Not my first time in a hostel, but certainly the first time in a hostel like Mad4You. If you are…read moreacquainted with hostel life, then you know you are not in for a luxurious or 5 Star lodging experience. However, this hostel did not disappoint. They are centrally located, just a few minutes walking to Plaza España and other attractions, such as Gran Via, Palacio Real, and Plaza Mayor. The front desk people (shout out to Elif) were kind and helpful when needed. They eagerly assisted us in securing reservations for a Segovia and Toledo tour, and also for transportation services back to Barajas Airport.
Community Living:
This hostel has strict rules about everything, including who can and cannot enter the facilities. Basically, if you are not a registered guest, you will not make it pass the lobby/front desk (which was a plus in my book, even when it meant that my nephew could not visit me and go to my room).
Overall curfew is at midnight, meaning that guests are not allowed to stay in the courtyard pass that time. Of course you can come and go as you please, but this rule was a great surprise as it eliminated the unpleasant noise typicaly associated with of hostels.
They have washers, dryers, iron and iron board for your convenience. Washing will cost you 3 euros or 3.50 euros if you want to add detergent. The drying cycle is another 3 euros. I did not find this to be expensive at all; to the contrary, I found it to be extremely convenient. Both W/D are big and will easily fit a whole week of laundry.
In the lobby, they have a bar so you can get a quick drink, a freezer with all kinds of ice cream and a vending machine with candy, granola bars and a few sandwiches, that made a great late night snack. They also have a computer you can use and print if needed.
Kitchen / Breakfast:
The kitchen has the basics. So I won't go into details. Breakfast was the weakest link for this hostel, but again, it will save you a few bucks to eat there before heading out for the day. Basic breakfast, coffee, bread, ham and cheese. Nothing else to add here.
The rooms:
My first impression was pleasing. I was amazed at how clean the room was. We booked a 4 Mixed Dorm with private bathroom for our party of four. They are equipped with a small AC unit, which was great as you could control the room temperature at your convenience. The rooms had two bunk beds, a small desk, one chair, and lockers that closed like a safe by using your room key. The furniture per se is really cheap, but the mattresses, pillows and bed sheets/covers were comfortable. I slept incredibly well and felt rested in the mornings. Mind you, we were all traveling together, so we don't mind the noise or movements of the bunk beds, but am not sure I would be patient or too happy if I had to share the room with other guests. The bathroom was basic too. But the shower and hot water was amazing after walking an average of 6 miles per day. If you don't bring a towel, know you will be paying a fee of 2 euros so that you can use a towel for the entirety of your stay. Also, if you lose you room key card, you will be charged a 3 euros fee.
Cons:
The only problem I had was that the room plugs were strange an shady. One did not work, the one by my bed was throwing sparks when I connected my phone, and the one in the bathroom blew up an electric razor my dad connected. We brought it to the receptionist's attention after the breaker went off when we were in the laundry room ironing a shirt. She quickly came to our room and checked everything and said she was letting her supervisor know and that they were going to send an email since I was checking out early in the morning. I look forward to hear from them regarding this specific matter. But other than that I had no other issues in my 4 night stay.
Bottomline is, from all hostels I've stayed in this is the most basic one, but I would not hesitate in booking Mad4You if I happen to visit Madrid ever again.
