MuchoMadrid Hostel

MuchoMadrid is perhaps the best-located hostel in all of Madrid. Directly on Gran Vía, it is literally within a couple minutes of three Metro stations. It is surrounded by theatres showcasing world-renowned plays and musicals, and less than ten minutes by foot from the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Callao Square (which has many movie cinemas), and the Príncipe Pío train station and mall.

The hostel is located inside an apartment building. A sign above the building’s doorbell gives the ringer number and apartment number. The friendly and helpful on-site owners are a middle-aged Spanish couple who have a wealth of information on tourist venues and sights in and around Madrid. They love to make friendly conversation. They even have a knack for introducing hostellers with things in common to one another to try to spark friendships. The atmosphere is quite cosy and friendly. The common room is located next to the front desk, so the owners are able to have conversations with the hostellers. There is also a TV, but it has mostly Spanish channels. Hostellers generally congregate in the common room to chat but tend to go out for fun. There is a no alcohol policy within the hostel itself, but there is no curfew and hostellers are free to come and go at will.

The facilities are very clean. There are three bathrooms and two showers, which is more than enough for the size of the hostel. Be warned however that the showers do not have curtains on all sides, so one must take care not to spray water out the back of the shower. The IKEA-style beds are a bit flimsy and give the impression that one needs to be delicate with them, but they are functional and relatively comfortable. Linens and towels are included for free on the condition of a small deposit, and access to bedside lockers is included for free. An added plus is that two of the three rooms have balconies with a wonderful view onto Gran Vía -- lit up at night, Gran Vía is a truly spectacular sight. The included breakfast is ample and tasty, with toast, jams, tea, coffee, milk, and cereal all on offer. The kitchen is free for use outside of breakfast hours. Free internet is provided, but one has to ask for permission from the owner before being allowed to use the computer.

MuchoMadrid is a wonderful hostel. The location is its biggest plus, but the comfortable setting, friendly atmosphere, and helpful owners make the hostel a true gem.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
June 2006