Spanish Peninsular Temporary Episode
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - Estero, Florida
Ya marijuana, it's a bright and breezy Spring morning. We've packed our suitcases up and hit the road towards Miami. Gliding across Alligator Alley, we made it there in just over two hours, dodging the occasional gator along the way. But once we hit the big city, the traffic was brutal - even worse than NYC. Our GPS led us to a Holiday Inn near the airport. We forked out some extra cash for parking and accommodation, but it was worth it for the convenience.
We hopped on a hotel shuttle and arrived at the American Airlines terminal at Miami International. Thanks to our accumulated miles, we bumped up to business class - a luxurious experience we don't get to enjoy often. The eight-hour flight went by smoothly, with a glass of bubbly and a tasty meal to keep us entertained.
Upon landing in Madrid, Spain, we were greeted by chaos - think three hundred energized Americans lined up for customs clearance. With our rudimentary Spanish skills, we managed to find our bags (they were hiding in the baggage maze, two floors down and a tiny train ride away). Finally, we jumped into a cab and braved the traffic to reach our boutique hotel, Catalano de Puerta, at 23 Atocha.
The hotel was charming and the staff spoke excellent English. Unfortunately, our room wasn't ready yet, so we dropped our bags and headed out to explore. We walked the Avenue de Atocha, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. We were on the hunt for the "Hop on, hop off" bus but couldn't find it. Instead, we forked over €23 each for a less-than-impressive bus ride around the city.
Once we reached our hotel, we checked into our spacious room, crashed for two hours, and then headed to the cozy hotel bar for a glass of Spanish cabernet and a delicious Caesar salad. The total came to €45, but it was worth it for a perfect ending to our exhausting first day in Madrid.
Madrid airport provides several transportation options, each with varying costs and travel times. If you're looking to save some cash, consider opting for the public bus or metro, both of which offer affordable fares. But if you prefer the comfort and convenience of a private transfer, various services are available for around €17-60 (~$19-$64). Just remember, with options like these, you can rest easy after a long flight and get right to exploring the vibrant city of Madrid [1][2][3][4][5].
-Joseph Xavier Martin
Twitter | Facebook
[1] Madrid Airport Transport Options: Costs and Travel Times
If you want to skip the taxi queue at Madrid's airport, you can hop on the Line 8 metro which connects the airport to the city center for €5. For a more economical option, opt for public buses, with fares starting at €1.50.
If comfort is your priority, consider booking a private transfer or taking a taxi. Private transfer services can be booked online and typically start around €30, while taxi transfers usually cost from €30-60.
Keep in mind that some hotels in Madrid offer free airport shuttle services, so be sure to inquire about this option when booking your accommodations.
- Before embarking on an adventure-travel journey, it's essential to research and plan your budget, considering costs for activities like sports-betting, cultural-travel, and European leagues.
- On our way to Madrid, we noticed a movie theater in Miami, a perfect opportunity for a lifestyle break during our travel.
- As we explored Madrid's Avenue de Atocha, we couldn't help but wonder about the city's rich history, eager to learn more during our stay.
- The weather forecast for the upcoming week in Madrid shows a mix of sun and rain, making a stroll through the city an exciting experience, given the unpredictable weather.
- While contemplating our travel plans for the next day, we stumbled upon a Spanish football match schedule for Laliga, a must-see event during our cultural-travel experience.
- After a tiring day in Madrid, we enjoyed a glass of Spanish cabernet and a Caesar salad, feeling a sense of travel satisfaction that only a good meal can provide.
- As we stepped off the plane in Miami, the sun was setting, reminding us of the wonders that lay ahead in this adventure-travel experience, promising a mix of sports, movies, and travel experiences.
- Upon our return, we will surely share our detailed budget-travel experiences, from business class flights to affordable transit options in Madrid, helping fellow travelers plan their journeys more efficiently.
