Madrid is often called Spain's most 'Spanish city' and that's because it's the city that never sleeps. Madridians know how to party like noone else! If you're going to keep up with the pace, you're going to need somewhere swanky to kick back into at the end of a long day's partying right? Look no further.
Best Spanish accent at the ready - check out the AC Palacio del Retiro. Why? Number one: because double rooms start at just 120 per night. Two, because it is located within walking distance of the famous museum El Prado and a stunning park (perfect for morning fitness types). Three, you'll never feel like you're missing out on any of the bustle of Madrid, because just open the window in a front room of the Palacio and the partying sounds will waft right up to you. (Alternatively, if silence is what you're craving after a long day's sightseeing, then grab a room in the back of the hotel.)
The AC Palacio del Retiroa is a ten minute walk outside of the busy city center, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants a stone's throw from the hotel. Service is great and rooms are spacious and clean. Book a few days at the AC Palacio del Retiro today, they won't be beaten on price and quality!
Just two weeks ago I took a few days off work for a spell in the sun in Alicante, and it was still there, shining well into the mid-twenties, and the locals tell me it's not going anywhere, so book your hotel balcony spot now.
With emigrating Britons holding off for further drops in house prices abroad, there are coast loads of cheap holiday rentals to be had in Alicante.
And with the budget airlines flying you down for about 20 quid, and the hotels offering unbeatable Christmas in the Sun deals, now is the best time to plan your escape from the rain and endless turkey sandwiches.
While you might come across a showery spell here and there, this is more a refresher than anything else. With temperatures still in the mid-twenties, a comforting balm from the UK's typical December weather, Alicante for Christmas has never been as tempting.
And what you spend on flights and hotel you’ll save within a week on the much cheaper prices of good food and local wine.
Speaking of wine, if you want to stock up on the latest harvest in Alicante, take a spin down to the Peter Arnold Winery in Alicante then sit back and enjoy the view.
A short and scenic drive inland from Malaga for about an hour will have you in what are known locally as the Pueblos Blancos, the White Villages; Mountainside villages reminding you of Spain’s Moorish past, and all humming along to easy paced Andalusian rhythm.
With Ryanair dropping you into Malaga from Ireland and the UK for a song, there’s no reason for you not to go South, whether autumn, winter or spring.
And with Granada just over an hour's drive along the coast there’s even more reason now to head down Malaga way.
You can easily take advantage of a bargain hotel deal and base yourself in Malaga, but then to make the most of your trip and see a bit of real Spain hire yourself a car, or catch the train and head inland.
The roads that lead from Malaga to Rhonda wind through rustic villages, that may be mid fiesta needing a stopover for a wine or two, then creep slowly upward into the inland Sierras.
This I promise you will make Malaga a destination hub for further exploration.
