Hostal Playa

The room was little and simple, but newly renovated and so clean. I loved it. The fridge and safe in the room were much appreciated, and the location was really central for shopping and all the sites. Check-in and checkout were easy, and the staff were ever so friendly and helpful. Best shower of all my travels around the world.

Employees were nice, and for a cheap place to stay, this one is okay. But I probably wouldn't stay again unless I had no other option. This is also known as Madrid Playa rooms. It's more like a hostel among hostels in a building than a hotel, and the room is basic. There was outside noise through most of the night and morning, which I could deal with. What pushed it over the top was people screaming inside the hostel at 4 a.m. I complained to the staff about it. There were no blackout curtains, and the old radiator heating system made the room so hot it was hard to control. There was AC, but they'd taken the remote so we couldn't use it, even after we asked. The balcony doors were stuck and had a loose handle that needed maintenance. The view from our spot wasn't great, just some garbage bins below.

Staying right in the middle of Madrid, in Sol, made this a great-value choice. The rooms were a good size, whether facing outside or inwards, and very clean, with fresh linen and towels. The furniture and decor could use an update, but the location and cleanliness were excellent. Staff were friendly too.

We had a great view over the busy streets, but the room was soundproof enough that we could sleep. It was cleaned perfectly every day, with fresh towels, hot water and heating always available. The staff were so lovely, and it was LGBT friendly as well. I’d give it more than five stars if I could!