Hostal Persal

Hostal Persal is a popular budget choice in the heart of Madrid, on the small Plaza del Ángel beside the Plaza de Santa Ana in the Barrio de las Letras. It is around 100 metres from Puerta del Sol, which puts most of the city's main sights within walking distance and makes it an excellent base for travellers who want to spend their money on food and experiences rather than on their room.

The hostal occupies a building that was rebuilt respecting the structure of an earlier one from 1871, and it has 80 rooms over four floors. There are single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, all with private bathrooms and all non-smoking, which makes it a sensible option for families and small groups as well as couples and solo travellers. Rooms are simple and practical rather than stylish, which is reflected in the price.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning and is good value, a useful way to start a day of sightseeing without hunting for a café. The hostal is a no-frills operation, so do not expect a spa, a gym or room service, but staff at reception can help with directions, recommendations and tickets.

The location is the big selling point. The Plaza de Santa Ana and Calle de las Huertas, with their terraces, tapas bars and nightlife, are on the doorstep, and the Plaza Mayor is about five minutes away on foot. The Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofía are all reachable in around fifteen minutes. Because the area is lively at night, particularly at weekends, light sleepers should ask for a room away from the square or bring earplugs.

In Spain, a hostal is a category of small hotel, distinct from a youth hostel, and usually offers private rooms at lower prices than a full hotel. Book directly through the official website or by phone, and check the cancellation terms, as rooms in such a central spot fill up quickly at weekends and during festivals.

Sol metro and Cercanías station is the nearest, about two minutes' walk, with Cercanías trains to Atocha and Chamartín. Antón Martín and Sevilla metro stations are also close.