Few addresses in Madrid are as central as Hostal Mayor: number 5 Calle Mayor, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. It is a practical hostal (a simple Spanish guesthouse) with private bathrooms, air conditioning and a 24-hour reception. What counts here is the location.
Location and getting around
Step outside and you are less than 5 minutes from Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor. Callao and Gran Vía are also about 5 minutes away, and the Royal Palace is about 10.
The museums are further: the Prado Museum is about a 20-minute walk and Atocha station about 30. To get to Atocha or the airport, the most practical option is Sol station, a couple of minutes away.
Rooms and facilities
The decor is modern and simple. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, and there is free Wi-Fi.
Many rooms face the street and some have a small balcony. No breakfast service is listed.
Who it suits
- A good fit if it is your first time in Madrid and you want the classic sights on your doorstep.
- Ideal if you are travelling as a couple and prefer to walk everywhere.
- Useful if you arrive late or leave very early, thanks to the 24-hour reception.
Good to know
Although reception is staffed day and night, the check-in time given by the hostal is 12:00 to 22:00. If you will arrive later, confirm with them first. Check-out is until 11:00.
If views matter, ask for one of the street-facing rooms when you book. Guests rate it 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com. For more options, see our guide to places to stay in Madrid.