Debod Hostel

The location was excellent, close to parks, sights, grocery stores, restaurants, and the city center, so getting around Madrid was easy. Over my whole two-week stay I had no problems, and the other travelers were generally friendly and respectful. The place has a TV, dining area, vending machine, and fridge; just label your food. It's shared accommodation, so be mindful of your belongings and considerate of guests from different countries and cultures. I arrived after problems with my previous hotel and needed somewhere last minute. I was hesitant about staying nearly two weeks because of safety, privacy, and cleanliness, but Debod Hostel exceeded my expectations. The staff were a highlight: welcoming, helpful, and patient about explaining the facilities and house rules, even though my Spanish is very limited (I'm from PH btw). The beds were clean and comfortable. Sheets aren't changed routinely, but you can ask for a replacement. Each bunk has a charging port and locker space, with extra outlets in the common areas. The shared bathrooms were generally well kept, and there's another restroom in the common area if the main one is occupied. Showers are best planned around busy times. I went around 6-7 AM and never had an issue. Just remember this is a hostel, not a five-star hotel. I highly recommend it if you're after an affordable, clean, well-located place in Madrid. I didn't get to say goodbye or thank the staff properly, so if you're reading this, thank you for making my stay a great one - Oliver.

Javier and Antonio were great hosts, and the beds and facilities were clean and comfortable. It's near a beautiful park and just a short walk from the Metro. The place wasn't too noisy, and the women-only area is great if you're traveling solo. The price is really good for anyone on a budget.

I contacted the hostel before arriving and explained that, because of my disability, I urgently needed a lower bunk since I can't safely get into an upper one. They confirmed in writing that this wouldn't be a problem and said they'd personally help me when I arrived. But the lower bed they'd promised had been given to other guests, and I was assigned an upper bunk I physically couldn't climb into safely. The staff's response made things worse. I tried to explain that I couldn't access the upper bed and showed proof of my disability, but the employee laughed in my face instead of dealing with it respectfully or professionally. The hostel advertises itself as accessible for disabled guests, and that affected my decision to book. What happened was completely different. The room was also extremely hot and suffocating, with no proper ventilation or fresh air. The whole experience was stressful, humiliating, and unsafe. Accessibility shouldn't be advertised when disabled guests aren't treated with basic respect or given the accommodation explicitly promised in advance.

The rooms and private bathrooms were clean, and I had a wonderful stay before setting off on my pilgrimage. The beds are private, and the location is great. There are several geocaches nearby, and you can safely walk in the nearby park at night. My Spanish isn't very good, but they were still able to accommodate me.