Topic Wiki

Barcelona
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantmaccabi.com/en/
Activities: Jewish Tours in Barcelona, http://www.urbancultours.com
http://www.barcelonadreaming.com/package/barcelona-jewish-tour/
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Stay at Hotel Condado it is about a 3 minute walk from the shul (local community), bear in mind there is no eruv, so you will need to either leave the room open or make some arrangement with the hotel, they do not offer keys (or have that option at all)
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Barcelona (Orthodox): http://www.cibonline.org; Go to the local shul and meet Rabbi Daniel Ashkenazi he is wonderful and quite helpful.

Madrid
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, @Yehuda pics, Yehoshua, @zalc (Mini)., CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantelaescudilla.com  https://www.pinatimadrid.com/  https://www.pizzeriarimmon.com/(teuda)
Activities: Toledo - a day trip from Madrid to see 2 old Shuls. Can hire a tour guide, Rabbi Hanoka (info@jewishtoledotour.com), which is not cheap, or can take a train on your own. 1 of the Shuls (El Transito) is closed on Mondays. @Yehuda went on a day when that Shul was closed, and the other Shul was really just an empty room and seemed like a Christian organization now runs the center. Without a tour guide, it was hard to get anything Jewish out of our trip (other than an antique store that had some Judaica). But, people who have taken the tour (discussed in the thread) have said it was great! Recommended to go with a tour or not go at all (and ensure to go on a day when both are open!). Report in the thread that the sometimes-closed Shul has audio headsets for use, so that would help. If going alone, you can research the Jewish places at the link HERE
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Chabad Site
Public Transport options: Uber works well, as does the subway if you speak Spanish.
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Madrid (Orthodox), http://www.cjmadrid.org

Malaga
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Israelita de Malaga (Orthodox), http://www.cimalaga.es

Seville
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities: Jewish Tours in Sevilla/Cordoba, http://www.jewishsevilla.com
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Judia de Sevilla, synagoguesevilla@gmail.com

Gibraltar
Links to Trip Reports: Yehoshua
Kosher Restaurants: Amar's Bakery and Coffee shop, http://www.amarsbakery.com/
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Gibraltar, http://www.jewishgibraltar.com

Mallorca
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants: Their is not - one restaurant serve felafel it's own by an israeli but no hechsher
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: The Shul its open on Friday night
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips:
 
4500 IB Avios from anywhere to anywhere in the country
Best way to get around anywhere in this country is by scooter. It is safer driving them there since they outnumber cars by great proportions.
« Last edited by cgr on September 04, 2023, 09:01:01 PM »

Author Topic: Spain Master Thread  (Read 272073 times)

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #520 on: February 19, 2015, 07:00:01 PM »
@ yehoshua did you decide were you're staying at in bcn yet? Am planning a trip there mid april and looking at all possibilities as well
Looks like Airbnb/VRBO/HomeAway most likely. I found a few places in the Ramblas area for around $100/night ($250 total for 2 nights after you add in service and cleaning fees). The hotels are around the same price but don't look as nice. NYOP on Priceline is too risky for me.

Where did you want to stay?

Offline amx

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2014
  • Posts: 70
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #521 on: February 19, 2015, 07:27:35 PM »
not sure thinking about vrbo.. especially since its gonna be with 2 kids

Offline Oceanblue

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 208
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Seattle
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #522 on: February 21, 2015, 05:39:43 PM »
The thing I wasn't sure about was the two different types of train service. One seems more express than the other, despite both being AVE service. Some trains take 2h30m while others take 3h10m. Since I hadn't been on such a high speed train before Italy (and I never got sick from a train before) I assume that slower trains are better. Do you know the difference between the two speeds? Is it really one speed with one making more stops?

The difference between the 2h30m and 3h10m is the latter has a few more stops in between to take a little bit longer. the former is going to be more expensive since it has fewer stops.  I'm traveling that route in a few weeks and ended up booking a flight, which came out cheaper for me, for the same amount of travel time (but will probably take longer in total to deal with the airports though). 

Offline ethana

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 475
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #523 on: February 21, 2015, 09:49:14 PM »
If you want a nice hotel in Madrid: the AC Santo Mauro is where it's at

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #524 on: February 21, 2015, 10:43:12 PM »
The difference between the 2h30m and 3h10m is the latter has a few more stops in between to take a little bit longer. the former is going to be more expensive since it has fewer stops.  I'm traveling that route in a few weeks and ended up booking a flight, which came out cheaper for me, for the same amount of travel time (but will probably take longer in total to deal with the airports though).
We'll probably just end up flying, too. I forgot about $30 in Orbucks I have to use towards the flights making them cheaper than taking the train.

