Discover Spain: A Perfect Stay in Madrid & Toledo

Renee Ward
Feb 20
4 min read

Updated: Apr 16

Views of the Tagus River and Alcazar de Toledo, Spain

Having visited Spain multiple times myself and helped clients plan their perfect Spanish getaways, I’m an expert in crafting seamless trips to this incredible country. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more, Madrid and Toledo offer the perfect mix of culture, history, and luxury stays—and I can help you experience it effortlessly.

Getting to Madrid: Easy Flights from the U.S.

Madrid is one of the most accessible European capitals from the U.S., with direct flights from major cities like Dallas, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. You can often find great cash fares or use airline miles for a nearly free flight, like I did with my family. I can help you find the best flight redemption options to maximize the points and benefits you have!

Why Madrid? The Heartbeat of Spain

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is a must-visit for food lovers, history buffs, and those who enjoy the energy of a bustling European city. Here’s what makes Madrid special:

World-Class Museums: Art lovers will want to explore the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso.
Royal Palace & Plaza Mayor: Visit Spain’s official royal residence and stroll through the city’s grand historic square.
Tapas & Mercado de San Miguel: Madrid’s food scene is incredible—enjoy churros at Chocolatería San Ginés or try local bites at Mercado de San Miguel.
Shopping & Neighborhoods: From high-end fashion on Gran Vía to the boutiques of Salamanca, Madrid has shopping for all styles and budgets.

🔹 Where to Stay in Madrid: Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid

During my stay in Madrid, I chose the Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid, a fantastic option for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and value. Here’s what makes it a great pick:

Close to the Metro & Shopping: The hotel is near public transportation and within walking distance of a large shopping mall, making it easy to explore Madrid.
Luxury and Status Perks: With a Hyatt Globalist status, guests can access the Regency Club for complimentary food and drinks and enjoy free breakfast.
Family-Friendly Suite Option: We booked a family suite—a fantastic choice for those traveling with family. Rooms 809 and 810 include a spacious king-corner suite and an adjoining twin room with a private locking entryway between them.
Great Value with Points: This suite was 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night when we stayed but can be found for as little as 24,000 points per night off-peak. You can earn World of Hyatt points through Hyatt branded credit cards, transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards, and airline partnerships

Madrid is an incredible destination to explore on its own, offering a wide range of exceptional hotels across various brands and styles, all of which I can access for my clients. Madrid's central location also makes it the perfect gateway for a larger journey through Spain. For example, you could embark on an itinerary like this one with Globus from Madrid: The Best of Spain.

Why Toledo? A Step Back in Time

Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes, Toledo

Just a 30-minute high-speed train ride or a 1-hour drive from Madrid, Toledo is a stunning medieval city that feels like stepping into a history book. As Spain’s former capital, it offers:

Awe-Inspiring Architecture: See the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar of Toledo, and stunning synagogues from the city’s rich past.
A Walkable Storybook Setting: The city's winding cobblestone streets and historic bridges make it a photographer’s dream.
The Best Day Trip from Madrid: While Toledo is close enough for a day trip, an overnight stay allows you to enjoy the city in the quieter evening hours.

🔹 Where to Stay in Toledo: Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection

For those wanting to experience the magic of Toledo overnight, the Eugenia de Montijo Autograph Collection is a 5-star historic hotel within walking distance of the city's top sights. Here’s why it’s a fantastic option:

Affordable Luxury: This charming property offers a high-end experience at a reasonable price.
Points Potential: If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you may be able to book a room for as little as 20,000 points per night—an incredible deal for a stay in a historic city! You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through hotel stays or consider the American Express Marriott Business credit card to boost your points balance.
Connecting Rooms: We had 2 King Rooms, 312 and 314, with a private locking entryway between them.

How I Can Elevate Your Spain Travel Experience

With certificates from Marriott's Hotel Excellence program for Travel Professionals, Hilton Travel Professionals Program, and Hyatt Confidant Collective, I can book luxurious stays for you while you earn the loyalty points you want to build. I can also help you strategize the best ways to book your hotels using loyalty points or leverage my Travel Leaders and Internova connections to book these and other properties for you while still allowing you to earn additional loyalty points.