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Spotlight on Madrid

by Jill Fergus

No longer overshadowed by its sexier cousins, the Spanish capital is taking center stage.

The royal wedding of Prince Felipe to commoner Letizia Ortiz last May was cause for much celebration throughout Spain. The terrorist train bombings of March 11, in which 200 people lost their lives, were not far from the minds of Madrilenos. So, the nuptials - dubbed “the wedding of the century” by the Spanish media — were
considered a much-needed happy occasion, an almost cathartic event in
the wake of such tragedy.

Thousands turned up for a glimpse of the golden couple as they entered Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral to exchange vows witnessed by King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia, England’s Prince Charles, Jordan’s Queen Raina and Nelson Mandela. Security was airtight, and the scaled-down festivities went off without a hitch.

Along with the spirit of its citizens, tourism in the city is starting to pick up as well. Long overshadowed by sexier spots like Barcelona, Seville and, more recently, Bilbao with its gleaming Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, Madrid has reclaimed its place in the spotlight. Emerging neighborhoods like Chueca are attracting hip Madrilenos, minimalist restaurants with nouvelle cuisine are garnering international attention, and the city’s world-class museums such as the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are undergoing major expansions. Infrastructure throughout the city (Spain’s capital since 1561), including public transportation, parks and recreational facilities, is being upgraded as Madrid vies to host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Madrid, a cosmopolitan city with a population of 3.2 million, is the
headquarters for the government, the Spanish Parliament and the royal
family. Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Most industry is located on the southern fringe of the city where important textile, food and metalworking factories are clustered.

Politically, the country is now being led by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who was voted into office just three days after the March train bombings (taking the place of José María Aznar, a staunch supporter of the Iraq War). Zapatero made good on his campaign promises of withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq and forging stronger relationships with other European countries, including France and Germany.

Culturally, Madrid is one of Spain’s most important cities. The museum scene continues to flourish, and traditional dances such as the sensual flamenco still enthrall locals and visitors alike. The hotel scene has not yet exploded with Schragercaliber boutiques. The choicest place in town is still the Hotel Ritz on Plaza de la Lealtad where the guest list includes Madonna, Antonio Banderas and David Beckham. This storied belle epoque gem dating from 1910 was recently acquired by the upscale Orient-Express hotel group, which has updated many of the rooms as well as the business facilities. Madrid also boasts a lively nightlife, so expect a few late nights — but don’t sleep in too often, there’s too much to do and see in this newly energized city.

LODGING

HOTEL RITZ
The city’s most famous hotel has 167 rooms with half-canopied beds, embroidered linen sheets and heated towel racks (ask to overlook the Museo del Prado). In warm weather, have a sherry and a plate of delicious manchego cheese and jamon serrano (Spanish ham) in the tranquil garden shaded by olive trees. The romantic Goya restaurant
helmed by Chef Javier Aldea is known for its refined Spanish food,
and the Velazquez Bar is an elegant spot for drinks. There is also a fully equipped business center with a multilingual staff.

HOTEL RITZ
Plaza de la Lealtad 5, Madrid, Spain
tel 34 91 701 6767, fax 34 91 701 6776
www.orient-express.com

WESTIN PALACE
Like the Ritz, the Palace (now managed by Westin) was constructed in
the early 1900s at the behest of King Alfonso XIII to ensure that
Madrid had hotels that would rival any in Europe. And grand it is,
starting with the marble lobby with its crystal chandeliers and the aweinspiring stained-glass rotunda, a popular spot for tea or cocktails. The hotel, with its state-of-the-art business center and numerous meeting rooms, is a top choice with business travelers. Plus, it’s in a prime location, across the street from the Ritz and the Prado.

WESTIN PALACE
Plaza de las Cortes 7, Madrid, Spain
tel 34 91 360 8000, fax 34 91 310 8100
www.palacemadrid.com