Stayed at Hostal Cervelo / Martin for nine nights in Nov 2002.

Service: generally good, attentive.

Rooms: small, well maintained. Full private bathroom, TV, phone. Keep in mind that it appears the European idea of "heating" is different than you may be used to. In November outdoor temps ranged from about 40*F to 68*F. The lone radiator in the room would run at a low level at night, keeping the room around 60*F. Floors were bitter cold, and extra blankets were requested and used. If you want a warmer room, choose a different place or visit when weather is better.

Peace and Quiet?: I asked for rooms "tranquilo". Rooms facing the courtyard were generally quiet during sleeping hours. However, keep in mind that Hostales have young travelers from all over, and some of them like to go to the bars and stumble back drunk. One such slob rattled my partner's door, banging on it to let him in, until he realized he was at the wrong door, or someone came to fetch him. Keep your door locked! Women are especially vulnerable to random drunk Hostal patrons.

Another night, a group of four or more travelers in a room kept the noise going for quite a while.

Finally, the housekeeper would sing and yell to her coworkers pretty loudly as early as 8 am. People vary in their respect for peace and quiet.

Noise coming from outside the building was minimal.

Price: decent, a little high.

Location: Excellent. Near the Prado, Puerta del Sol and other main attractions.

Security: Pretty Good. You must be buzzed via the intercom, and its is staffed 24 hrs.

Would recommend this Hostal, qualified by the info above, though if you can afford a hotel, you might be staying with a quieter class of people, i.e., business travelers, older couples.

wao, pretty usefull information.