The Location
The hostel is walking distance from the train station and most major tourist attractions. It isn't in a very pretty or trendy neighborhood, but it is quiet and safe, and five minutes from the Anton Martin subway station. Tucked away on a side street, the area can be tricky to navigate, but the hostel provides clear directions and a map.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are organized around a central outdoor courtyard. They are small and sparsely decorated, but clean. Most have four to eight beds, though a few double rooms are available. All guests are given a magnetic watch for a door lock, which is a pain to use and may take a few tries to figure out. Bathrooms are public restroom style, with mens' and womens' rooms containing toilet stalls and locker stalls.
Common Spaces
The common area is Mad Hostel's best feature. Colorful and fun, it contains a bar, pool table, TV, and four computers with free and fast internet. There is also a small but fully stocked kitchen. At night, the common room is packed with students looking to party in Madrid. Weary travelers beware -- this may not be the best place to call it an early night.
Summary
Mad Hostel is a clean, social hostel in a good location. The open-air layout of the rooms offers a unique atmosphere, and the relaxed setting ensures that visitors meet other backpackers from around the world. Staff members could be friendlier, and the booking system isn't very well-organized, but most problems seem to be quickly resolved.
Review by Jessica Leving— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
September 2007
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