HOSTEL 165, Madrid

The metro station is within 100 metres, linking directly to major attractions without needing a car. El Retiro Park is 2 km away (a 7-10 minute walk), and the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums are within walking distance or a short metro ride. WiZink Center is just two metro stops away. The immediate area is safe and well connected, with bus stops, a supermarket and a pharmacy adjacent to the hostel. The city centre is a 15-20 minute walk, while Puerta de Atocha and Reina Sofía Museum are each 3 km distant. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is 11 km away-best reached by metro from the nearby station.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free WiFi. Beds are air mattresses set in metal bunk frames; individual movements produce noise, and top bunks are very close to the ceiling. Room sizes vary from 6-bed dorms to very large rooms with 18-22 beds, proving cramped and lacking natural ventilation. Windows are limited, and some rooms have no windows at all, leading to stuffy air and lingering odours. No curtains on bunks, and staff use flashlights for nightly checks. Requests for lower bunks may reduce AC airflow issues. Thin blankets are provided; in cooler seasons, extra warmth is not available. Storage in rooms is absent; all bags must be left in a separate locked room at reception, accessible only through staff.

A shared kitchen is available, equipped with a fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and basic utensils. However, utensils (pots, pans, cutlery) are frequently in short supply relative to the number of guests. The dining area doubles as a common space; its proximity to the bathrooms can feel awkward. Several restaurants and cafés are within a 0.5 km walk on Calle de Alcalá and adjacent streets, including options for international cuisines and casual dining. No breakfast, restaurant or bar service is available on-site, and no paid meal packages are offered. There is no room service or mini-bar.

The hostel operates a 24-hour reception. Free WiFi is available in all areas; connection speed can be unreliable in busy periods. A shared lounge with a TV and a dining table provides communal space. Laundry service costs €6 per 3 kg load and is offered on-site. Luggage storage is free and secured in a locked room accessible only by staff; guests must request access each time they need items. No personal lockers are provided in dorms (lockable lockers are €10 extra). Smoking is prohibited throughout the building. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas and outside the property, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. The building has stairs to all floors; no lift is available.