I enjoyed three very full days in Madrid and four mofe relaxing days in Barcelona arranged by Hector Molina at Espiritu Travel. The hotel in Madrid, las Meninas, was small and very attentive, located in the center of the historic sector. I had excellent guides, Geza for a walking tour of the historic sector, who was very well-informed about history and current affairs in Spain, and Linda for the Prado, who did an amazing job of structuring our time in this extensive collection to cover my...
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I enjoyed three very full days in Madrid and four mofe relaxing days in Barcelona arranged by Hector Molina at Espiritu Travel. The hotel in Madrid, las Meninas, was small and very attentive, located in the center of the historic sector. I had excellent guides, Geza for a walking tour of the historic sector, who was very well-informed about history and current affairs in Spain, and Linda for the Prado, who did an amazing job of structuring our time in this extensive collection to cover my interests, making sure to bring me to Velazquez’ Las Meninas, and pointing out that Picasso, whose museum I visited later in Barcelona, spent several months deconstructing this painting. The hotel in Barcelona , Hotel Regina, was even more apt, being off the Placa Catalyuna at the top of las Ramblas, and close to transportation to all parts of the city. The guide, Adrian, drove a small group of us around the city, including the 1930s Olympic venue at Montjuic, a very informative stop at the Gothic cathedral (whose elaborate front was actually added in the 1900s), and arranging for us to have audio guides to the Sagrada Familia.
Hotel Reviews
INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Aeropuerto
Barcelona
Clean, modern hotel on or near the airport grounds, with regular shuttle to the airport. Good breakfast.
Great location, near but not in the Ramblas and Gothic quarter (hence, much quieter). Excellent food and staff and ver well-appointed attractive rooms.
Pleasant small hotel with excellent staff and great beds. Location is excellent.
Local specialist: Hector Molina
A great trip that mixes both history and nature. Thanks for putting it together for me Adam.
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A great trip that mixes both history and nature. Thanks for putting it together for me Adam.
Hotel Reviews
MYR Palacio Vallier
Valencia
Outstanding location — directly off the main Cathedral square. You step out of the hotel and the Cathedral is right in front of you. Many rooms have a balcony with a direct view of the Cathedral — this is the defining feature of the property.
The building looks historic from the outside. The interior is a complete contrast: glass, steel, mirrors, and marble throughout — very modern and grand. The entrance is impressive: a large glass door opens into a marble and glass lobby, leading to double marble staircases that rise to the upper levels.
Location
From your window you can see the cathedral
Hotel Marqués House
Valencia
Location
Right next to the main street and around the corner from the cathedral.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Noise was an issue for me. I could hear people coming in at night when they closed their doors, and in the morning I could hear the trucks on the street.
Hotel Helen Berger
Valencia
I stayed at Hotel Helen Bergen at a recent kimkim work trip.
Lovely hotel, in a great location. The hotel is only a few block away from the main old town/cathedral, and also just a few steps from the main shopping districts, but is set away far enough such that it feels like you are in the neighborhood. The hotel is very understated, actually looks more like a restaurant at first glance. In fact most of the ground floor is the hotel restaurant, which seems to be busy for afternoon coffees, pre-dinner drinks and dinners. When ever I walked by, there were people there.
The rooms were modern, and well setup. The desk is a good size to work from if you are there to work. The only complaint I would have is that the room is a bit on the small side. The other thing I really appreciate is the care the hotel put into ensuring the noise from the outside streets is well insulated. When the windows were closed, you didn't hear anything from the streets.
Bed was comfortable and the team were very friendly.
Location
Between the old town and the new area. But walkable to both.
Activity Reviews
Old Town Walk with Wine & Tapas Experience
Valencia
Beautiful experience. I felt it was just the right mix of guided walk around the old town and relaxing at the venue. The venue was in a very unique location, and the team there provided a lovely set of tapas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Albufera Trip with Tapas & Wine
Valencia
Very relaxing, and a beautiful way to see the lagoon. The trip for us was all about the sunset, they put us in a small boat with a bottle of wine, and tapas, and took us into the middle of the lagoon, we were able to just relax and enjoy the view and the food & wine.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paella Cooking Class & Shopping at Mercat Central
Valencia
What a fun experience! Our guide/master chef Juan was super fun. He was able to keep it easy to follow, and also helped the group really get to know each other. The Paella was delicious, I can't want to try this with my family.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super friendly.
Local specialist: Adam Gomez