TOC Hostels - Madrid

Finding the right hotel or hostel is a challenge for anyone: it means hours of searching the internet, reading reviews and using google maps to judge if the location is good with regards to travelling around. But when you are a lonely traveller, the challenge becomes even more difficult. You have to scope out a potential places paying close attention, especially to security as you will be by yourself and chances are, you are a backpacker with your entire belongings in one bag.

My advice is to be sensible, of course, but don’t be put off by hostels with dorms. If anything I think these are the best places for lonely travellers. Generally, you get to meet others who are in the same boat. And, if the place understands its market, the security should be great.

At least this was the case for me. I have stayed in several hostels (and fortunately, I have no horror stories) but I have to particularly recommend TOC Hostels: where I stayed in Madrid.  

Firstly, their security is great. There is no curfew, meaning you can come and go whenever you like, but there is always someone on the front desk so you already feel safe. Moreover, keys and key cards are a thing of the past. This hostel takes your finger print when you check in, and that is all you need to enter your room. There is a scanner on the door and only those whose fingerprints correspond to those staying in the room are allowed in. Needless to say, this made me feel very safe. Not just because only certain people could enter but also because I did not have to worry about losing a key when I was out and about.

Moreover, concerning your luggage, each room/dorm has a locker for each bed. And the lockers are very spacious being big enough for a backpacker’s bag and then some.

There is also some space in your bunk to keep the things you want to be closest to you. Here, there is also a light and a plug socket just for you – although if you are from abroad, do remember an adaptor!

The bunk itself is very comfy with a basic pillow and duvet. But most importantly, it is very clean. In fact, the whole place is very clean and hygienic – even in the bathroom!

The showers were good, although I would say that the water is either very hot or very cold (at least during my stay).

 One thing to note is that on arrival you have to put down a 10euro cash deposit for the sheets to make up your bed – which are obligatory to have. This wasn’t really a problem for me, as you do receive the money back when you return the sheets but I hadn’t realised, and luckily I had cash on me, otherwise I might have had to trawl the streets for an ATM.

That said the staff are very friendly and accommodating. The guy on the front desk was very pleasant and I know he spoke perfect English as I heard him speaking to other guests. But that didn’t stop him from speaking to me in Spanish – which I loved. Quite often, when people realise you are English-speaking, they immediately switch to English, which I appreciate but do not want. I am trying to learn Spanish and it can be quite difficult when people insist on talking to you in English because they can. I think this guy understood, and every time we passed, he would always chat in Casetllano with me.

The front-desk also offer a number of things that you might want to rent e.g. towels, hairdryers etc. You have to put down a deposit of some amount, but you do not have to pay for them.

Similarly, you can pay for breakfast if you want but it is not necessary. I paid the 4euros for the breakfast buffet a couple of times, and that was great too. Basic but with lots of variety: cold meats, fruits and pastries. And there is a kitchen, with microwave, oven, and large fridges for you to store and cook your own food if you want.

The kitchen/common area is very clean and spacious. There is a pool table and a bar which is open in the evening.  Furthermore, the décor is very stylish and modern making you feel completely at ease. The bar area is a nice place to sit quietly, or to chat with people, especially if you want to kill a bit of time.

The location is excellent as well. The hostel is located just off Puerta del Sol and is in easy walking distance of many attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Cathedral and the Avenue of Art. If you are planning to go somewhere further out, the metro station is just a few minutes walk away.

Finally, the price was not bad. Especially for the quality of the hostel: I paid 50 euros for 4 nights, in a mixed 6-bed dorm. There are private rooms that you can pay more for, but I would say that these are more like hotel prices. The cost also varies depending on the time of year, and I don’t like to think what the prices would be like in peak season.

Overall, this hostel was a great stay and would I would certainly stay there again. In fact I am – I liked it so much that I booked the hostel in Barcelona for a few weeks time. I hope it is just as nice there as it is in Madrid.

Here is a link to the TOC Hostel website if you fancy looking at it: http://tochostels.com/