Hotel checkout
Eurostar has released a 360-degree virtual guide to help travellers with autism. Charity Ambitious About Autism, which advised the rail firm, says autistic passengers are more comfortable travelling after seeing information in advance, with sights and sounds in two dimensions. eurostar.com Hard Rock Hotel Barcelona will be rocking up on to the shores of the Catalonian capital in 2022, with building of the 504-room property expected to start later this year.
Set next to the Forum beach and Marina in Sant Adria del Besos, Barcelona city centre is an easy subway and tram ride away six miles down the coast, while both Parc de Forum and Parc de la Pau, which regularly play host to festivals and music events, are close by.
Hardcore fans of the hip hotel brand can expect signature features including a Rock Spa, the Sound of Your Stay in-room music playlist, and youngsters are catered for with a Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club. Along with a rooftop terrace, bar and pool, there will be two speciality restaurants, a Lobby Bar and Music Bar. hardrock.com
■■Previously The Clive Restaurant with Rooms, the Georgian coaching inn, part of the Earl of Plymouth’s Oakly Park Estate, reopened after a major refurb with a new name, The Clive Arms.
The revamp has also included three more rooms, bringing the total to 18, plus a new garden and courtyard area for al fresco dining.
Lying outside foodie capital Ludlow, the restaurant’s menu upholds the Shropshire town’s reputation for gourmet cuisine by keeping it local wherever possible, using veg from the walled garden and meat from the estate.
From €108 for a double B&B. theclive.co.uk
HSpurs’ Lucas Moura was the semi-final star against Ajax and the temporary full-size football pitch in historic Plaza Mayor
ola amigos del fútbol! Magnificent Madrid is the host city for next Saturday’s Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Spain’s classy capital is ready to welcome up to 100,000 fans of the Premier League giants for the European match of the season.
And what a perfect venue it is – an elegant, vibrant, compelling city where life is meant to be lived well and where “fútbol” is at fever pitch.
It has something for everyone – from art and architecture aficionados to history and food fans. Just be prepared for little sleep... the Madrileños often don’t get going until after midnight!
Here’s a guide for Reds and Spurs supporters heading to the match of the decade...
Royal Palace The largest in western Europe, it was home to the kings of Spain from 1755 and is still the official residence.
Inspired by the Louvre in Paris, it comprises more than 3,000 rooms including the Throne
Hall, Guards Room and the Royal Chapel with a collection of stringed instruments made by the fabled Antonio Stradivari.
El Retiro Park Covering around 350 acres and with more than 15,000 trees, impressive sculptures and fountains, it’s a glorious green oasis in the heart of the city.
Rent a rowing boat on the lake or see the exotic plants in the cast-iron framed Glass Palace. The statue of the Fallen Angel is the only sculpture in the world dedicated to the Devil and, weirdly, is 666 metres above sea level!
Puerta del Sol The beating heart of Madrid, and indeed Spain, is a semi-circular space with a stone slab marking Spain’s kilómetro cero (km 0), the starting point for all major national radial roads.
On top of the Casa de Correos building there’s a clock that all Spanish eyes turn to at midnight on December 31 – and traditionally eat 12 lucky grapes to the 12 chimes.
There’s also the El Oso y el Madroño statue. It’s the official symbol of the city, a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree, and a popular meeting spot for locals.
Prado Museum Away from the artistry on the football pitch this is a truly magnificent collection of Europe-wide art dating from the 12th century. Founded 200 years ago, it boasts works by Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Rubens, Titian and Velázquez.
There are around 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints and 1,000 sculptures (museodelprado.es, €15).
The UEFA Champions League Festival There’s a feast of football-related activities, kicking off on May 30 for supporters who arrive early.
Look out for fan zones with giant screens around the main squares, a huge replica of the trophy in Plaza de Oriente, DJ concerts and live bands in Puerta del Sol, star footballers signing autographs and an Ultimate Champions Tournament event at a temporary full-size football pitch in historic Plaza Mayor (finalmadrid2019. esmadrid.com).
Hit the kit Want a Madrid soccer souvenir? They’re available at the many official stores for Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and the Spanish national team. El Retiro Park and Casa de Correos