Hostal Helena

The main thing this place has going for it is the location and free WiFi, not modern or pretty rooms. It's across from Metro station Callao, and about a five minute walk from Puerta del Sol or Plaza España, with Corte Inglés and Chocolatería Valor close by. For the price, it's a good fit if you don't mind no-frills rooms. Hostal Helena has two separate hostels at this address. The one on the 9th floor has a terrace overlooking plaza Callao and Gran Vía, but guests on the 2nd floor can't use it. Our room for three was spacious, with three beds, one double and two twins, and two fans but no A/C. I had requested an inside bathroom. It was tiny but very clean, as was the whole place. There are three steps at the downstairs entrance, then a slow elevator that takes only 4 people at a time.

The rooms weren't great, with thin walls that let in too much noise. There was also building work going on, and the drilling was really loud. Still, for what I paid, I'm happy. The staff were great, and the location couldn't be better, right in the city center among all the shops.

Small and cozy, but still quite comfortable for the price. The toilet space was so cramped that anyone over 5'10 would have a hard time using it.

It's very central and good value for money. The rooms are basic, but clean and air conditioned. There's noise from the square across from it around the clock.