As to the Hostales-I have not stayed in any of those mentioned except the Adriano.

I have stayed at Hostales Villar , San Isidro , Tineo , Monte Carlo, Playa and Hotel Zurbano. I have been in rooms at Hostales Esmeralda (I know the son of the owner), Astoria and Hotel Asturias.

In my opinion, Hostal Adriano is at least 50% better than anything I have stayed in. The only caveat is it is less space than a full blown hotel and you have to walk up 4 floors, as there is no elevator. The furnishings and decor far excede anything you will find in the better hostales in Madrid. The service is simply the best, bar none in Europe.