For nearly five years, Erin Pillon has been working in the hospitality industry in Florida as a VIP hostess and waitress at such high-end nightclubs as Mokai Nightclub and Set Nightclub. When she’s not busy with work, Erin Pillon enjoys traveling internationally and has visited cities such as Madrid, Spain.Both Spaniards and international travelers flock to Madrid between the months of July and August, when many work and school holidays occur. However, many businesses are closed during these months, since locals are taking their vacations, and hotel prices are often at their highest because of the increased demand. Meanwhile, the weather in Madrid is very dry and averages in the high 80s during these months.Winter, the city’s off-season, is the best time for finding discounts on accommodations. With the exception of the holidays, individuals who visit between November and February are free to explore the city at a calmer, quieter pace due to the dramatic decrease in crowds. Unfortunately, the cold temperatures, which average in the low 50s, force many outdoor cafes to close.Finally, spring and autumn serve as Madrid’s shoulder seasons. Between the months of May and June and September and October, both crowds and temperatures are manageable. During the day, average temperatures hover between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and rainfall is relatively minimal. Additionally, months that are farther away from summer experience a drop in crowds and thus, a drop in hotel and airfare prices.
A Florida-based hospitality professional, Erin Pillon works as a VIP hostess at several entertainment hotspots, including Icon Nightclub and Mokai Nightclub in Miami Beach. In her free time, Erin Pillon enjoys working out and traveling. She lists Ibiza among her favorite vacation destinations. Situated off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza is a beautiful Spanish island that features rocky coastal areas, beautiful white-sand beaches, hidden coves, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. In addition to natural attractions, travelers to Ibiza have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s lively nightlife and explore Ibiza Old Town, or Dalt Vila, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other spots to visit in Ibiza include Formentera for its beaches, Es Vedra for its amazing views, and Sant Antoni de Portmany for its mellow cafes. Although the area is beautiful all year long, many choose to visit Ibiza between May and October. For a more quiet stay, consider planning your trip in early spring or early autumn.
Based in Miami Beach, Florida, Erin Pillon is pursuing hospitality studies at Miami Dade College while maintaining a career as a VIP hostess in various restaurants and clubs. Erin Pillon also enjoys travel to destinations such as Ibiza and Madrid, Spain, in her free time. An historic city known for its cafe culture, Madrid has a number of vibrant neighborhoods that attract locals and visitors alike. Those in search of high-end boutiques often gravitate toward the staid, elegant Salamanca district, which has the iconic fountains of the Plaza de Cibeles as its centerpiece. For those seeking a younger, more trendy vibe, the neighboring districts of Chueca and Malasaña might be more appealing. Chueca is known for its diversity and, like Miami, is LGBTQ friendly, while Malasaña has an alternative orientation that dates back to the 1970s, when it was a hub of “movida” activity against the dictatorial regime. Nightlife here is characterized as do-it-yourself, an unpretentious atmosphere that stands in contrast to much of the rest of Madrid. As its name suggests, Barrio de las Letras has a literary bent and has historically attracted writers, artists, and musicians. Among the noteworthy former inhabitants is Miguel de Cervantes, and the house where he died is preserved and open to the public.
