From Madrid to El Rancho

I had a quiet, but busy weekend in Madrid - quiet, trying to get readjusted to the six hour time difference from Mongolia and the 25 hours of traveling; busy,trying to get school work done.  I stayed at Hotel Moderno, a very nice hotel just off Puerto del Sol for just $59 per night.

Washroom by the breakfast area

One of the lounges at the Moderno

Another lounge at the Moderno

Friday night, I went to the English Speaking Group at Los Rotos restaurant and bar, Calle Infantas 6.  As usual, this was a fun evening of talking in English and playing word games.  I hope to go again this coming Friday after I return from Vaughan Town.

Los Rotos is a very nice restaurant and bar, the ESG uses a large dining area in the basement

Saturday evening, I went to the tapas reception for Vaughan Town at El Serpentin Restaurant in the Eurobuilding 2, Calle Orense 69.  This week, there are two Vaughan Town sessions, one in Rascafria, and the one I am going to at el Rancho in Torrecaballeros.  We got to meet many of the Anglos who would be attending the sessions.

Sunday morning, we all gathered at the Eurobuilding on time and took the short 75 minute ride to El Rancho.  Since we did not stop for coffee on the way, it meant we got to the hotel early and had to wait to get our rooms.  Our accommodations are excellent and a big step up from what we had in Mongolia.

Nice large beds with comfortable mattresses

Nice sitting area in my room

Attractive art work

Desk and flat   screen TV

Both a full tub and a separate shower

 

My room is about 15 feet (5 meters) by 30 feet (10 meters) and the bath is about 15 feet by 9 feet - this is a really large hotel room, even by US standards and especially for European standards.  I definitely feel like I am being treated very well.

There is a gorgeous infinity pool and since the temps this week are in the 90s, I am sure it will be well used if time permits.  The only limitation is that it is only open from 11:00 to 8:00, so there is not much time when we can use the pool.

Raquel, Ruth and I were the first ones to use the pool on Sunday afternoon

The hotel complex has about ten buildings.  This is the hallway in front of the spa; the spa is open in cold weather and the pool is open in hot weather, so no spa this week.

This is one of three bars at El Rancho and is located in the main building where our rooms are located.

Omat the bartender hard at work

The construction of the buildings has many beautiful beams exposed to view

As with my prior visit, the food is excellent.  People make the 75 minute drive from Madrid to eat here - one of the Spaniards had an unexpected visit when the company where her husband works in Madrid decided to have the husbands management group come here for lunch.

Iciar, Mary and Adrian enjoying lunch

Perch was one of the many fish dishes I had