- the grand capital of Spain, vibrant and imposing, immortalized in Almodovar’s genial and eclectic movies. Easter is one of the best times of the year to discover Madrid. Sunshine, religious and gastronomic traditions and shops full of new items for the new summer/spring season.

Religious traditions

The calendar of processions in Madrid is extensive. It begins on Palm Sunday (March 24th) with the procession of the Christ of Faith and Forgiveness (Basilica Pontificia de San Miguel) and ends on Holy Saturday (March 30th) with the procession of Solitude (Royal Church of San Ginés ). Also in churches as representative as the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha, the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica or Our Father Jesus of Medinaceli wll host classical music cycles typical of this time of the year.

Hyperrealism exhibition

The exhibition “1967-2012 Hyperrealism” at the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum is the star of this Easter. It makes a journey from the creation of this movement in the U.S. in the 60s, its consecration at Documenta in Kassel 1972 and its extension in Europe today, collecting works by three generations of artists. From March 22th to June 9th. Acquires tickets in to avoid queues.

Real Mozart

Mozart is the most important composer of the new season of the Teatro Real. Gerard Mortier has scheduled three operas of the genius of Salzburg, ‘The Magic Flute, “Don Giovanni” and “Cosi fan tutti’. Deep and complex Haneke is in charge of the scenography and Annett Fiordiligi will be performing Fiordiligi. The 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 17 March at the Royal Theatre.

Hotel Unico Madrid

This Unico Hotel is indeed a unique boutique hotel offers accommodation in 44 luxury rooms which are housed in a 19th-century palace in Madrid’s most cosmopolitan district, Salamanca. Every guest will feel comfortable in Hotel Unico’s spacious rooms with warm, neutral colors which boast high ceilings and large windows. Hotel Unico Madrid has also several salons with a view over its relaxing garden or Calle Claudio Coello.

To read more about the Hotel Unico in Madrid, click here.

See below the gallery of the Hotel Unico:

Festive shopping

The Plaza Mayor is the meeting point and the heart of Madrid at Christmas. Nativity scenes, Christmas trees and other paraphernalia are found here. Numerous cafes around (like the mythical San Gines) offer comforting traditional hot chocolate with churros and dozens of shops in the square are perfect to find original gifts for Reyes, from hats to fans made by hand by expert artisans.

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FASHION…

Wearing christmas

The big Christmas news this year in Unique Hotel Madrid is certainly the Christmas Tree dressed exclusively for the hotel by Angel Schlesser with dozens of gold and large chocolate coins. Flagship store for Schlesser is just around the corner and is the ideal place to buy a stunning dress and the rest (bags, belts, shoes, gloves and wallets) to succeed the New Year night. Only women’s wear.

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A MUST…

A new flea market

Mercado de Motores (Motor´s Market) is located in the old engines storage warehouse of Metro de Madrid, a spectacular listed building, where vintage furniture, fashion, accessories, flowers, CDs, books and even gourmet products are sold. They have coffee, lounge, terrace and playground and a band playing live music. Open the first weekend of every month and in December there will be a special Christmas edition the 22th and 23th (from 11.00 to 18.00). Valderribas, 49. (Metro Pacific).

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HOTEL UNICO, MADRID

This Unico Hotel is indeed a unique boutique hotel offers accommodation in 44 luxury rooms which are housed in a 19th-century palace in Madrid’s most cosmopolitan district, Salamanca. Every guest will feel comfortable in Hotel Unico’s spacious rooms with warm, neutral colors which boast high ceilings and large windows. Hotel Unico Madrid has also several salons with a view over its relaxing garden or Calle Claudio Coello.

This new boutique hotel features a 2 Michelin stars awarded restaurant which was called the best restaurant in Madrid and offers a luxurious experience: an extensive wine list, an excellent table service and the highest quality of ingredients.

Hotel Unico boasts also a fitness center and a wide range of massages at the Wellness Suite.

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Once you step outside, you have all the Spanish wonders surrounding the Intur Palacios San Martin! It is precisely in the center of Madrid. This is the commercial and shopping area of the city of Madrid. The main tourist attractions are only a few minutes away on foot. You can visit La Puerta del Sol at about 0.3 km, the Royal Palace is only 0.7 km and the Almudena Cathedral is only again 0.7 km. Even more convenient is that the nearest train station is around 3 km away from the Intur Palacio San Martin, making it even easier to discover one of the greatest capitals of the world!

The Hotel Meninas celebrates Halloween with a wonderful prize for all people that arrive in a costume to their installations during this long weekend.

Last year more than 3,000 people came to the Boutique Hotel Meninas to witness this incredible idea for the first time in Madrid and one of the few in Spain.

In 2011, the Hotel Meninas will be organizing a big prize where everybody can participate with an incredible surprise for the winners.

All the clients have taken pictures with the Hotel Meninas family.

During Halloween, the Hotel Meninas is Madrid’s main attraction.

