looking for cheap clean hostal. i know there is alot of choice, we are early forties and don't really want somewhere aimed at youngsters. we love a good time and don't want youngsters to think we should be acting our age.Ha Ha somewhere central would be ideal

chez123, please tell us where in Spain you expect to visit and we'll try to narrow our suggestions to that region or city. Thanks!

Saludos, MadridMan

thanks for your prompt reply. madrid is where we are heading.if anyone is interested we have stayed in some hostals in barcelona ,cheap and very central to the rambles,also cheap hotels in alicante,malaga,and if you dont mind mobile homes ibiza and escana (costa brava) both these campsites are cheap and central to their towns

buenas dias a todoOoOOOOOOo.....try Hostal Miralva on c/valverde.....right by c/ fuenncarral.
i stayed there for a few months....cant rate it more highly....mixed crowd of people...very quiet and exeptionally clean...

Thanks chez123, I'll update your subject line to reflect your destination. Also, feel free to give us your review of the above mentioned hostels in Spain.

Most all of the nearly 100 hostels (called "hostales" in Spain) are considered to be clean, well located, and catering more to the mature adult rather than the backpacking youth as youth-hostels (called "albergues juveniles" in Spain) do. These nearly 100 hostels are owned and operated by families and offer daily-cleaned rooms, some with balconies, most with private bathrooms, and all with private rooms where you keep your own key during your stay.

I can personally recommend Hostal López , Hostal Dulcinea , Hostal Oporto , Hostal Cervelo / Martín , Hostal Aresol , & Hostal Chelo . All very clean, all very friendly, and all well-located. You can't go wrong with the above. Some have balconies, most rooms have private bathrooms, and some have elevators (lifts!).

Have a GREAT time in Madrid! Saludos, MadridMan

has anyone been on the website eurocheapo.com it appears to be quite informative with independant reviews.

We just got back from our first Spain trip. In Madrid we stayed at Hostal Persal...much more like a traditional hotel than hostal. Very nice lobby, reception area, cafe, elevator. The staff spoke excellent English and provided extra service (like helping with luggage, calling a cab, etc.) It's just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor and Puerto de Sol area, so all major attractions are easy walking distance. Check out the website (www.hostalpersal.com). I should mention the rooms were very simple, but very clean and pleasant with phone and tv. We paid $75 euros for two, with breakfast. From my internet searching Hostal Adriano looked very charming room-wise, but they were on the 5th floor with no elevator! I didn't hear about the hostal in the above post before our trip...also looks very nice and a good deal. Have fun!

Recommendations from The Times (London=4-18-03]

Madrid has a range of restaurants to suit frugal pockets. For hearty Castillian fare, try the Casa Marta (10 C Santa Clara, +91 548 2825), a converted tavern and tapas bar hidden up a side street. For friendly service, good music and delicious vegetarian food, head for El Estragon (10 Costanilla de San Andrés, +91 365 8982), situated near the -recently restored Plaza de la Paja. Alternatively, Elqui (18 Buenavista, +91 468 0402) is an excellent self-service vegetarian restaurant and arty hang-out. Main courses from €3.

Madrid is famous for one of the premier museums in the world, The Prado (Paseo del Prado, €3, museoprado.mcu.es), but visit on Sunday when it's free. Other cheap attractions include the Teleferico de Madrid (€2.80, free Wednesday), a cable car that spans the Casa de Campo. [...]
Where to stay: At €83 for a double, the Hotel Paris (Puerta del Sol, 2 Calle Alcala, + 91 521 64 91) is at the top end of the budget range. But it overlooks the spectacular Puerta del Sol, so book well ahead for a room with a view. The rooms are a little basic, but the fabulously grand lobby makes amends.

Sorry, that was the Guardian..... @ http://travel.guardian.co.uk/budget/story/0,12392,939464,00.html

Best,

Juan A.