Hostal Zamora

The staff are friendly and very kind, and there are lots of restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. The hostel is on the fourth floor of an old building shared with other hostels, and has a great location close to almost everything. There are double rooms with private bathrooms too. The area can be noisy, and the bed isn't really good for two, but it's manageable. Recommended if you want a central Madrid location at a reasonable price.

The rooms are a little old, but the facilities are very well maintained and everywhere is super clean. Reception staff were friendly, available around the clock, and did as much as they could to help. That also made me feel safe.

The rooms are compact and cleaned daily. The shower has good pressure and hot water, though the bathroom is so small that anyone with long legs might have to sit sideways on the toilet. Wifi was weak most of the time, when it worked at all, but staff rebooted it whenever we asked. The staff are really friendly, and there's a vending machine at reception. The small, reliable lift can fit a pushchair or small wheelchair. From the fourth floor, the windows and narrow balcony overlook the plaza, which can stay lively into the small hours, so bring earplugs. It's a perfect base for getting around Madrid, just five minutes' walk from Gran Via metro at Plaza Pedro Zerolo. Watch out for pickpockets and thieves around the plaza if you sit at the outdoor tables. My son's phone was stolen while we were eating at Sultan Palast, and their staff were no help at all. Some local customers tried to help, but we didn't get the phone back. I'd return and happily recommend it.

The rooms are basic and small, but affordable and conveniently located. I loved my stay here. One thing I didn't like was the key routine: you have to leave your key at the front desk whenever you go out, then buzz to be let in when you return and get your key back.