Hi sean_twomey! Welcome to our ALL SPAIN Message Board!

I toured Hostal Hispano Argentino a couple years ago and was surprised how nice it was! It's on the TOP floor of the building and they even have a solarium! The rooms are nice but basic as most "hostales" are. If you do a SEARCH in this category you'll likely find a couple reviews of it.

The location is good. It's FACING and ON the Gran Vía. You won't likely be bothered by street noise unless there's a movie premier or something since you're on the top floor. There's an elevator but nice-looking stairs too. Nevermind the "gruff" manager. His English is very good too.

As for safety, there shouldn't be a problem. This is a busy street 24-hours a day and it's close to everything in the old center of Madrid. LOTS of ATMs up and down the Gran Vía too. (nevermind the few remaining Sex Shops )

Saludos, MadridMan