out onto Calle Orense for some high-end shops and the ultra-fashionable Moda shopping mall.

And it doesn’t stop there. For the ultimate exclusive shopping experience I just love the nearby Salamanca neighborhood, famed for its designer boutiques. If time is limited, Madrid’s “Golden Mile” is perfect, allowing you to window-shop your way down sumptuous Calle Serrano towards Plaza de Colón. And on your stroll back, why not swap lavish storefronts for striking architecture and distinguished buildings on the imposing Paseo de la Castellana including the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, the Biblioteca Nacional de España (one of the largest libraries in the world!) as well as the mighty Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home to Real Madrid soccer club. Try to find time to see inside them all too!

Madrid museums and entertainment

The Spanish capital is famed for its grand museums but let me point you in the direction of some lesser-known gems within 15 minutes walk from our door. Modern art lovers are in for a treat with the remarkable collections of the Museo Sorolla and Museo Lázaro Galdiano. Meanwhile, there’s a few surprises at Anden 0, literally “Platform 0”, where you can explore the history of Madrid’s metro system and the city itself.
Quality entertainment is found at the nearby Teatros del Canal, just ask us about the plays, dance shows and concerts that are on when you visit. Or let us book a combined dinner and flamenco show for you in Corral de la Morería or Torre Bermejas in downtown Madrid for an unforgettable Mediterranean food experience with an incredible musical backdrop. And there’s no need to stop there with local options to dance into the early hours, or relax with a cocktail, at the stylish Opium Club opposite our hotel, or go barhopping under Torre Europa before finally hitting the pillow.

For kids, two surefire winners are the Parque de Atracciones and the Zoo Aquarium. But for alternative family fun why not learn something new at the Science museum, get a selfie with your idol at the wax museum or discover fascinating facts in the aerospace and train museums. You can even explore the whole of Europe without leaving Madrid in Parque Europa, which has all the continent’s attractions, but in miniature. Or go even further afield and reach for the stars in the incredible Planetarium.

Eating out: tapas, vino and so much more

Eating for Madrileños is never just a routine, it’s always a pleasure and without stepping out of the hotel you can enjoy our DOMO restaurant, a unique space offering tasty treats from churros in the morning to fine regional fare at lunch and dinner. Right next to the hotel is Fox restaurant; with a swanky setting, cool Mediterranean menu and fresh sushi bar, it’s one of the trendiest spots in Madrid. Then there is Calle Jorge Juan with a wealth of in-vogue dining places and for true originality you must try Platea: once a cinema, its unassuming façade hides Michelin star dining, tapas-a-plenty and groovy live music from local and visiting performers.
My other suggestion is what we call The Ponzano Experience. Five minutes away is Calle Ponzano, a street with over 20 eateries for tapas-on-the-go while mingling with the locals. If I had to pick, I’d go to La Máquina de Chamberí, Fide, Sala de Despiece or La Contraseña…although they’re all excellent.

Away from food, two places I’d urge you to see are Parque de El Retiro, Madrid’s answer to New York’s Central Park with 1,000 acres of historic gardens full of monuments and buildings, and where you can float across its tranquil lake, and El Templo de Debod, an Egyptian Temple from the 2nd century BC with breathtaking views, overlooking the Catedral de la Almudena and the Palacio Real and if you time it right, you’ll get a spectacular sunset over the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Madrid tours, transport and day trips

Exploring Madrid couldn’t be easier – the city has an unrivaled transport network. Inexpensive buses, metro and even rental bikes mean you can easily get around 24/7. The City Tour Bus is a great option for hopping on and off around the sightseeing hotspots and if you’re visiting at Christmas, the ‘Navibus’ will take you on a magical journey under the festive street lighting
For day trips outside the city limits I’d recommend visiting the jaw-dropping Monasterio de El Escorial, a vast 16th century monastery and former home to the Spanish royal family, less than an hour from the center on the train. And for those who can’t stop exploring, head even further to the UNESCO heritage cities of Ávila and Segovia.

About Beatriz Sánchez-Herrera

My name is Beatriz and I’ve worked in the MINOR HOTELS EUROPE & AMERICAS for six years now. Until recently I didn’t know anything about the Guest Relations service - now I can’t thank the company enough for helping me move to my dream job!
I love what I do, each day is different and I am very lucky to be the person guests go to when they need help or something special. I am here to deliver, and that makes my job so fulfilling.
I am a very sensitive person – I even cry at TV commercials! – and I think that helps me have a special touch when helping the guests. In life and work there are good days and bad days, but while bad moments can be forgotten in a heartbeat, the good ones are kept forever in your heart. 

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