A few steps from Puerta del Sol, on Calle de Carretas, Hostal El Pilar is a family-run guesthouse with 24-hour reception. Rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning. It is a base designed for exploring Madrid on foot from kilometre zero.
Location and getting around
Carretas runs down from Sol towards Jacinto Benavente. Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are about 5 minutes away on foot, and Callao about 10.
If you want to see the Royal Palace or the Prado Museum, allow about 15 minutes on foot in each direction. The airport (Terminal 4) is about 12.6 km away.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms have heating, air conditioning, a safe, a TV and a private bathroom, and they are cleaned daily. According to the guesthouse, some look onto Puerta del Sol and others onto streets in the centre.
The guesthouse has free wifi, free luggage storage, a laundry service, a lounge with a TV and vending machines at reception. Breakfast is not listed.
Who it suits
- Guests arriving in the small hours who need reception at any time.
- Sightseers on foot in the Habsburg quarter and the centre.
- Those staying several days who would like to be able to wash clothes.
- Anyone whose train leaves in the afternoon and who wants to leave their bags.
Good to know
Check-in is from 14:00 to 00:00, with photo ID and a credit card. You must vacate the room before 11:00. If you want views of Sol, ask when you book.
Booking.com gives it an average score of 8.1 out of 10. You will find more options near Sol in places to stay in Madrid.