Madrid is famous for bull fighting
Madrid is a city that doesn't stop buzzing during the day or night. Whether you're after world class museums, great shops, elegant parks or tasty tapas on an evening bar crawl, Madrid has it all.
If you're looking for a fun festive experience this Christmas, why not take the family to the Christmas parade at Warner Park in the city. It runs from December 6-30 and includes fireworks, artificial snow, music and, of course, Santa Claus. To help you choose where to go, FenaleFirst and hotels.com have picked the best of the rest to help you on your way.
Eurostars Madrid Tower - Dizzy Heights - From £135 per room per night
The innovative five-star Eurostars Madrid Tower Hotel, on Castellana avenue, is due to open at the end of November this year and is set to be the highest building in Spain.
This impressive hotel is laid out over 50 floors and every guestroom has breathtaking views across the city skyline. The hotel spa is situated on the 28th and 29th floors and offers a full range of treatments and therapies.
Hotel Ganivet - Ideally located - From £56 per room per night
The recently opened Hotel Ganivet is just moments from Plaza Mayor in the city centre. The hotel's location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the city's famous sights, such as Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and the El Rastro flea market. T
The guestrooms are bright and modern in design and come equipped with flat-screen televisions.
Urban Hotel - Slick design - From £203 per room per night
The über modern Urban Hotel is just off the lively central square of Puerta del Sol and moments from Madrid's famous art museums; The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia.
The hotel is adorned with steel and glass features which are cleverly offset by a distinctive art collection that includes 19th century Chinese portraits and an Egyptian museum in the basement.
All guestrooms feature integrated lighting and music systems, and are completely soundproof, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
Hotel De Las Letras - A literary retreat - From £167 per room per night
This chic art deco hotel is right in the heart of the city, just off the main shopping street of Gran Via.
The hotel library has a vast selection of literary masterpieces and deep leather sofas making it the perfect peaceful retreat.
The stylish guestrooms all have balconies and have been tastefully modernised in bold, bright colours, and many of the ceilings are decorated with hand-painted tiles.
Gay Hostal Puerta del Sol - Gay friendly hostel - From £102 per room per night
As the name suggests, the Gay Hostal Puerta del Sol is a gay friendly hostel located right in the heart of the city centre.
The hostel boasts a roof top solarium with a hot tub and all rooms come with either a balcony or terrace with great city views.
Being moments from the vibrant nightlife of Puerta del Sol, this hostel is ideal for party lovers.
Bullfighting
For the stern of stomach, a trip to Madrid would not be complete without seeing a bullfight at Plaza de Toros, "Las Ventas", the world's biggest bullfighting ring. It's worth paying a little extra for seats in the shade as it can get very hot in the midday sun. Tickets are sold at the ticket office from 10am until 2pm for fights on the following five days.
Shop till you drop
Madrid is great for shopping and has some fabulous boutique shops and stores. For the best designer clothes go to Calle Fuencarral, close to Gran Via. For some traditional souvenirs, there are many great stalls and shops near the Plaza Mayor, selling handmade lace, ceramics and leather goods.
A taste of Madrid
For a real taste of the Spanish capital, have a "Cocido Madrileño", a stew which is a speciality in Madrid. Also highly recommended is a visit to La Latina, or the Chueca neighbourhood, for the best tapas in town and nightlife that will have you dancing till dawn.
All prices and deals are correct as of 25 November 2008 but are subject to change. For more information please visit www.hotels.co.uk
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison