The Laboratory

Getting there: We arrived on the train from Vancouver . Where to stay: Most British tourists have never met a Kimpton hotel up close, as they haven't opened many in Europe yet. They are part of the IHG Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza/Intercontinental group, but have a few quirks. Firstly they are much more boutique, with individual style and more varied rooms. Secondly they have a wine hour every evening in the lobby, a great way to meet other travellers and enjoy wine. Thirdly they allow dogs and are very pet-friendly. We stayed at the Kimpton Vintage, so even more wine-themed! It was a gorgeous friendly place, with lots of perks like bar credit and free desserts in the Tulio restaurant. 5th Avenue at Spring, handy for downtown and Pike Place. https://www.hotelvintage-seattle.com/ Getting around: We weren't there long enough to get a travel pass, and everywhere was pretty walkable, though there are some steep hills a la San Francisco. Uber and buses are easy to get hold

Getting There: We flew Air Canada from Heathrow, which takes about 10 hours. Other airlines running direct flights include British Airways. Customs at Vancouver airport was relatively quick, with a pre-desk machine processing your passport and entry. Take the Canada Line SkyTrain (subway) to downtown for connections. Where To Stay: Like many North American cities, Vancouver is clamping down on private rentals like AirBnB and Flipkey. If your rental is unregistered then the owner can be fined and you can be evicted. We found a nice place on the waterfront near Davie Village. Of course there are plenty of hotels, but prices can go sky-high if there is a convention or trade show in town. Choose your dates carefully. Getting Around: There are three subway lines which are mainly for commuters. You're more likely to take one of the numerous buses, but the summer climate is such that walking and cycling are often the easiest. We each got a Compass Card at the airport ($6) an

Travel: Eurostar/Thalys from St Pancras, changing at Paris. In the summer, you can even Eurostar to Lyon, then change on a fast train to Spain there. https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en https://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm Alternatively, flights to Spain are well-timed and not too expensive. MADRID Hotel: Intercontinental Madrid, Paseo De La Castellana 49 https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/madrid/mddha/hoteldetail It might be pricey, but you are paying for excellent service and facilities. It's 45 minutes walk from the centre of the city, but only 5 minutes from Metro Ruben Dario which is on several lines. It's also handy for the out-of-town shopping centre at Nuevos Ministerios. Tourist Card: A travel ticket for between 1 and 7 days is available https://www.crtm.es/billetes-y-tarifas/otras-tarjetas/turistica.aspx?lang=en Food: Chocolateria San Gines, in the San Gines passage https://chocolateriasangines.com/ The most famous chocolate

Travel from Airport: FlyAway bus to Union Station http://www.lawa.org/FlyAway/content.aspx?id=10152 each terminal has a FlyAway bus stop near the shuttle buses around $10 per person, they run every 30 minutes or so pay when you disembark at Union Station, debit or credit cards only Super Shuttle to your hotel https://www.supershuttle.com/ after Baggage Claim go out to the Shared Ride Van area for your terminal and find the blue uniformed attendant around $18 per person Taxi to your hotel fixed rate of around $50 from LAX to downtown Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Downtown 120 South Los Angeles Street http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-los-angeles-downtown-LAXDTDT/index.html a nicely presented hotel, some dated decor in the lobby, with an outdoor Japanese garden above reception, and a Starbucks next door; three blocks from City Center station Standard Downtown 550 South Flower Street http://www.standard