Inspection trip Madrid: looking for hidden gems in the Spanish capital!
As quiet as the past year and a half has been, just as busy is it currently once again. Enquiries are literally flying in from all directions and everything is allowed to be exuberant, different and, above all, challenging once more. Companies want to travel again with their employees, clients, franchisees and members, and preferably as soon as possible. However, numerous requests for 2022 are also reaching us. To steer all of this in the right direction and prepare the trips properly, we regularly go on inspection. That is why I, Anita – Managing Director of goMICE, went to Madrid at the beginning of November. Madrid is one of the most attractive incentive destinations in Europe: a destination where we have already been able to organise many trips and to which we will be realising and accompanying several group trips again next year. Curious to see how my inspection trip went? And which cool new spots I discovered? Then read on!
Travel responsibly: Sustainability is also high on the agenda for most clients. For instance, travelling by train is being chosen more often, as is offsetting carbon emissions. For the initial estimate of emissions, we use a simple calculator to give our clients insight into the costs involved per destination that we present to them.
Exploring Madrid
Madrid is another one of those cities that I never get tired of. When you choose a hotel on the Gran Via, for example Hotel Emperador, the RIU Plaza España hotel or Hotel Catalonia, you are in the right spot. Everything you want to do is within easy reach and mostly within walking distance. The inspection trip was intended, on the one hand, to visit suppliers we have been doing business with for a long time and, on the other hand, to discover new hidden gems… and we succeeded! ?
WOW! Now this is a proper hidden gem of a restaurant…
Ahead of a trip we are always on the lookout for potential new gems, but when we stay in a city during an inspection trip, we keep our eyes and ears wide open. And that has paid off once again this time. I have discovered a fantastic new restaurant! Not only the look and feel, but also the food was phe-nom-e-nal. The characterful Spanish cuisine with a delightful Italian twist and, more importantly, they have the right capacity for (medium to) large groups, namely 200 people, which is not unimportant for us. Because finding a nice and authentic restaurant that can accommodate between 50 and 100 people is often quite a challenge already, but for groups of over 100 people it really becomes a treasure hunt. Unless you want to accommodate groups in a hotel function room or restaurants in a convention centre, for example. However, the experience is then often somewhat less atmospheric compared to having lunch or dinner among the locals.
This restaurant wasn’t on my list of “potential new suppliers”, but caught my eye when I looked down a charming street: a bullseye. The restaurant turned out to have opened just a week ago! The two hostesses at the door welcomed me ever so warmly, gave me a heartfelt tour and asked the chef to prepare something for me to taste (all of this without an appointment!)… well, then you really know your trade. These are also genuinely moments when I realise how privileged we sometimes are to be able to do this kind of thing (again). I honestly still think this is wonderful and hope I may keep doing this for a very long time!
Enjoy Madrid from on high
During my preliminary research, I also saw that a number of new rooftops have opened in Madrid, so these were also on my list to visit. Because (almost) nothing is more fun than having a group start with a welcome drink, or have lunch/dinner, on a rooftop with amazing views! Throughout Madrid there are around 100 rooftop bars to be found, all with a different view and fitting within any budget. TIP: Choose a cool rooftop tour as a group activity during your group or incentive trip, great fun!
Of course, I am happy to lift the veil and share three rooftops with you:
One of our favourites is the rooftop of Hotel Emperador. A wonderfully spacious venue with a lovely swimming pool and delicious snacks and drinks. We regularly use this rooftop when a group is not staying at this hotel.
Source: Hotel Emperador Madrid
One of the newest rooftops is the one on the RIU Plaza España, located on the Gran Vía… what a view and atmosphere! Hip, trendy and the place to be and be seen. Experience luxury with a view over Madrid.
Source: Hotel Riu Plaza España
But my personal favourite so far is still Ginkgo. With a magical view (in the evening) of a beautifully illuminated royal palace. Outstanding service and the food… truly fantastic. Whether you choose the croquetas or the gyozas (Japanese dumplings), every single dish is deliiiicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Source: Ginkgo Skybar Madrid
Make your trip to Madrid even more magical!
Of course you want your group or incentive trip to Madrid to have a maximum impact on the participants. With our Stretch-method We ensure that we start informing, enthusing, or activating your employees or clients at an early stage. This could involve announcing the trip in a fun way, or stimulating sales targets through the goMICE activation app or connecting the target audience on the way to this unforgettable LIVE moment.
I am already looking forward to the planned group trips to the vibrant Spanish capital. Are you also interested in a Madrid experience together with your colleagues or business associates? Or a group experience to another cool city destination in Europe, such as Bilbao, Paris, Athena, MilanPlease contact us. We would be happy to help you explore the infinite possibilities!