Madrid Day 1 - A city for a perfect weekend break
There is a lot to do and some good places to stay in Madrid. Easyjet and Ryanair both fly here, so it is an opportunity for an exciting and inexpensive weekend break.
Many of the properties offered are around the emblematic Puerta del Sol, in which very soon the celebration of the New Year will take place, thousands of people gather and eat 12 grapes, one on each chime of the clock, representing each month of the year. The large clock that dominates the square sees the New Year in for many Spanish people and it is an unmissable occasion for any visitor during these days.
Our first appointment was Hostal el Pilar in the very popular calle Carretas that connects to the Puerta del Sol. Apart from its perfect location, this place offers comfortable rooms (all of them with private bathrooms at reasonable prices), and air conditioning which is something very much appreciated during the hot summer months.
Gay Hostel Puerta del Sol (in Puerta del Sol) is a very cosy hostel with only private rooms. The hostel is well kept, with comfortable rooms and nice bed linen, and is one of the few that offers a free breakfast to their guests. The staff are helpful and you can get good advice here about where to go out at night as well as general tourist information.
Hostal Marlasca is also in the area, with its building being fully restored in 1998. The place is clean and comfortable, again with just private rooms are on offer, and all with air conditioning. Although there are no breakfast facilities, there are plenty of bars around.
Hostal Cruz Sol, which is also housed in a fully restored building, offers full comfort “ensuite” rooms. It is located in a Plaza de Santa Cruz, one of the small plazas typical for Madrid and a few steps away from the Plaza Mayor which is one of the more beautiful of the city, The statue of Felipe III, in the centre serves as a meeting point for many people, and if you happen to be there over Christmas you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas market. The square is full of traditional bars where you can eat tapas, and traditional Spanish dishes, and here you can also get here the typical “chocolate con churros” which make a perfect closure for a late night out.
Hostal Madrid has again the same good standards as the previous properties, and rooms are even equipped with hair dryer and free WIFI. The location is also perfect between the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Salamanca was the last place visited, and we had to catch the underground to get there. If you are travelling by the underground, do not forget to buy the 10 trip ticket as it is more than half price as buying single tickets. The hostel is located in the prestigious “Barrio de Salamanca”, which in relation to the others is a little further, but by underground is only 15 minutes to Puerta del Sol. The place is very quiet, clean and the building is also in very good condition.
