En Busca del Tiempo

Not knowing what to expect I booked this hotel on calle Barcelona near Puerta del Sol. It is on a small street with one door opening up to the "desk". On the plus side the rooms were large considering the price and location and age of the building. In addition, there was a refridgerator, sink and electric stove. The place was well cleaned every day. The furnishings were spartan and the inside rooms did not have any kind of view. In our room there was an extra bed that we used for our suitcases. I would have preferred an armoire of some kind. No phones in the room and you will need your own alarm clock. Good size bathroom with good working shower. Breakfast at the place downstairs was included. Coffee, tea and toast, with either jam, cheese or ham. The manager was great and spoke excellent English.

Unique Quality: The best thing about this place was the street life on c/ Barcelona. 7-8 small restaurants all around the street. Several bars around the corner. Only a 5 minute walk to the Sol metro.

Directions: Just South East of Puerta del Sol, maybe a 5 minute walk.

The rooms are above a bar - inside the front door you have to go up some steps, in the lift to level 2 and up some more steps.

There are only a few apartments, but newly renovated in a rustic style and using the old architecture. Each has a tiny kitchen which is useful (including a fridge) and there is plenty of room for luggage etc.

There is a safe in the room but you have to pay E1 each time you use it. There is a TV but local stations only.

Unique Quality: The hostal is very old world with lots of character. The rooms at the back are very quiet but the ones over the street could be noisy.

The reception isn't manned much and only some of the staff speak English but that wasn't a problem. You get a front door key for access to the building.

The location is great - between Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Santa Anna.

Directions: A few mins walk (with suitcases) to Puerta Del Sol Metro.

The best thing about this hotel was its location, just a short walk from Puerta del Sol. The room we got was ok but the window was tiny so the room was quite dark.

We weren't all so happy with the service though. The staff wasn't friendly at all. For example, we noticed that they had a much more pleasant room available just next to ours. The other room had a large window and a French balcony. We asked if we could switch rooms. They said it's not possible. However, the better room remained empty throughout our stay... Good service, eh?

Also the safety was a bit of an issue because the door downstairs was open most of the time and often there was no-one at the "reception".

Unique Quality: Fantastic location... but still I don't think I would stay there again.

Directions: Puerta del Sol

This lodging was great due to the location and cost effectiveness of the place. $60.00-$80.00 per night, double/triple, including breakfast and taxes.

Located on one of the smaller side streets, which they market as being "quiet". I beg to differ, as there was a continual hum of people in the streets below. With this being said, it was still a good place to stay.

No phone in the room but one available in the hall to make calls.

Minimal English spoken by the staff but they were very friendly and always helpful.

Unique Quality: Small refrigerator, kitchen, television and music. With lift. Breakfast served in the cafe below at no charge (be sure to pick up your breakfast voucher from the staff. Individual A/C and heating in each room. GREAT water pressure, nice bathroom. Balcony with views of the street below.

Directions: Off Carreras and Cadiz, close to Puerta del Sol

I didn't stay here, but checked it for a friend. It's a few rooms to rent in a refurbished old madrilian house. It's really well decorated, classy, in dark stone and wood. They have Triples (80 euros), Doubles (70 euros) and Singles (65 euros). Some of them have a little kitchen too.
The bathrooms (ensuite) are clean and modern, medium size.

Unique Quality: Is extremely well located, 2 minutes walking from Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. The little pedestrian alley is full of new bars and restaurants and is a lively place at night.

Directions: Coming from Puerta del Sol by Carretas street, turn left at the 1st little street (Cadiz) and then right. Is a little pedestrian street. The place is at a little door with no signs, by a bar with the same name.