We were so positively surprised stepping into the lobby, passing through the not so inviting entrance below. The cool design and warm welcoming at the front desk was a breath of fresh air. The staff were exeptionally helpful and especially the owner was really giving his utmost in making this a memorable stay for us. It added to what we'd heard about people beeing friendly in Madrid.
The location is good because it is not on one of the bigger streets where there could be a lot of noise. Since the centre of Madrid is not very big we walked everywhere and so we found that the hostal was just in the right area for all there is to see. Even though we had to pass the hookers on the way, we started to recognize them and we never felt threatened by the situation. Many mixed people were outside and around the hostal area, families, lovers, elderly people, etc, etc.
Our room was just oposite the front desk and while taking siesta we were a bit concerned that the noise from people passing the desk would keep us awake at night, it was never a problem. It was really quiet at night and we never had any trouble sleeping. The room was clean and fresh, the air condition worked perfectly after batteries were changed. Very nice bathroom. Everything is small, but hey, at this rate we coultn't ask for anything better.
Me and my sister highly recommend this hotel and would love to come back again.
Kind regards
Annette, Stockholm and Carina, Oslo

We loved Hostal Santo Domingo. The exterior can be a bit confronting, especially if you’ve just arrived in Madrid, but once you get over it, you actually find it quite charming. The building is obviously very old, but very quaint & quite interesting. The hostal itself is bright, cheery, very modern, with excellent facilities, such as 24 hour reception, free wireless internet & very helpful & friendly staff. Our hosts, Juan’s & Ivo’s, suggestions on what to see, where to eat, etc. were always bang on & we ended up having the loveliest breakfast at a nearby café every day & the best paella we had in Spain.
The rooms are lovely – very modern & colourful, most with a beautiful view of the plaza out in the front. Each room has a little touch of authentic Spain, such as wrought iron railings or pretty tiles, which add to the charm. Despite our rooms being located right next to the reception, there was never any disturbance or noise.
This is a great value-for-money stay in Madrid & we would definitely love to stay here again.

I was in Madrid for the marathon last weekend and needed somewhere central and cheap to stay. This hostal provided that. Friendly staff who also let me use showers on the sunday afternoon after the run (for 10€).

Wasn't that hard to find. The address is no.6, so you go along the street and find no.6. At the door it tells you which button to press for the hostal and that's it really. I've never stayed in a hostal before so was pleasently surprised. Small rooms, but have all you need. Nice shower, TV etc.

Highly recommended as in Madird there are some pretty bad hostels by all accounts

I agree with the other reviewers in that it can be a little hard to find, but just look up at the building and you'll see their sign.
Personally I really liked the quirky building it's housed in (on the 3rd floor, but it has a lift), it still has all the original banisters, doors and staircases and will apparently be refurbished sometime soon.
Juan and his mother have run the Hostal for many years (Juan regaled us with tales of growing up here!) and recently gave the place a complete overhaul, so all the rooms are brand new and full of smart touches (flat-screen TV's, showers with lots of nozzles!).
Don't expect hotel-style services, but do expect the most friendly, helpful and charming welcome and a wealth of local knowledge from someone who has spent their life living in Madrid and enjoying looking after their customers.