Hotel Ópera, Madrid (2014)

In terms of location, Hotel Ópera has one of the best spots if you want to explore Madrid’s old town on foot. You will be literally across the street from the Teatro Real and about two blocks from the Royal Palace.

Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Walking up to the Plaza Mayor or Plaza del Sol is also an easy trek, maybe five or ten minutes depending upon your fitness level. Rooms are fairly standard.

Standard room at Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Standard room at Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Of course, everything you need is there for a comfortable stay. Here’s a look at the bathroom:

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Ópera, Madrid, Spain.

Breakfast was included with my room rate and I thought it was a good value. The buffet was fresh and tasty, just the thing to start the day. There’s also a full cafe on the ground floor if you’re looking for coffee, a snack, or a few tapas to round out the day. Service at the front desk is extremely helpful. They arranged for a taxi to take me to the airport, took care of some laundry, and a few other tasks, all with a smile. Convenient and a good value, Hotel Ópera is a good choice in old Madrid.

Published in: on July 29, 2014 at 11:33 am  Leave a Comment  
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Restaurante Botín, Madrid (2014)

Restaurante Botín has the honor of being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. And for good reason. I’ve eaten here many times and each time it has been fantastic.

Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

It’s located just off the Plaza Mayor. A reservation is a good idea, but I’ve often just popped in and got a table. I keep the meals simple here, going with traditional favorites and always starting with a bottle of wine.

A bottle of Rueda at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

A bottle of Rueda at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

I started this particular lunch with a salad, but forget to snap a photo until I was half way through:

Half way through my salad at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Half way through my salad at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

For the main dish, I like traditional local fare, such as this roast chicken with potatoes:

Roast chicken with potatoes at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Roast chicken with potatoes at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

It was perfectly cooked and delicious, served by professional staff that know the business. Of course, dessert and coffee is a must. Here you have a chocolate cake and apple torte, two favorites:

Dessert at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Dessert at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

I look forward to returning soon to Botín. Enjoy every meal and take your time!

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid

On Calle Cava Baja in Madrid, among all those wondering tapas joints, you’ll find Alma de Julián Becerro, a shop par excellence for some of the best jamón in all of Spain.

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Inside there are many varieties of jamón to purchase in different price ranges.

Jamónes hanging on the wall at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Jamónes hanging on the wall at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

There’s always a skilled and knowledgeable fellow there ready to give you information about the meats as well as to slice them for you, perhaps from this selection in the middle of the store:

Various jamónes available for slicing at Alma de Julián Becerro.

Various jamónes available for slicing at Alma de Julián Becerro.

Or, you might choose a pre-sliced pack from the case such as one of these:

Prepacked meats and wine at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid, Spain.

Prepacked meats and wine at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid, Spain.

Don’t forget to select a delicious bottle of wine. There are so many good foods to choose from in Spain that you’ll find yourself wanting to stay for a long, long time.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid (2014)

For a culinary extravaganza in Madrid’s old town, go directly to Mercado San Miguel, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Inside you’ll find every type of food both prepared and not. Let’s start with fresh fruits and vegetables:

Fresh fruit and vegetables at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh fruit and vegetables at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

If you like fresh seafood, you can have that too!

Fresh seafood at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh seafood at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Now how about some olives?

Olives and more at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Olives and more at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Back to seafood, how about some oysters?

Oysters at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Oysters at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Of course, there’s plenty more, such as fresh-roasted nuts of all types:

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh nutz at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

And you can have a seat here while you enjoy your snacks:

Dining area at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Dining area at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Don’t forget some bread or pizza:

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Bread and pizza at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Of course you’ll need something sweet, too, right?

at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Sweets at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

There are these things and much, much more at this market, including wine, beer, raw honey, delicious cheeses, literally everything. So go hungry and plan to stay a while.