Casa Soleada

The beds were awful, with every spring easy to feel, and breakfast was just toast and cornflakes. The shower wasn’t working, so I had to go out to another shower. I got up at 7am, only to find it stayed closed until 8am. Thank goodness the AC worked properly. You wouldn’t want to use the pool.

The nomads I met there are the only reason I’m giving it two stars. The place itself wasn’t the worst, but the receptionist canceled my reservation without telling me there’d be a cancellation fee. I sat there from 11:36am until 3pm trying to explain that I shouldn’t have to pay. A cancellation fee is for when you cancel, not when the receptionist does, but they charged me anyway. I had no choice but to pay or they’d keep my luggage. I had a tired toddler with me who just wanted somewhere to rest.

You have to arrive before 23:00, which matters if you’re coming on a late bus from Valladolid, though there’s a one-hour time difference. The pool was very welcome in the scorching heat, and the place was clean. I valued how close it was to the ADO station, and it’s not too far from the city center. Breakfast was free and you could refill, a big plus for me as a big eater, even though it was about the same quality as other hostal breakfasts. Staff also kept my bag at reception for a whole day, which was handy. Lockers were a decent size. AC costs extra, and in that heat I think it should be included. Curtains around the beds would be welcome for privacy.

We had a comfortable private room, clean and quiet at night, so we slept well. The free breakfast was basic but very nice: fruit, toast, yoghurt, juice, coffee, and tea. It’s a bit of a walk to the city center, but that didn’t bother us. The staff spoke English and were helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed our stay and definitely recommend the hostel.