Accomodation - On a Budget by mollymoo0oo0
Contact el turismo - the Tourist Office (Head Office is in Plaza de Mayor, near Sol Metro. Another good point of contact is the one recently opened in Plaza de Colón... which is actually underground. Go to the corner of the square nearest to Colón Metro, on Paseo de Castellana (away from Serrano Metro). There are stairs leading down to this peaceful but friendly and well-resourced information point.Here you can ask for a booklet listing many of the hotels in Madrid (it's more of a book!) and another listing most of the hostals/pensions. The directories include price and contact information, and list the facilities available in each.
There are one or 2 hostals which start at 15? per night for a single room, which is a great price for a budget option.
A friend of mine stayed in a place in the heart of Conde Duque/Malasaña (bohemian/nightlife zone) for 18? including free wifi. Turned up on the day (high season) and had no problems getting a room.
Address: Calle La Palma, 61. The street has many other hostals too, and is a great starting point for those arriving with backpack/without plan!
