Travel tips, news and luxury accommodation-Barcelona and Madrid, Spain

Monthly Archives: July 2011

Choosing the best accommodation in Barcelona

Posted by Craig on July 22, 2011 1 comments

If you want to really enjoy Barcelona then getting your accommodation right is absolutely key. There is a good selection of accommodation to choose from but the nature of your stay will determine what is most suitable.

Luxury apartments for rent in Barcelona

For those on a business trip to Barcelona, staying in short term housing or short term rentals may be a good idea. These offer a relaxing place to retreat to after a hard day in the office. With a private kitchen it is possible to prepare simple meals and having one with a balcony provides a great place to unwind whilst enjoying the sites and sounds of the city.

Anyone who wants to get out and see as much of Barcelona as possible will love staying in extended stay hotels. These offer incredible value for money and provide the perfect base from which to enjoy the city. With information about what to see and do on hand a host of facilities available, there is no better way to soak up all that Barcelona has to offer.

If you want to get to know the real Barcelona then short term housing is the best way to do this. When you stay in an apartment in a regular part of the city you will get to live as the locals do each day. This means that you can visit local shops, purchase food from local markets and sip coffee in the local cafes. Short term housing is a great way to get to know the real Barcelona.

For the past 15 years we’ve travelled with our daughters and self-catering apartments have been ideal; we have space for breakfasts and dinners at home, room to just relax and play games and just generally stop being tourists and have “kid time. We couldn’t have done this in a hotel unless we were in a very large suite.

The nature of your trip will depend on the best place to stay in Barcelona. Choosing the right place will ensure your stay is truly unforgettable.

Oficinas de Turismo in Madrid

Posted by Craig on July 22, 2011 None comments

Madrid is an incredible European city and well worth a visit. If you want to enjoy the city to the max then follow these essential travel tips.

Who says only men can be bullfighters?

Although English, French and German are widely spoken in the capital, it can be a good idea to carry a phrase around. This is especially important if travelling anywhere outside of the city. People in smaller towns and villages around the city are less likely to be able to speak English or other foreign languages.

If staying for longer than a few nights then consider a short term rental. Madrid is a bustling city with plenty going on so having a quiet place to retreat to at the end of a long day siteseeing is a good idea. Short term rentals provide privacy and a relaxing environment where you can rest your weary body and sore feet!

Take advantage of the Tourist offices that are located across the city. In the “oficinas de turismo”
 you will find maps, leaflets and plenty of information about where to go and what to do. All brochures are printed in multiple languages and the staff are multi-lingual too. The main tourist office is in the Plaza Mayor 3.

If you are on a very tight budget then you should consider staying in extended stay apartments. These are available in Madrid and offer excellent value for money. There are big savings to be made by staying in extended stay apartments as opposed to regular hotels in Madrid.

Eat as much tapas as you can. Nowhere can better tapas be found than in Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. It is impossible to get bored of tapas as there is so much to choose from. You can eat as much or as little as you want at each meal and you get to sample a huge variety of traditional Spanish flavours.

Once is not enough, you will want to return to Madrid year after year.

Dancing in Barcelona-Les Festes de la Mercè

Posted by Craig on July 21, 2011 None comments

Do you like partying? Do you like dancing in the street? Then rent some short term housing and head to Barcelona come September time. The Festes de la Mercè hit Barcelona every year in September and what was once a fairly subdued religious festival has now turned into a fully blown week long party with dancing, singing and theatre performances.

Dancing in Barcelona-La Mercè

The festival is a celebration of all things Catalan. The frenzy of activity takes place by the sea on the beautiful beaches that Barcelona has come to be known for. There are performances all week long that include dancing, singing and theatre and a plethora of free concerts to be enjoyed. Children are treated to entertainment and activities ensuring they never have time to get bored. There is an incredible air show that takes place over the sea and a spectacular firework display that lights up the night sky.

All genres of music can be found at this week long spectacle. One minute you might be watching a traditional flamenco performance, the next minute you could be dazzled with a hip-hop show. If you have never been to Barcelona before then there is no better way to get to know the city and the culture than by enjoying this festival.

There is no doubt that the best way to really enjoy this festival is to have short term housing or a short term rental of some kind to return to in the evening. Having short term housing provides all the privacy and space you could need after a day spent partying on the beach. There is no breakfast to get up early for and you don’t have to leave so the rooms can be cleaned! The Festes de la Mercè and rentals housing together make for an unforgettable holiday in Barcelona.