Today we moved from Amsterdam to Madrid. Getting to Schiphol airport was just so easy. We closed the apartment door at 8am and were at the check-in counter by 8:50. The tram to Centraal Station was mostly empty; train connections leave every 15 minutes and while the train was packed, it took less than 20 minutes to get there.
There is an amazing (and user friendly) baggage self-check in, although our bags were over 23kg so we had to deal with a human (and a very helpful one I hasten to add), repack to avoid the charge and we were away.
Our Air Europa flight was full but left on time. In 2 hours we were in Madrid.
The city is a well preserved example of classic to art nouveau architecture. Unlike Amsterdam where new buildings in the older precincts try to blend in, here new architecture is bold. That said, most older structures seem well preserved and it seems that there isn't a knock down culture at play.
The taxi to Hotel Emperador was fast and clean. The meter is displayed in the rear view mirror. Very hi-tech. Cost was less than EUR30.
The hotel is very nice with a massive roof top terrace and pool. We had planned to stay here in 2009 so we're glad it was still attractive and in good condition. We got an excellent rate online.
The hotel is located on Gran Via, the place to be seen in central Madrid. It is very handy to Puerta del Sol (the centre of Madrid) and Placa Mayor.
We headed out for lunch and walked down to Puerta del Sol and then on to Placa Mayor for coffee. We were "entertained" by someone in a spangly animal outfit presumably busking. Not sure what it was about or how financially rewarding it was, but it's Art!
The pool was calling and we listened.
After a refresh we headed out at 9pm (early by Spanish standards) towards San Miguel Market to eat. On the way we passed a laneway of restaurants so ate at a nice looking place called Chiky instead. This was more Fawlty Towers than anything else. The bread was inedible. At least we know that the paella was fresh because we had to wait after they gave ours to another table. By the time it arrived, they had packed up the neighbouring tables so we were like an island. Regardless, it was a nice paella. They took forever to bring the bill, which had to be reissued three times. A bad experience reflected on Trip Advisor!
Back to the hotel - after midnight - to a well earned sleep.