Mad About Madrid

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Mad About Madrid has been running now for almost 3 years. In fact the 3rd Anniversary of its launch came about in August, 2006. Over that time the site has grown, both in the number of visitors it receives and the amount of content that is added to it.

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New Hotel in Plaza Santa Ana

If you're passed through the Plaza Santa Ana over the past couple of years you will have noticed that the huge Reina Victoria Hotel has been undergoing refurbishment. Well, last week saw the lavish re-opening of this historic hotel by the Sol Meliá group - some 1000 people were invited. Here are some of the hotel's features, from its latest press release:

ME Madrid Reina Victoria represents the new daring, bold hotel concept of experience-based personality hotels which is characterized by passion for service, design, international fusion cuisine and world music. 

Now here's the bit I like:

A state-of-the-art home theatre entertainment centre featuring a 32-inch interactive plasma television and CD/DVD, surround sound speakers, WiFi Internet access, an extensive in room library of CD's and DVD's as well as iPod adaptors and connectivity docking stations

The hotel also features:

ME Madrid’s MIDNIGHT ROSE, the glamorous ground-floor restaurant and lounge.  With its luxurious finishes and modern, eclectic furniture, MIDNIGHT ROSE will appeal to everyone, whether for impromptu gatherings or late night rendezvous.

This too sounds like it could be fun, and probably worth price:

Whisked up from the ground floor in a private elevator, hotel guests and the public alike can experience THE PENTHOUSE terrace bar where the people are bound to be as dynamic as the unobstructed city panorama over the famous Plaza Santa Ana. Outside guests are called to recline on decadent cushion filled beds, delicately enclosed by floaty fabrics while indoors, guests can sink into the comfortable lounge or immerse themselves in the exclusive VIP Bar.

Incidentally, Rande Gerber who operates ME Madrid’s Midnight Rose and The Penthouse, is the husband of Cindy Crawford. Something tells me that this could be the place to spot celebrities in the future!

Pereza to Play Nuevo Teatro Alcalá in November

One of Madrid's hottest bands - and definitely one of my favourites - has announced 3 dates for concerts in Madrid's Nuevo Teatro Alcalá. Pereza will play on the 20th, 21st and 22nd November and tickets can be bought from Fnac, Carrefour (Supermarket) and Tick Tack Ticket - I'm sure tickets will go very quickly.

The Prado to Open Up At Night

During the months of October, November and December, the Prado Musuem will leave its doors open for a little longer, and for free, for youngsters between the ages of 15 and 25. Well, not every day or every week but the last Fridays of the month!  Starting on the 27th October and continuing on the 24th November and the 29th December it will. And what's more art experts will be on han to explain the works of art on display.

The Prado Museum website doesn't have any information on this initiative - which doesn't surprise as it is such an embarassingly bad website. I just don't understand how the ministry of culture won't bring it into the 21st Century.

Changing the Guard at the Royal Palace

On Saturday 21st, October 2006 they will be changing the guard at Madrid's Royal Palace. However, instead of soldiers dressed in modern, military uniform Madrid will turn the clock back a couple of centuries and military personnel from the three armed services will dress in costumes from the era and will be accompanied by carriages from the Patrimonio Nacional, gun carriages and military marches. The event will be presided over (spot the direct translation!) by the King's eldest sister, the Infanta Pilar de Borbón.

The event will take place at 12 pm.

Festival de Otoño

The Festival de Otoño bills itself as:

one of the most important theatrical arts events in spain

It goes on for around 5 weeks and features national (Spanish) and international acts from around the world who perform theatre, dance and music. The event kicks off on the 11th October and runs until the 9th November, 2006. There is an English version of the website which is probably better than the Spanish - it uses plain html rather than the damned, annoying Flash!