The first thing I did when we returned from our camping trip in France was to book another holiday. Don’t get me wrong, we’d had a great time and the Dordogne was fabulous but the novelty of playing house in a pre-fab had worn off.
I played the blog card. Husband, I said, my blog is called “Mum’s Gone to…”. I must ensure I go somewhere so my blog is like Ronseal. People might sue me over the Trade Descriptions Act if I promise family holiday posts and then discuss plum jam and Rod Stewart songs.
Okay, husband yielded. Half-term. Find somewhere warmish, three nights, cheap flights leaving at a decent hour of the day. I was like a dog with a bone. I circumnavigated the globe in an afternoon until I settled on a midday flight from Luton to Madrid with Easyjet.
Then I had a silly turn. Got carried away looking at hotels in Madrid on Tripadvisor and fell in love with lots of expensive ones. The lure of Egyptian cotton, thread count, luxury toiletries and complimentary slippers was too much for me. I found my ideal place: Hotel Urban. Who couldn’t be ensnared by these website claims:
With a marked Art-Deco style and opting for avant-garde architecture, the Hotel Urban is a boutique hotel from the 21st century, urban, design and ideal for exacting lovers of luxury who shy from conventionality.
Forsooth, that is me. An ‘exacting lover of luxury’. Begone lowly caravan wherein I bang my shin on corner of bed for it hath no room around it.
The 102 exquisite guest rooms in the centre of Madrid, the harmony of the materials and the exuberance of the collection of Egyptian, Chinese, Hindu and African pieces on display in them and the careful lighting of each space will make your stay a one-of-a-kind experience.
That will do me. I’ll happily share my room with all these Egyptian and Hindu artefacts as long as there’s a towelling robe and a mini bar.
So, Hotel Urban, you have romanced me and teased me. Let’s see if you can deliver the goods. And good people of blogland, if any of you have been to Madrid and can suggest places to go, sights that would interest a teenage boy, I’d love to know what you think.
I haven't been but teenage boy and Madrid to me shouts football. (Apologies if it's not his thing). Real Madrid are one of the biggest teams in the world. You can do stadium visits most days at the Santiago Bernabeu. If they are playing midweek, it may be possible to buy match tickets from the ticket office but they might not be cheap.
Atletico Madrid may also do stadium tours but it won't be anything like as impressive.
Kate – thanks so mcuh for your suggestions. I had wondered about a game, but neither teams are playing on the days we are going. Might consider stadium tour – we did one in Barcelona, Nou Camp, and it was great (even I enjoyed it).
I have been to Madrid three times, but every time with work, and on the sort of major projects that mean you don't see much other than the office and hotel (boo!). Have always meant to go back properly – shall look forward to your report!
Madrid has always been on my to do list so I shall look forward to your review.
Julie and Very Bored – will certainly report back. Going at the end of October. I think Rory will enjoy some of the art – he's always got something out of art galleries, especially the more modern stuff.
I'm going to start a new blog… it's going to be called, 'Dads gone Down Under for the Ashes'.
Thanks for the idea! I'll link back.
The Dotterel – sounds good to me! Glad to be of service.
Have never been but having read The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón I'd absolutely love to. I've heard it's a gorgeous city – I don't think it matter where you go; it's all wonderful.
Sounds perfect, can't wait to hear about it. And I do like the idea of justification via blog. Am thinking of starting 'FK's gone to the Bahamas'. Think it will work?
I'm thinking of writing another blog called oldermumsneedsomesun
has a good ring to it!
We have been to Madrid – but with 6 year old girl only!
I see a new blog entitled 'Mum's Got A Book Deal' You must have enough material for the first couple of editions already – I'd buy 'em! 'Mum's Gone To….Travel Guides' – I can picture them sticking out of Xmas stockings all over the world…. Your destination is your destineeee……..
Steve – I've got that book somewhere; I'd forgotten it was based in Madrid. Must hunt it out.
Footballer's Knees – oh yes I'm into blog justification. Off you go to the Caribbean then!
Diney – you see, you can all give it a go!
MGG – you've hit on my dreams! I love being in stockings 😉
Why oh why did I not call mine 'Tales from the Beach in Barbados'? Instead I called it 'Home is where the Marmite is' and got a jar of Marmite for Mother's Day. Serves me right. The CH has been to Madrid and loved it. Shall look out for your report.
Previously Lost- oh you're all at it now. Missed a trick eh?!
Bad girl!
Keep it up.