Hostal Miralva

Good location, five-minute walk to Gran Via
October '07. I stayed here for two nights because it was the only hostel in Madrid with a bed for both thursday and friday. All the others were full. I stayed in a five bed dorm room. The room was clean but the wool blankets in the closet need washing. I received five or six bug bites on my chin and neck. I think from bedbugs in the blanket. Also, guests are not allowed to use the kitchen it is reserved for staff/owners use. No breakfast is provided. There is no common room to meet other people. I would not stay here again.

To get to this hostal, get out at the Gran Via metro stop. Walk a few blocks on Valverde and the hostal will be on the right. The building looks somewhat run down from the outside, but the area is reasonably safe. It does not have a party atmosphere, but if you want to go out, it is near the Chueca district where there are many interesting bars and restaurants. The overall feeling is cozy but a not very comfortable. Each room contains a safe in which belongings can be stored for one euro, and there is no computer to use the internet. Breakfast is not included in the price. The staff speaks little English. There is no kitchen or common room, and the atmosphere is not very conducive to meeting new people. Alcohol is permitted inside. There are two bathrooms, each with a shower, however, they are usually occupied and the wait time for a shower can be long. The bathrooms and rooms are clean. This is an average hostel, nice but not amazing.

Environment: It's about a ten-minute walk from Gran Via. It's located in a so-so area, with a decent amount of shops to buy basic stuff. They were doing construction while I was here, but this was back in July 03', so I don't think you will need to worry about that now. Facilities: There is no laundry service. I don't remember there being a kitchen. The staff is a husband and wife and their daughter. They are very friendly and I felt very much at home here. If you speak Spanish, they will love you. The rooms are huge and they even have a mini fridge to hold your stuff. The windows are big so you will not be too hot inside. Atmosphere: There isn't a party atmosphere here, but it's not discouraged. I think it's like this because they don't receive many guests, which adds to the intimacy of the place. They allow alcohol inside, and the couple will even drink with you. Overall: It's an average hostel. If you find better, go there. But this is not so bad if you decide to stay here.