Madrid El Centro: Sol, Ópera, And Plaza Mayor

HostAl Ivor, C. Arenal, 24, 2nd fl. (☎91 547 10 54; www.hostal-ivor.com), This beautiful hostal, located between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, home to many of El Centro's most prominent restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars, is more like a mid-range hotel in terms of accommodations and service. Bright, clean, and well-decorated, Ivor's 25 rooms are comfortable but pricey. Extremely friendly service sets Hostel Ivor apart from its competition, with free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, and a cozy room make for a pleasant stay. From Puerta del Sol, walk down C. del Arenal a little bit past C. de las Hileras. Singles €44; doubles €65. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
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Los Amigos Hostel, C. Arenal, 26, 4th fl. (☎91 559 2472; www.losamigoshostel.com), Located a short walk away from Puerta del Sol, Los Amigos Hostel is smack dab in the center of C. Arenal. Rooms are shared, but unbunked beds provide a nice alternative to usually cramped hostel living, especially for those with grande neighbors and fears of even the smallest heights. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and complimentary continental breakfast. From Puerta del Sol walk down C. del Arenal until you pass C. de las Hilerias; Los Amigos will be on your right. Breakfast included. Extra large lockers and towels available for rent. Linens included. Free Wi-Fi. Dorms €17-19; doubles €45-50. Multilingual reception 8am-midnight. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Hostal Cervantes, C. Cervantes, 34 (☎91 429 83 65; www.hostal-cervantes.com), A beautiful walk from the Prado or Thyssen-Bornemisza, Hostal Cervantes is located in the same neighborhood as some of the city's finest hotels. With friendly service and clean, spacious rooms in a relatively quiet area of El Centro, Cervantes is a great place to stay. Be sure to book ahead, as most travelers jump at the chance to stay at this perfectly located hostel. From the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, walk toward the Plaza Canovas del Castillo and make a right onto C. de Cervantes. Singles €40-45; doubles €50-55; triples €65-70. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
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Hostal Residencia Martin, C. Atocha, 43 (☎91 429 95 79; hostalmartin.com/en), This hostal is located between the bars and clubs of Puerta del Sol and the museums of Paseo del Prado. Amenities include ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, safety boxes, and a daily change of towels. While it does not provide the social life of a youth hostel, it does have the comfort and privacy of a small hotel. From Antón Martín, walk straight down C. de Atocha. Right before you hit C. Cañizares, the hostel will be on your right. Singles €29; doubles €39; triples €49. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.