Location:

The Hotel Meninas Madrid is located in the Historic United of “Recinto de la Villa de Madrid” in the Austrias neighbourhood. It is close to the Opera Theatre, the pedestrian area of the Oriente Square, the Royal Palace, the Convent of “Descalzas Reales” and the Convent of “Encarnación”. Furthermore, it is  a few steps from the Plaza Mayor, La Gran Via, La Puerta Del Sol, the main shopping centres and close to museums that form the famous triangle of art: Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofía. – View Location Map.

General Information:

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Please enjoy below the floral gallery which definitely will indulge your eyes and will make you think about your own floral design!

725 Continental Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/buenos-aires-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/725buenosaires/l/en

Hotel 562 Nogaro, Buenos Aires, Argentina http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/buenos-aires-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/nogaro/l/en

Hotel Alexandra, Copenhagen, Denmark http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/copenhagen-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/alexandrahotel/l/en

Hotel Amira, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/istanbul-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/amirahotel/l/en

Banke Hotel, Paris, France http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/paris-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/bankehotel/l/en

The Beaufort Hotel Knightsbridge, London, UK http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/london-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/beaufort-knightsbridge/l/en

Central Park Hotel, Hong Kong, China http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/hong-kong-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/centralparkhotel/l/en

Cosmo Hotel, Hong Kong, China http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/hong-kong-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/cosmohotel/l/en

Diamant Hotel Sydney, Australia http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/sydney-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/diamanthotelsydney/l/en

Dream Hotel, New York http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/new-york-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/dreamny/l/en

Duquesa de Cardona Hotel, Barcelona, Spain http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/barcelona-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/duquesacardona/l/en

Hart's Hotel Nottingham, UK http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/nottingham-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hartsnottingham/l/en

Hollmann Beletage Boutique Hotel, Vienna, Austria http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/vienna-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hollmann-beletage/l/en

Bloom Brussels Hotel, Brussels, Belgium http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/brussels-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/bloombrussels/l/en

Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli Gran Canal, Venice, Italy http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/venice-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/palazzogiovanelli/l/en

Kirketon Boutique Hotel, Sydney, Australia http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/sydney-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/kirketonboutiquehotel/l/en

TO  BE  CONTINUED

The central historical district of Los Austrias shines with a new gem, the boutique Hotel Opera: situated in a unique location in Madrid, at the Opera you can stroll through the beautiful streets, admire the elegant buildings, plazas, and small gardens of this attractive city.

Epoque Hotels welcomes you right in the heart of charming Los Austrias, just a few steps away from Plaza de Oriente, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, the main shopping areas, and the museums of the famous Art Triangle, Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofía; guests at the boutique Hotel Opera will be spoilt for choice.

At the boutique Hotel Opera you may choose among 79 refined rooms: from single rooms, twin rooms or double rooms, triple rooms and special rooms for people with reduced mobility, all stylishly furnished and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. For a special treat, some even boast furnished terraces with a Jacuzzi, from where you can admire the beautiful panoramic view of old Madrid.

At the Hotel Opera you will also find the elegant Bar Inglés and a modern Cafeteria with the most vibrant view of a live city.

In the hotel Restaurant El Café de la Ópera you will enjoy every night the best of Zarzuela, Opera Musicals live and Boleros. A surprising and amusing show-dinner served by our singer – waiters.

However, what makes every stay at the boutique Hotel Opera unique, is the personalized and professional service, a trademark of every member of Epoque Hotels.

Romance and love will be recreated during these days, especially on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, in every corner of the Boutique hotel Meninas. The representation of love has also reached the facade which shows over 200 beautiful red balloons in heart shape. Reception, rooms and common areas have also been filled with surprises and love scenes.

The Valentine’s themed façade of Meninas hotel is part of the program of events in order to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary. Meninas Hotel is located at number 7, in Campomanes Street, near the Royal Palace, in Barrio de Palacio. More information on http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/madrid-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/meninashotel/l/en.

Meninas is a particularly romantic hotel “We want customers to feel and enjoy the special atmosphere and emotion that is created on the occasion of St. Valentine’s even before entering the hotel, so we have themed our front with the love ” said Pedro Alonso, General Manager.

The result is an original creation: the unique Meninas facade decorated with over 200 beautiful red heart-shaped balloons. This imaginative initiative surprises everyone who passes through the Isabel II square, just remodeled, in Madrid. The facade hotel was themed before on the occasion of Halloween, Christmas and January Special Sales in Madrid to celebrate its five years of life. Rooms and common areas have also been decorated to celebrate love, including the staircase. When customers arrive to their beds, they will discover a small heart-shaped balloon under the pillow and also during breakfast time they will find love ornaments “Our main objective is to surprise clients”, said Pedro Alonso. In the hotel, love music will be played during these days.

