basic but very charmiong old fashioned hotel. Staff very friendly although english limited but that adds to the charm. The location really could not be better to sample Madrid life, Plaza Mayor and
San Miguel market place are really buzzing. The Emma Cafe/restaurant around the corner was our favourite but you will be spoiled for choice of good value eating places.

The Hostal Macarena could not be in a more perfect location, just under the Arco de Cuchilleros that leads to the Plaza Mayor, possibly the most scenic spot in Old Madrid. (To complete the picture, in the evening strains of traditional accordion and flamenco guitar rise from the street as the aroma of wood-fired stoves fills the air.) There are plenty of shopping, dining and tapas options nearby; it's also a short walk from the Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Market) and the Puerta del Sol, which is also the nearest Metro stop.

This is a simple, old-style private hotel atop a tavern in a gorgeous old building. The hotel itself is a second-floor walk-up with a tiny elevator crammed into the stairwell shaft. It is not luxurious, but to our tastes it was very romantic in an old-fashioned way. The interior is clean, simple and homy; rooms have commodious beds and some have balconies overlooking the scenic Calle de las Cuchilleros. (Some might find it a little bit noisy, although jet-lagged as we were it was not a problem for us at all.) The proprietors were helpful but did not seem to speak much English.

I LOVED this little hostal. Stayed for 5 nights and will definitely be back. It is small but spotlessly clean and located in an amazing part of the city. Riccardo at the front desk (he may be the proprietor) did not speak a lot of English but we communicated well and he was a doll--so helpful. I paid 68 Euros for a double room (it was two weeks ago, in November). Highly recommend this little place. You can't go wrong.

Nice to stay, quite and very clean. Two major issues: 1) a bit far away from the subway although in the most central area of Madrid. 2) breakfast not included in a already quite average price