Mr & Mrs Smith

I had a wonderful nine day stay at Hospes Madrid. The location was superb, close to the Retiro Park. The hotel has bikes that are perfect for exploring the magnificent park. It is close to the old town, the shops and great local places to eat. Also, the hotel has a completely satisfying food and gin-list. I asked for an upgrade from a deluxe to a room with a bath, which was accommodated as soon as I asked. The new room was to the rear of the hotel making it very quiet and providing lovely views of the beautiful neighbouring buildings. The breakfast was delicious, one of the best, if not the best I’ve ever had, and the staff were all excellent. Room service requests were extremely prompt at all times, and the gazpacho with cucumber sorbet is still a very strong memory. Then, to my greatest surprise, when I was checking out, I was provided with incentive vouchers for other Hospes hotels. The staff were just superb for everything and I had the loveliest stay. What was the highlight? I think I've got to choose between the hotel’s G'vine Gin, the Botanica restaurant across from the Botanical gardens and the gazpacho – I really can't decide.

Hospes Madrid was a great place to end our trip in a great location. The room was large and airy. The shower terrific. The Hospes restaurant had wonderful food. If and when we return to Madrid, this will be the hotel of our choice. Again, thank you everyone at Mr & Mrs Smith for a vacation of a lifetime.

The thing about Madrid is that it is really quite cheap – even at the top hotels wine is a pinch, although cocktails are top-end London prices. However, what was recommended to us was a bar/restaurant called Lateral (+34 914 350 604) on the square directly by the ME Madrid. It is a fabulous place – buzzy, very affordable tapas, excellent speedy service and an outside space in the square so you can choose your spot. Even when it's busy, it's totally worth the wait, so be prepared to sit at the bar, drinking vino blanco while you wait for a great Spanish experience.

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is amazing. Never has one person accumulated so much, and then made it available for the pleasure of so many.