Madrid won my heart last week during my trip to Spain. Before departing for Spain, everyone I spoke with who had been to Madrid and Barcelona both told me I would absolutely love Barcelona, without so much as a word about Madrid. While I enjoyed my time in Barcelona, it is Madrid I would choose to visit on a return to Spain. Barcelona’s beach and location on the water was beautiful. I spent my first night at the Hotel Arts, which was, in a word, lovely. I would have been more than content to stay there the whole trip, but I was lucky to get one night as they were fully booked the rest of my stay. I then moved to the trendy 1898 Hotel in the old town and could not have left a minute sooner (look for my review in an upcoming eFlyer). My last two nights were spent at the EuroStar BCN Design Hotel, which was in a prime location for me, in the new part of the city and away from the touristy Ramblas, one block from one of the infamous Gaudi houses. The lobby was minimal, the rooms were large and contemporary and I had a balcony. The hotel was reasonable and I highly recommend it to any business traveler, single person or couple needing a reasonable, stylish hotel. I spent my last three nights in Madrid, falling in love with the city. Perhaps my affection for Madrid stems from the fact that I am more of a city person than a beach person, but Madrid offered greenery, a stunning old town and more interaction with the Spanish people. I spent three nights at the InterContinental Hotel and I was in close proximity – via foot, subway or taxi ride – to anywhere I wanted to be. I had a delicious traditional dinner in the old town at Botin restaurant and a phenomenal contemporary tapas lunch at Le Carera. The nightlife in Madrid mesmerized me with restaurants not even opening until 9 p.m.! I enjoyed the pace of the city and did not find it to be overwhelming. The architecture is elegant and beautiful. Madrid, I look forward to discovering more! -Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher