I recently opened my newly arrived National Geographic Traveler magazine (May/June 2007 issue) to read an article about hotels in Madrid entitled "Madrid's Designer Digs." It's about some of the new hotels in the capital that are quite stylish. As I glance through the article, I suddenly see a photo of the view shown in Valenciano_en_Madrid's photo "
Hotel Reina Victoria penthouse " and instantly recognize it! The magazine's photo shows the view during the middle of the day with the caption, "Lounge in private cabanas on the rooftop of the ME Reina Victoria."
The review of the hotel is quite flattering, of course. It says, "Some design charmers reside in centuries-old buildings. Plaza Santa Ana is where classic meets contemporary. In this lively square near some of Madrid's top tapas bars, such as Cervecería la Moderna and La Trucha, the Hotel Reina Victoria, an age-old elite bullfighter hangout, recently became the
ME Madrid Reina Victoria where celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Spanish singer Alaska have been spotted. All 192 modern rooms behind this historic facade are bright and airy with an indulgent theme: The lighting can be turned to a sultry purple hue, and oversize purple bars are stocked with cocktail fixings. VIP rooms come with iPods preloaded with 900 songs. The whitewashed Penthouse rooftop bar is the ultimate glamour hot spot, with superb views of the city."
Of course, staying here isn't cheap with rooms starting at $261. But, I think a drink at the "glamour hot spot" would be a lot of fun, if only for the views. We have our own trend-spotters here on the board. Good work Valenciano!