Overlooked as host for the 2012 Olympics, the Spanish capital is pitching for the 2016 Games. With its fine infrastructure, it is well qualified, says Jonathan Hart Disgruntled Londoners opposed to wildly escalating costs or merely ambivalent about their city's controversial hosting of the Olympic Games, are fond of debating who would have been the worthiest host for 2012. Of the front-runners, the arguably better equipped and civilly more attuned Paris and Madrid garner the most votes. Chiefly because both already have much of the required infrastructure in place compared to their over-stretched and divided northern counterpart, whose Walter Mitty-style visions of regeneration are mocked by taxpayers as absurd and inept. Of the two alternative European venues, Paris probably gets the vote for being the most accomplished host. And Madrid, imbued with a fiery enthusiasm and spirit of fun, gets it for being the most deserving. Attributes, according to most Madrileños, that have now twice been overlooked by the Olympic powers-that-be because Spain, in the form of domestic rival Barcelona, hosted the Games less than 20 years ago. Still determined to win its turn, gregarious and outgoing Madrid is now bidding for 2016, armed with a continuously improving infrastructure that, quite apart from any Olympic ambitions, already makes it one of Europe's choicest meetings and entertainment venues. As the seat of government, financial and industrial cog of Spain, with sustained economic growth and globally growing corporate tentacles, Madrid can also point to being the continental hub for the Spanish-speaking world, as well as an increasingly proficient centre and conduit for EU-associated meetings and business. The addition of a fourth terminal and satellite and fourth runway at Barajas Airport, virtually doubling annual passenger capacity to 70 million, reflects the status of a proud and stylish city that has barely faltered in its pursuit of progress in the post-Franco era. As do a good range of hotels, and a still growing, airport-connected metro system, alongside the building of another financial district to supplement the downtown AZCA area. And, in contrast to many increasingly restrictive and anodyne EU capitals, progress has not been bought at the expense of a powerful streak of independence in a place that zealously guards and celebrates its individual freedoms and lifestyles, as well as its rich arts and architectural heritage. Madrileños are determined to appreciate and enjoy life and do so with a verve that can leave the visitor happily bewildered, not just in fathoming the 24-hour pursuit of food and fun, but also the seamless division between night and day, work and play. Guaranteed is that nothing will stand in the way of Madrid's natural predilection to put on the mother of all-day, all-night parties should the Olympics eventually come its way. As anywhere else, its efficiency may occasionally be questioned and terrorism pose a threat. But never for this hedonistic city any danger of indigenous inhibitions, federal impositions or killjoy attitudes conspiring to mar a big event. Fast Facts Currency: Euro (€1=US$1.47)
Tipping: popular misconception as tipping is not common in Spain, other than leaving the odd coin in change
Time: GMT +1 (+2 between April and October)
Electricity: 230 volts (European-style two-pin plugs)
Public holidays 2007: December 6, 8, 25. 2008: January 1, 6; March 20, 21; May 1, 2; August 15; October 12; November 1; December 6, 8, 25
Climate: Madrid has more sunny days than any other Western European city. While peak summer temperatures can reach 40ºC (104ºF), it is slightly more bearable due to relatively low humidity levels. In winter, temperatures can often fall below freezing, although snow is rare. Rainfall tends to be sparse
Airport: Madrid Bajaras (MAD), 13km (8 miles). The Metro connects the airport (Terminal 2) to the city centre (Nuevos Ministerios) in around 12 minutes and costs €1.25; buses also operate to and from both terminals to the city; the journey by taxi costs €25 -€35 and takes around 20-30 minutes
Hotels: Adler, Clarion, Gran Melia Fenix, Hesperia, Husa Princesa, InterContinental, Melia Avenida de America, Melia Castilla, Melia Madrid Princesa, NH, Orfila, Park Hyatt Villa Magna, Ritz, Sofitel, Tryp, Wellington, Westin Almeda, Westin Palace
Business hours: Most government offices are open weekdays from 09.00 to 14.00 only, although businesses operate longer hours, varying from company to company
International dialling code: 34
In emergency: 112 (police, fire and ambulance) business do’s and don’ts
Do dress smartly
Do be punctual, even though the Spaniards take a rather relaxed approach to time
Do bear in mind that family matters tend to override everything
Do be prepared for some fairly chaotic negotiating, often with several people speaking at once
Do bear in mind that if a public holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday, many Spanish take the extra day and make it a four-day break
Don't be impatient if negotiations drag on or that they continue over a meal
Don't be surprised at late meal times – the Spanish don't generally consider dinner before 9pm
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