If you want a nice hotel in Madrid: the AC Santo Mauro is where it's at
Why that hotel specifically?  I was thinking of AC Palacio de Retiro?

Offline ethana

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 475
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #525 on: February 21, 2015, 10:59:20 PM »
It's just a really beautiful place. Former dukes palace. We were upgraded to a junior suite which was very nice. It's a 15 min walk to the Shul and on Shabbos the staff was extremely accommodating and helpful.

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #526 on: February 21, 2015, 11:06:14 PM »
It's just a really beautiful place. Former dukes palace. We were upgraded to a junior suite which was very nice. It's a 15 min walk to the Shul and on Shabbos the staff was extremely accommodating and helpful.
We won't be there for shabbos, so that's a non issue. For us it's about ease of access the airport. How easy is it from that hotel?

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #527 on: February 21, 2015, 11:16:27 PM »
AC hotels can be booked with Marriott points. Get on that, Yehoshua!

Offline ethana

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 475
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #528 on: February 21, 2015, 11:18:31 PM »
All the taxis have a flat rate from the airport to the city. Was pretty painless IIRC

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #529 on: February 21, 2015, 11:18:55 PM »
AC hotels can be booked with Marriott points. Get on that, Yehoshua!
I have AC Atocha booked already with Marriott points, thinking of changing to Palacio de Retiro instead.

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #530 on: February 21, 2015, 11:25:37 PM »
I have AC Atocha booked already with Marriott points, thinking of changing to Palacio de Retiro instead.
Atocha isn't really near anything that we did. Being near the palace would be nice for that activity. Can't remember offhand if the other stuff is near that area.

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #531 on: February 22, 2015, 12:20:11 AM »
Atocha isn't really near anything that we did. Being near the palace would be nice for that activity. Can't remember offhand if the other stuff is near that area.
The only benefit of being near there is its easy to get to the airport. Is that other AC near the palace?

Offline raphy781

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 1524
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #532 on: February 22, 2015, 01:09:23 PM »
Anyone do the gocar tours in Barcelona? Which did you do, which do you recommend?

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #533 on: February 22, 2015, 03:07:48 PM »
The only benefit of being near there is its easy to get to the airport. Is that other AC near the palace?
Ah, I'm not sure. Gmaps it. I would imagine so if it's named liked that.
Anyone do the gocar tours in Barcelona? Which did you do, which do you recommend?
Someone in this thread definitely talked about GoCars at some point. Search. I'm not sure if it was in BCN and I also think it might have been regarding renting one, not a tour. But might as well look for it.

Offline raphy781

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 1524
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #534 on: February 22, 2015, 06:51:16 PM »
Someone in this thread definitely talked about GoCars at some point. Search. I'm not sure if it was in BCN and I also think it might have been regarding renting one, not a tour. But might as well look for it.
Thanks. I was just looking to rent one, not for a whole tour. I thought I saw it somewhere. Turns out it was in Barcelona.

Offline Hershelsdeals

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2014
  • Posts: 3583
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #535 on: February 22, 2015, 06:54:54 PM »
Anyone here being in Barcelona next week?

Offline raphy781

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 1524
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #536 on: February 22, 2015, 07:20:07 PM »
Anyone here being in Barcelona next week?
I'll be there a little later than that.

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #537 on: February 23, 2015, 02:53:05 PM »
It's just a really beautiful place. Former dukes palace. We were upgraded to a junior suite which was very nice. It's a 15 min walk to the Shul and on Shabbos the staff was extremely accommodating and helpful.
Not that you stayed anywhere else, but do you think it was worth 35k points/night? Now I'm at the AC Atocha for 20k.

 In terms of getting to/from the airport, I'd prefer to take the metro/renfe and not shell out for a taxi even though it has a fixed price.

Offline ethana

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 475
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #538 on: February 23, 2015, 02:56:26 PM »
Well I guess that goes for any luxury hotel; if it's worth the points or not. Marriott points also aren't worth too much so I felt it was worth it. But if you don't need to be near the Shul tgen I'm sure the other AC will suffice.

Offline Yehoshua

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 10172
  • Total likes: 213
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #539 on: February 23, 2015, 02:59:11 PM »
Well I guess that goes for any luxury hotel; if it's worth the points or not. Marriott points also aren't worth too much so I felt it was worth it. But if you don't need to be near the Shul tgen I'm sure the other AC will suffice.
Is the restaurant near the hotel/shul?