I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Madrid and here's what happened

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Can a hostel feel like a boutique hotel, a tapas bar, and a community center all at once? The Central House Lavapiés (TCH) somehow pulls it off.

I booked a bunk to chase Madrid’s night energy but still wanted safe digs and proper sleep. Three sangrias, two walking tours, and one rooftop sunset later, I’d found my new Spanish home base.

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Location – Heart of Lavapiés, Steps from Everywhere

TCH sits on Calle de la Encomienda, wedged between Lavapiés and Embajadores metro stations (Lines 3 and 5).

A ten-minute stroll gets you to Plaza Mayor; fifteen puts you in the Reina Sofía staring at Picasso. Buses zip past the corner, and Atocha station is one stop away for day trips.

Lavapiés mixes Moroccan bakeries, hip vegan cafés, and crusty dive bars. Streets stay bright and busy until late, so walking back solo after churros felt safe. If you’re skittish about dark alleys, just follow the glowing neon “TCH” sign—like a homing beacon for tired backpackers.

Social Vibes – Rooftop Spritzes & Flamenco Beats

• Daytime: digital nomads sip café con leche in the lobby cowork space. Free walking-tour sign-ups fill fast—do it early if you hate FOMO.
• After dark: rooftop “Terraza TCH” lights up with aperitivo deals and skyline views. Thursdays feature live flamenco that rattles your heart in the best way.
• Staff run nightly tapas crawls and occasional language-exchange bingo. I joined the crawl, butchered basic Spanish, and still found partners for a day trip to Segovia.
• Atmosphere rating: energetic but not rowdy. Enough buzz for friendship, quiet corners for recharge.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Madrid

1. Equity Point Metropol
2. 360 Hostel Centro
3. The Living Roof Hostel
4. Barbieri International
5. 360 Hostel Malasaña

Equity Point Metropol

8.5

"…The internet only worked about sixty percent of the time we were there. Most people stay to more

360 Hostel Centro

8.8

"…It's quiet at night, it's clean, it's a great location, and the staff was really helpful ... more

The Living Roof Hostel

8.8

"The Living Roof Hostel Madrid is a brand-new hostel in a less fancy area of Madrid, but still close more

Barbieri International

8.2

"…There is also a full kitchen, and the rooms and bathrooms are good. One negative point, after more

360 Hostel Malasaña

8.9

"…The Location The hostel is located in Malasaña, which is known as one of the more young and more

Rooms – Capsule Comfort with Spanish Style

• Dorms in 4, 6, and 8 beds—mixed or female-only. Each bunk is a wood-paneled pod with blackout curtain, reading light, shelf, USB & EU outlets.
• Massive pull-out drawer locker (key-card locked) swallows a wheeled suitcase.
• Air-con actually keeps the room cool in Madrid’s furnace summers; radiators handle chilly winters.
• Ensuite bathrooms in most dorms with rain shower, hairdryer, and eco-friendly shampoo. Corridors hold extra toilets if someone is perfecting winged eyeliner.
• Privates exist too, but you’re here for the social life—don’t hide.

Amenities – Everything but a Siesta Excuse

• Free ultrafast Wi-Fi (enough for streaming and video calls).
• Rooftop bar with comfy sofas, sunset DJ sets on weekends.
• Lobby café-bar serving budget breakfast, empanadas, and craft beer until late.
• Cinema room with Netflix and beanbags—essential for post-museum fatigue.
• Guest kitchen: induction hobs, fridge, labeled cubbies, free pasta nights on Mondays.
• Laundry corner (pay-per-load) plus vending machine selling detergent and midnight chocolate.
• 24 h reception, luggage storage, bike rentals, elevator, and disabled-friendly rooms.

Safety – Key-Cards, Cameras, Peace of Mind

Key-cards unlock the front door after 11 p.m., activate elevators, open dorms, and secure lockers. CCTV watches entrances and hallways, and staff hover the lobby all night.

The female-only dorm sits behind an extra coded door. 

Price – Madrid Chic Without Madrid Shock

TCH costs more than bare-bones hostels in La Latina but far less than central hotels. Your euros buy linens, Wi-Fi, cowork spaces, rooftop access, walking tour, and kitchen staples. Towels, breakfast buffet, laundry, and rooftop cocktails are paid extras.

For the design touches, A/C, and built-in social calendar, I felt the value was dulce de leche sweet.

Final Verdict

9 / 10. The Central House Lavapiés nails modern hostel goals: capsule-like beds for solid snoozes, curated events for instant amigos, and a neighborhood that hums with multicultural flavor.

I docked one point for the small guest-kitchen stovetop queue at dinner rush, but Madrid’s €1 croquetas rescued me anyway.

Pro tip: Female dorm bunks and rooftop flamenco tickets vanish fast—reserve both when you book, then pack stretchy pants for tapas emergencies.

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These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.