Embark on a Spanish escapade that blends the vibrant heartbeat of Madrid and the historic majesty of Toledo. Spain’s capital, Madrid captivates with its iconic landmarks, world-class art, and lively street life, while Toledo, one of the country’s medieval jewels, enchants visitors with its dramatic vistas and gorgeous architecture.
What to do
Madrid offers both dynamic energy and historic grandeur. Begin your journey at the magnificent Royal Palace and explore some of its 3,314 opulent rooms and lush gardens before heading to the iconic Prado Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of art through its extensive collection of European masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through Retiro Park, a vast green oasis in the heart of the city, complete with a beautiful boating lake. For a taste of local life, explore the Mercado de San Miguel, a food market showcasing Spanish cuisine. As evening falls, experience the city’s electric nightlife in Malasaña or Lavapiés, where trendy bars and traditional taverns sit side by side. Don’t miss a live flamenco performance, capturing the soulful essence of Spanish music and dance.
Toledo, a city which seems suspended in time, is just half an hour from Madrid, making it a perfect detour from your jaunts in the capital. The city’s strategic hilltop location, overlooking the Tagus River was no accident; its medieval layout, with narrow, winding streets and towering walls, served as a defensive measure against invasions.
As a result, the UNESCO World Heritage city is a tapestry of cobbled streets and ancient monuments – an ideal example of Spain’s rich and diverse history. It became a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures, fostering intellectual and artistic exchange during the Middle Ages. As a result, there is plenty to see and soak in.
Start at the imposing Alcázar, a fortress with roots tracing back to Roman times, offering panoramic views of Toledo’s red-tiled rooftops and meandering walkways and learn about the city’s unique sword-making heritage. Wander through the labyrinthine lanes of the Jewish Quarter, where synagogues and mosques coexist.
The Gothic masterpiece, Toledo Cathedral, showcases an intricate blend of Moorish, Mudejar, and Renaissance influences. Nearby, the Puente de San Martín bridge, spanning the Tagus, offers picturesque views of the city. Later, indulge in Toledo’s famed marzipan, stroll along the Alcántara Bridge, and explore El Greco’s masterpieces at the Museo del Greco.
Where to stay
Both the Hyatt Thompson Madrid and the Hyatt Centric Hotels place guests within easy reach of Madrid’s sights. From the buzzing energy of Gran Via to the grand Plaza Mayor the hotels serve as ideal launching pads for exploring Spain’s multifaceted capital. Their distinct styles – the modern luxury of Thompson and timeless elegance of Centric – illustrate the coexistence of different types of stays in the city, great for travellers seeking the best of both worlds.
Thompson Madrid, a relatively new boutique hotel, boasts sleek, modern architecture which seamlessly integrates into the cityscape, offering a camouflaged sanctuary in the bustling heart of the metropolis. The hotel’s carefully curated aesthetic extends to its interiors, where every detail reflects a commitment to refined elegance.
Each room at the Thompson Hyatt Madrid features contemporary furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities, and thoughtful touches that cater to the needs of the modern traveller. The hotel’s social spaces are designed for both relaxation and connection. Whether sipping cocktails in the rooftop pool, with panoramic city views or unwinding in the stylish lobby lounge, guests can immerse themselves in the design-led scene that defines the Thompson Hyatt experience.
The Hyatt Centric Gran Via Hotel, in Madrid’s historic centre, is housed within a beautifully restored Art Deco building, blending classic charm with modern comforts. The dark red, grey, and white colour scheme, wooden floors, and houndstooth check rugs create a chic atmosphere. Many rooms offer Gran Vía views, and some have terraces overlooking the bustling street. The hotel’s musical theme, inspired by nearby broadcasting studios, adds a playful touch. Marble bathrooms with rain showers and eco-friendly amenities enhance the luxurious experience, while nods to Madrid’s history and traditions enrich the overall character.
For a luxurious stay in Toledo, Eugenia de Montijo serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the twisting roads, religious sanctuaries, and grand fortifications that define Toledo’s landscape. The hotel, a part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, is a tranquil retreat with easy access to the city’s iconic landmarks.
The exterior, adorned with wrought-iron balconies and ochre-hued façades, pays homage to the city’s past, while the interiors invite guests to step back in time while enjoying contemporary comforts. The focal point is a stunning atrium bar and lounge, replete with stained glass dome, stone parquet flooring and imposing pillars. Rooms and suites at Eugenia de Montijo are extremely spacious, with plush furnishings and modern amenities. Many rooms offer panoramic views of Toledo’s historic skyline, a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall guest experience.
Where to eat
When it comes to food, Madrid boasts a range of exceptional hotel restaurants and bars, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. The Hotel Villa Magna’s outdoor terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and ambient lighting is an intimate and picturesque setting for a dinner in the city.
Indoors, the theatrical open kitchen specialises in seafood and quality cuts of meat. Bless Hotel, located on the sophisticated ‘Golden Mile’ among the most exclusive shops in the luxurious Salamanca district, has one of the best rooftop bars in the capital. Guests can enjoy a dip in the glittering pool on the Picos Pardos summer terrace before tucking into a fusion tapas menu with burgers, tacos and dumplings.
Madrid also boasts a number of Michelin starred restaurants including three-Michelin-star, DiverXO, led by chef David Muñoz, which tests the boundaries of culinary imagination with daring tasting menus in a whimsical dining room. Santceloni, another three-Michelin-star establishment, is renowned for its exceptional wine selection and elegant food. Coque, carries two Michelin stars and serves a blend of traditional and innovative Spanish cuisine based on the restaurant’s four settings: the cocktail bar, wine cellar, kitchen and dining room.
In Toledo, the historical Cigarral del Ángel, a traditional Toledo-style country house surrounded by verdant gardens along the Tagus, hosts chef Iván Cerdeño’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Drawing inspiration from memories and seasonal elements, Cerdeño uses game from the Montes de Toledo and produce from the local gardens to create a rich menu that pays homage to the cuisine of La Mancha.
In a nutshell
Together, a visit to Madrid and Toledo offers a trip oozing with history, art, culture, and fantastic dining. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of Madrid or the storied past of Toledo, you’re in for an unforgettable journey of Spain through the ages.
Factbox
You can reach Madrid via international flights, and Toledo is easily accessible by train or by car from Madrid.
Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid has double rooms from around €270. Hyatt Thompson Madrid has rooms from around €400, with suite and penthouse prices as per seasons and availability.
Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection in Toledo has rooms from around €100, suite and penthouse prices as per seasons and availability.
