Best of the rest: key stops in the United States and Europe

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

LOS ANGELES

BEST RESTAURANT

Get a glimpse inside Hollywood while grabbing a bite at Chaya in Beverly Hills. This upscale, bistro, lounge-style restaurant is a known hot spot for movie-industry moguls and celebrities. Chaya's international menu offers steaks and chops, as well as French and Italian dishes with a Japanese influence, like sesame-crusted ahi with shrimp-mashed potato spring rolls. Setting up small dinners or business events is easy with reservations. [1] (310) 859-8833. www.thechaya.com

BEST HOTEL

The staff at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills takes pride on making guests feel at home. Built in 1987, this hotel sits in a quiet, residential neighborhood just blocks away from trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques. The 16-story building has 285 rooms, including 98 suites. The furniture is a blend of contemporary pieces, antiques and European arts. The business center features computers. Internet access, fax, copying, typing and shipping. Enjoy casual to formal dining at one of three on-site restaurants. or maybe take a dip in the pool on the fourth-floor. Rancho Park, a public golf course, is 10 minutes away. Rates start at $350. [1] (800)332-3442. www.fourseasons.com

MADRID

BEST HOTEL

A luxurious building in Madrid's historic downtown. the Conde Duque brings a lot of tradition but also modern amenities like a gym, meeting rooms and splurges like a Maserati Quattroporte available for trips around town. US$70 to $240. [34] (91) 447-7000. www.hotelcondeduque.es.

The most aristocratic of Madrid's hotels, next to the stock exchange and the Prado and Thyssen museums, the Ritz has 167 rooms, each individually designed with and decorated with antiques and art works. Our readers also chose the Ritz as the best meeting space in Madrid. From $318. [34] (91) 701-6767. www.ritz.es. In the heart of Madrid's financial district, between Castellana and Serrano, the Villa Magna combines elegance with high levels of service. Part of the Park Hyatt chain, its 128 rooms do not skip out on luxury or comfort, with videoconferencing and Internet connections. From $390. [34] (91) 587-1234/35. villamagna.park.hyatt.com

BEST RESTAURANT

A culinary classic, Jockey was selected by Spain's royalty to host the recent wedding banquet of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz. Sixty years in business, it has become one of Madrid's most exclusive, serving as a school for some of Spain's best chefs, as is clear from its exquisite menu of more than 70 entrees. National figures and visiting dignitaries are regular visitors, making it as well the main meeting point for the capital's financial, cultural and political elite. Average per person is US$106.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Spain's travel agency, Viajes El Corte Ingles also has offices in Chile, Portugal, New York, Miami, Mexico and Paris, making a total of 563 (more than 50 just in Madrid, including the airport and the Atocha train station). [34] (91) 329-8100. www.elcorteingles.es

BEST CAR RENTAL

With 130 locations countrywide (eight in Madrid), and a fleet of more than 25,000 vehicles, National Atesa is Spain's No. 1 car-rental agency. Its biggest selling points are price, service and the ability to rent a car in one city and leave it in another, from the most economical to a luxury ride to industrial vehicles. National Atesa's Web site allows customers to choose a vehicle, reserve and consult prices, although urgent rental needs are best done over the phone. [34] (91) 782-0130 www.atesa.es