Hi there,

Just back from an excellent weekend in Madrid and thought I would give a write up on the Hostal Chelo , Hortalenza 17.

Location: Can't fault it. A really funky neighbourhood with a veritable plethora of bars coffee shops etc. You really have to check the super-atmospheric "Stop Madrid" bar one block down on the same street. Also the gay coffee shop across the road has the best hot chocolate in the universe. Walkable to all the major sights no problem.

Rooms: Great. Clean, bathrooms fine.

Service: Questionable. We made a booking for 11 people and 3 of us were immediately "sub-contracted" to the Hostal Catalan across the hallway. The very fierce old lady proprietor of the Chelo then told us in no uncertain terms that these sub-contracted people were not allowed to set foot back in the Chelo, forcing us to keep in touch via mobile phone when "at home".

Value: Marvelous. 17 EURO per person per night.

In all: Pretty good.