Weekend in Madrid with Real Madrid
Weekend in Madrid with Real Madrid
Weekend in Madrid with Real Madrid
via Air France La Première and BA Club World
March 2026
Today I'm off to Madrid, via New York and Paris, for a quick weekend trip to see Real Madrid at home at famed Bernabéu. And with a seat in the Emirates VIP Suite.
First stop is the beautiful new DIA Delta Sky Club. Delta took over the old Admirals Club and tripled the space to now occupy the entirety of what used to be the old Continental Airlines lounge.
Delta First Class Denver to JFK
At around T-45 I headed down to the gate where I discovered why the SkyClub was so packed at 5:30am... seven Delta departures in the 6a-7a window... JFK, ATL, DTW, MSP, LAX, SEA and SLC.
Denver DEN to New York JFK
Delta DL 336
A321 neo
6:40am-12:00pm
March 13m 2025
Very nice cabin interior on a brand new A321 neo.
Gorgeous sunrise over DIA.
Delicious Delta quiche.
Nice view of JFK before we return to land.
Delta One Lounge and the TWA Hotel
With an early arrival, I had over an hour before my lunch reservation at the Paris Café at the TWA Hotel. Time to check-out the JFK Sky Club.
Next up is a visit to the impressive Delta One Lounge.
Then over to the Air Train for the quick ride to Terminal 5.
And the TWA Hotel.
The scenic walkway. LOL
Iconic departures and arrivals board.
How cool is this? Converted to a lounge and bar although not open until 4pm.
The Paris Café by Jean-Georges.
My Instagram video of my morning with Delta.
La Première Lounge at JFK
After lunch at the TWA Hotel, it was back on the Air Train for the ride to soon to be replaced Terminal 1 and Air France check-in.
Then my personal escort thru security to the small La Première Lounge inside the Air France Lounge.
Today's wine list. Nice to see Grand Siècle but sadly it was no where to be found. When I inquired, my server said "oh we do have it, it's just not chilled". Seriously?
A sampling of the menu.
The miso-glazed cod was quite tasty.
Air France La Première JFK to Paris
At T-45, my La Première assistant came to retrieve me and escort me on board, bypassing all the other passengers.
New York JFK to Paris CDG
Air France AF 001
777-300ER (77W)
5:35pm-5:55am +1
March 13, 2025
Cost: 350,000 Flying Blue miles
It's not new La Première but still very elegant and comfortable.
For as good as Air France it, one of the most puzzling aspect is their refusal to pay NYS liquor taxes and serve champagne at the gate. From experience, I came prepared with a full travel cup of Laurent Perrier Rosé from the lounge. Two can play this game.
Still at the gate but once all doors were closed, they opened and served champagne.
Malheureusement, only 6 hours tonight.
I did manage to get 3 hours of sleep before we began our descent to Paris.
When La Première assistants greeted the three of us in the cabin and escorted us our own Porsche limo to the La Première Lounge and private passport.
My Instagram video of my afternoon and evening with Air France.
La Première Lounge at Paris CDG
After a brief stop for private passport control, one floor up is the elegant La Première Lounge.
Currently being renovated (between 2pm and 5am) with current construction being walled off.
The newly renovated part of the lounge.
With a 3 hour connection, I headed to the quiet room for a nap. Not exactly the most comfortable beds... think concrete slab.
After a 90 minute rest, time for breakfast.
And of course, my favourite Alain Ducasse meal... coquillettes jambon/truffe noir.
Air France Business Class Paris to Madrid
At T-45, my personal assistant retrieved me for the drive to my plane to Madrid.
And a long drive to a remote tarmac position.
Paris CDG to Madrid MAD
Air France AF 1300
A320
9:35am-12:28pm
March 14, 2026
I was the first to arrive and board, so plenty of time for pics before the buses arrived.
Ah, Paris!
Strictly for the photo op.
My Instagram video of my visit to the La Première Lounge and my Air France flight to Madrid.
Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid
Great location and appropriately right next door to the Real Madrid shop.
And what a nice Globalist upgrade today... the a massive corner suite with wrap around balcony.
My Instagram video of the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid.
Lunch at Michelin star Quimbaya by Edwin Rodriguez
What a delightful Madrid lunch experience at Michelin star Quimbaya by Edwin Rodriguez. Outstanding and unique Colombian cuisine in a lovely setting. The wine and liquor pairing was delightful and the service impeccable, with excellent explanations and introductions of all the dishes and wines.
Today's tasting menu...
Bravo Chef @edwinrodriguez_chef and staff.
Back at the hotel, bird's eye view of the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Instagram video of my lunch at Quimbaya.
Real Madrid at Bernabéu Madrid
I love visiting iconic sports teams and venues around the world. This is my time seeing Real Madrid and spectacular Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Making it all the more special is that I was able to get a ticket to the Emirates VIP suite via Emirates Experiences, for just 40,000 Emirates Skywards miles. A wonderful suite with great food and drink and exceptional service, and a great view of the action.
The lovely Emirates Suite.
Excellent service from wonderful suite staff.
Impressive 85,000 seat Bernabéu.
The VIP suite level with lots of excellent food options...
Fun game to watch as Real Madrid won.
Real Madrid GOOOOOOL
What a treat to see Real Madrid at home. Thank you Emirates!
My Instagram video of my evening with Real Madrid.
