The Hat Madrid

The Hat Madrid is a boutique hostel in a central location just off the Plaza Mayor, on Calle Imperial in the old town. It combines the social atmosphere and prices of a hostel with a more design-conscious style than many budget options, and it is one of the best-known places to stay in Madrid for young travellers, backpackers and anyone on a budget who still wants a stylish base.

Accommodation is split between private and shared rooms. Private options include double rooms and apartments, which suit couples and friends who want their own space, while the dormitories sleep four, six, eight or ten people. There are mixed dorms and also female-only rooms. Rooms are simple and functional, and the shared areas are where most of the hostel's character lies.

The rooftop terrace is the highlight. It offers views over the rooftops of the old town, and its bar serves food, a range of beers and cocktails, making it a natural meeting point for guests in the evening. It is also a good place to meet other travellers and plan the next day. Many guests use the hostel as a base for exploring the tapas bars of La Latina and the Cava Baja, which are a few minutes' walk south.

The Hat suits solo travellers, groups of friends and couples on a budget who want to be close to the sights and the nightlife. The atmosphere is social, so it is less suited to anyone looking for silence; light sleepers may prefer a private room. Check the official website for current room types, age policies and booking conditions before you reserve, and book early for weekends and holidays, when the central location means it fills quickly.

The Plaza Mayor is about a minute away on foot, and Puerta del Sol and Sol metro and Cercanías station are within around five minutes. Tirso de Molina metro station on line 1 is also close. From the hostel you can walk to the Royal Palace, the Mercado de San Miguel and El Rastro, which is held on Sunday mornings just to the south, and the Prado is around twenty minutes away on foot.