Free holidays. Who does not want them? Well, not entirely free, but almost. A return flight to Madrid for just £5. A stay at the fabulous Madrid Edition, the only five-star hotel in the city with a rooftop pool, for £1 per night. Car hire to explore historic towns like Toledo and Cuenca for £1 per day. That sounds like a deal too good to miss.
An Incredibly Affordable Escape
So, here I am, having spent a total of £8 for a three-night stay, enjoying lunch on a beautifully landscaped roof beneath an arbour of jasmine, with lashings of rosé and a sangria chaser. The infinity-style pool overlooks the opera house, and downstairs is my spacious room featuring an arty rococo headboard and a white bouclé sofa. Below that, the white-on-white bar and lounge boasts quirky furniture and a concrete pool table. Descending the sculptural staircase, I find myself surrounded by Instagrammers in the heart of Spain's buzzing capital.
Exploring Madrid's Highlights
Plaza Mayor is just a five-minute walk away, and the San Miguel food market is a must-visit for tapas lovers. The Palacio Real, the largest royal residence in Europe, the Almudena Cathedral, and the shopping area around Sol are all within walking distance. Even the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum, home to world-class art collections, are just a stroll away. The Retiro park, as well as party spots like Malasana and the gay district of Chueca, are also walkable. You are right where you need to be.
The Secret: Avios Points
The trick is to be savvy with your Avios points. These are earned through British Airways American Express or Barclaycard. By channelling all spending through these cards, you can accumulate points quickly. One friend even puts his mortgage on his card, resulting in free British Airways flights for years. Alternatively, use Avios Shop to earn points when shopping at retailers like John Lewis. You can also earn points at Pizza Express, through Today Tix for theatre tickets, or via Uber. Everyday spending can lead to extraordinary treats.
On my all-Avios British Airways flight from London City Airport to Madrid, I even had enough points for Business Class, complete with champagne. These all-Avios flights celebrate the airline's 50th anniversary and help use up points that might otherwise go to waste on popular routes like Cape Town at Christmas, Corfu, or Barbados.
Day Trips from Madrid
While Madrid offers rooftop bars, vegan restaurants like BLoved, and photo opportunities in the Palacio Real district, the real adventure lies in using those points on a car. Drive just an hour outside Madrid to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, an ancient city on a hill, once the most important in Spain. With a guide named Adolfo, we toured churches, synagogues that resemble mosques, and winding streets, followed by lunch at La Ermitaña overlooking the river. The view is breathtaking.
Another trip took us to Cuenca, famous for its Hanging Houses, 16th-century sky-scrapers accessible via a wobbly bridge across a ravine. The old town features Spain's only abstract art gallery, a cathedral oversized for the town, and Michelin-star restaurants with endless tasting menus. There is also the longest urban zipline in Europe, though we skipped it after too many courses.
If you have the hire car, head to Consuegra to see the windmills Don Quixote fought against, still grinding grain. Pick up cheap olive oil and saffron, or enjoy indie festivals. Do not miss the castle where Cervantes once stayed, offering views across the orange plains of Castilla-La Mancha, home to Manchego cheese.
Making the Most of Your Points
Despite the excursions, much of our stay was spent enjoying cava-based sangria on the roof of the Edition, ordering after-hours martinis in the glamorous bar, and dining late at night in fancy restaurants. We saved on flights, hotels, and car hire, so we could afford the indulgence.
Essential Costs
Simon's trip on an Avios-only flight from London City Airport to Madrid cost £2.50 plus 14,000 Avios each way. Business Class is £20 plus 24,500 Avios each way. Hotel accommodation at The Madrid EDITION booked through British Airways Holidays with 'Save with Avios' cost £1 plus 58,200 Avios per room per night for two adults. Car hire with Avis/Budget through British Airways Holidays cost £1 plus 6,500 Avios per day. Avios amounts vary, but the £1 flat fee remains per booking.
