Pension Berti

The location and comfortable bed were the only things I liked. There was no bathroom in the rooms, and luggage storage cost extra. I also couldn't extend my stay, even though Booking showed availability at an overpriced rate. The value just wasn't there; I booked a cheaper place down the street with friendlier staff and a private bathroom. I’m not sure what to call this place. It didn’t feel like a hostel or a hotel, and it seemed like the staff lived there too. My single room was tiny, like a closet, and either freezing or really loud from the street or hallway. Other rooms were too hot, had no windows, and got noise from what I guessed was the staff family’s private kitchen. The hallways were loud all day.

It felt like a jail cell, with a room that had no window, an unsafe door lock, and terrible soundproofing. The building was old and dirty, and the elevator had a strange smell. The frosted glass in the shared bathroom door meant people outside could see you while you showered, and you could see them too. Staff couldn’t speak English. Strongly wouldn’t recommend it. The worst place I’ve ever stayed.

The staff were kind, the bed was comfortable, and I never had to wait for a shower. When I hurt my knee, the ladies brought me ice. I stayed during a heat wave, though, and the room was brutally hot. I had to soak my clothes to sleep and keep cool. If noise bothers you, ask for an interior room ahead of time, because the outside-facing rooms were louder than I could have imagined. For a place this cheap, don’t expect the Ritz Carlton. For everyone else, it’s perfect: clean, nice people, and a comfy bed.

The shared bathroom was fine, though the hot water wasn’t working when I showered one morning. I told reception and they fixed it within a few minutes. The rooms are basic and a little old, but that didn’t bother me since I just needed somewhere decent to sleep while exploring such an amazing city. The staff were friendly, and the location is great, close to Madrid’s main sights. I had a really good stay and will be back to MADRID soon.