Tuesday Oct 25 - Madrid
We arrived at our hotel, the Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques, in the old town around mid-day. We had booked a premium ‘red room’ which included entry to their “club” so we had a very swish welcome complete with a glass of French Champagne. In fact the club serves drinks and snacks from 11am-11pm, including FC and other adult beverages - all self serve. We were able to check in right away so after unpacking we had a snack lunch in the club before having an afternoon siesta - well deserved after our 10 hour overnight flight from Panama City.
Later in the afternoon we had a walk around the old town, getting our bearings before opting for a light meal in the club and a very early night.
Wednesday Oct 26 - Madrid
We got up a bit late for us and had a delightful breakfast at the hotel around 9am - it was still busy so clearly we were not the only ones sleeping in. We spent the day exploring the city including a visit to the Palace Real - which was very impressive. We had six’es in the Red Room (French Champagne) then a light dinner at a local Italian bistro which was open - most restaurants do not serve dinner until 8 or even as late as 9:30pm.
Thursday Oct 27 - Madrid
We had a late start after I had a massive sleep-in but got underway before 11am. We walked over to Temple Debolis where there is a great outlook over the city.
Then we used our hop-on/off bus ticket for a mini tour getting off at Plaza Colon where we had lunch at nice looking cafe but the food won “worst meal of the trip” however it was cheap (daily menu for 14EUR - 3 course and a drink) - surprisingly it was full of local business people - I guess price trumps quality with some people. From here we walked back to the hotel sightseeing and window shopping along the way. We noticed a huge new renovation for a future Four Seasons hotel & residences.
We had dinner at La Mi Venta, highly rated on TA, but something of a disappointment. Then it was off to bed fairly late after a quick stop in the Red Room.
Friday Oct 28 - Madrid
We moved to our other Madrid hotel, Gran Melia Fenix right at Plaza Colon (named after Christopher Columbus) - his statue adorns the traffic circle. Our new hotel was also great particualrly when we were upgraded to the “presidential” suite - it also included a Red Room so we had a light lunch of French Champagne and tapas.
After settling into our suite - we took another mini-tour on the hop on/off (passing the famous Real Madrid Bernabau stadium) alighting at Madrid’s largest park (Park Retiro) for a very pleasant stroll. The day was again sunny and warm (mid-20’s) - very unseasonal for this time of year. There were dozens of row boats in the mini-lake and many outdoor cafes doing a booming business.
For dinner we had bar snacks at the Martini Bar in our hotel - best meal in Madrid - light and tasty then it was off to bed.
Saturday Oct 29 - Madrid - Marrakesh
We both has a very bad night’s sleep but had to get up early for our flight to Marrakesh. The breakfast in the hotel was best described as “terrible” - we should have goes to the Red Room where they also serve breakfast. Our fight left a bit early and with the 1 hour time difference we arrived in Marrakesh at 12:3pm.