Hola!
My wife and I and two small children (2 years/7 months) will be visiting Madrid for one week in mid May. Would much appreciate tips on a nice clean hostel with a large enough room in a lively/charming part of old Madrid whre we can walk to restaurants, Retiro park, shopping areas and the Prado museum. Looking forward to discovering Madrid!

Hello Blomme and welcome to our ALL SPAIN Message Board!

Most all hostels (called "hostales" in Spanish) are family friendly but the truth is few hostel rooms are big enough for 4-persons. However, since your children as so small it might not be so difficult. Will you have a kind of baby bed for the baby? A number of hostels have rooms with 3-beds.

Hostal López comes to mind. It's very very close to the Prado Museum AND Retiro park and is located on a pedestrian street in the very lively Huertas neighborhood which has lots of nice restaurants and tapas bars. They have one large-ish room with 3-beds, a balcony, and a private bathroom. The room is simple but the location and the family who own/operate are very very nice. The daughter, Nuria, speaks English too.

Saludos, MadridMan

Thanks for your help MM. We´ve been in contact with but Hostal Lopez and Hostal Adriano , but they are out of rooms for the dates we are in Madrid. This weekend I´ll need to contact a few more via phone. Hopefully I´ll find something. Any iedas on other suitable accomodation in or near Huertas? Preferably reasonably priced since Madrid is far from the only city we intend to visit during our trip.

/ Micke

try to get something at hostal plaza d\'ort y think they got a room in first floor for 4 persons

Keep in mind that it's possible that some hostels will not take reservations that so far in advance (in this case, about 2.5 months) and may tell you, instead, that they're full. If you can afford to do it, wait until 1.5 months before arriving to make these reservations. This is a good rule unless the time you're visiting is during a festival or exposition is taking place.

Saludos, MadridMan

Problem solved. We´ve now booked a room at Hostal Alaska. The owner Juan Carlos was very friendly and prices more than reasonable. Location seem excellent smack dab in the middle of things, close to Huertas district and Puerta del Sol. The hostal is located on the third floor without elevator, but hey, a little exercise never hurt anyone ;o)