I have just returned from Madrid. I was a single female traveling alone and I stayed in
Hostal Chelo for 3 nights. Last summer I stayed at
Hostal Lopez . I stay in Hostals because I like the personal touch they often provide.
When I have more time, I will give a full report, but I will stay again at Hostal Chelo and I recommend it without reservation to all!! It was very nice, sptolessly clean, and they were kind and helpful in every way. I liked the fact that all the rooms are in the same area and that Antonio's parent's live right there. There is an elevator almost all the way!! It was very personal and I felt that if I had disappeared in Madrid, someone would have begun looking for me. I do not find Madrid to be the easiest town for a solo female and I really appreciated the personal touch.
The Hostal is only a block and a half from the Gran Via metro stop which makes it easy to get to from everywhere!!!
The other smart thing I did in Madrid was call
Stephen Drake-Jones to join one of his tours. That is another story, but it was a spectacular experience!!!!!