Dinner and opera music in Café de la Opera

Café de la Opera, a live show restaurant linked with Meninas Hotel, located next to the hotel, will join the celebration offering “A Valentine’s Sung Dinner®” which includes a repertoire full of romance and a special Menu. Some of the musical pieces that will sound at the restaurant are the due Flores from Lakme opera and songs, such us Bella enamorada de la zarzuela, El último romántico, from Soutullo and Vert or the bolero song Contigo Aprendí.

Menu combines plenty of flavors, chocolate for dessert and a selection of wines. More info and reservation at www.elcafedelaopera.com.

The Boutique Hotel Meninas Madrid is one of the most unique and charismatic hotels of the capital, much appreciated by both national as international customers. The main reason for success is the concept of nearest hotel with just 37 rooms, with a very emotional staff, which is regarded by his clients as their “home” Meninas Hotel is par of the group that includes the Hotel Opera, one of the classics of Madrid, with 46 years of history and has been completely renovated, and the famous restaurant El Café de la Opera, which offers nightly Waiters-lyrical show “Una Cena Cantada®”.

Meninas Boutique Hotel from Madrid has become in just five years since its opening in one of the most unique and charismatic hotels from the capital, very appreciated by both national as international customers. The main reason for its success is the concept of nearby hotel, with just 37 rooms, and a very considerate staff. The Meninas is integrated into the Group that includes Opera Hotel, one classic of Madrid, with 46 years of history in its back and completely renovated, also the famous restaurant El Café de la Opera, which offers nightly entertainment and opera-singer in live. A luxury Sung Dinner will take place the night of the 31st of December.

Meninas Boutique Hotel, the hotel in the center of Madrid with less rooms, has developed some thematic Christmas works in its facade to celebrate  the Fifth Anniversary.

Meninas’ team has decorated the front of the hotel in a very imaginative way.
The objective is incorporating the facade to everyday life as architectural downtown symbol Barrio de Palacio’s residents are very happy with the decoration.

The symbol of Santa Claus, the most international Christmas icon, has already reached Meninas Boutique Hotel.  A group of funny Santa Claus figures bring out its facade. It is a fun way to celebrate Christmas days and, for that, they have used their precious and unique front, which can be seen by all the walkers who pass by Campomanes Street. Meninas Hotel has performed a big creative job to celebrate its Fifth Anniversary by decorating its facade during the most important holidays of the year, such as Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

“Menina’s facade is beautiful and unique and we have planned to decorate it in several different ways along the year to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary.  We think this is a creative idea, both for our customers and the team” said Pedro Alonso, Meninas Hotel General Manager. “This time we have chosen funny Santa Claus who comes to each balcony with gift boxes. In Halloween time, we already did this decoration, also for staff, who dresses up for the occasion”.
The objective for the hotel, considered as customers as their “own house” in Madrid, is, sharing the Christmas spirit. “Customers like arriving to the hotel and see how beautiful the front has became as well as inside decoration” said the General Manager.
The idea also helps to integrate the facade into a modern and dynamic city. It belongs to a protected building dated of 1860, six floors, with typical Madrid balconies. “The facade is a hotel symbol and we have always worked to embellish it with modern elements” said Carmen Carús, General Manager of the Group that the hotel is a part of.

The Christmas spirit also can be seen at the inside of the hotel. In there, it has a Nativity Scene just at the entrance, where the guests are invited to take nougat candy and any other Christmas sweets as the same time Christmas carols can be heard. Everything is ready for the Christmas trip to Madrid to make it memorable.
Meninas Boutique Hotel from Madrid has become in just five years since its opening in one of the most unique and charismatic hotels from the capital, very appreciated by both national as international customers. The main reason for its success is the concept of nearby hotel, with just 37 rooms, and a very considerate staff.
The Meninas is integrated into the Group that includes Opera Hotel, one classic of Madrid, with 46 years of history in its back and completely renovated, also the famous restaurant El Café de la Opera, which offers nightly entertainment and opera-singer in live. A luxury Sung Dinner will take place the night of the 31st of December.

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More about Meninas Boutique Hotel:

Meninas Hotel Best Rate Guaranteed!

Luxury boutique hotel housed in an exquisite historic building of the XIX century. Meninas Hotel is located in the very centre of Madrid, right by the Opera house, a few steps from Plaza Mayor, Gran Via and Puerta Del Sol. This hotel provides Free Wifi

from 79 EUR (105 USD) »

Should you not like football, or rather go on a shopping spree, Madrid has also something to offer to you this May. The famous Gran Vía, one of the city’s most impressive backdrops and the main shopping area, is celebrating its centenary. Gran Vía turns 100 this year and Madrid is ready to celebrate in style, with a variety of activities organized by public and private institutions taking place. Theatre, music and art blend to commemorate the avenue’s significance, at once transforming the city and making it all the more cosmopolitan. Architecture lovers will find pleasure in walking down this avenue: historicism, modernism, art-déco and rationalism are the background for the best shopping in town. Don’t miss out the chance to take a walk down Gran Vía to uncover its history and the transformations it has undergone over the years while enjoying some live acts at the Fiestas de San Isidro (for more info: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do)