It was Clean, Cheap, and a Little Noisy

Literally, as we were landing in Madrid early on a Friday morning last month, my friend and I looked at each other and had this conversation:

Me: Hey, do you have the map I emailed you that shows how to get to the hostal?

Her: No, I left it. Do you have the address?

Me: No, because I emailed you the map. You are in charge of all things map-related.

Both of us now paused for a moment of consternation.

So there we were, with not a whole lot of clue except the name of the hostal and the metro stop. That was it. Madrid is a big city.

Oh well, just find internet right? Right, but the airport internet wasn't working for some mysterious reason.
Of course.

Long story short, a kind metro employee Googled the hostal for us, pointed it out on a map, and told us exactly what lines to take to get there. Perfect.
Three hours after landing, we arrived exhausted, bedraggled (and for me, a little ill) heaving ourselves up the stairs and into the front lobby of Hostal Comercial. After a pleasant conversation in Spanish, we learn that we can't check in until 12 or 12:30. Uggh. I just wanted to sleep and it was  only 9:45.

But sleep I did, right there on the couches with a lion perched above my head.

After waking up and feeling famished, we headed out to find some food and explore our surroundings. What we found was McDonald's (don't judge me.  I was feeling sick and needed some comfort) and a hive of city activity. Hostal Comercial is set in a fantastic location-close to just about everything you might want to see on a quick trip to Madrid. Plaza Mayor is a few blocks away, the Sol metro stop a few steps, the La Latina tapas district a little jaunt and everything else a short little hike-perfect if the weather is cooperating. Which-it completely did except for one day when it was rainy and drizzly.We never took public transportation once, minus the to and from airport trips.

Granted, we walked until we fell into bed each night feeling as if we had just done some sort of Civil War march,  but that is beside the point. We saved money and we got exercise.

As for the hostal,  with any internet find, there are going to be some pros and cons. If you are looking for a place to crash in Madrid, pay attention.

First the good: Excellent location, super clean (much more so than my own home), and decently priced. We stayed 4 nights, split the room, and the total came to about $100 each. Not bad for the euro. Winter season helped out a bit with the price. It was a shared bathroom, but there was a sink in our room to make it a little more convenient.
Now the bad: Excellent location minus some good soundproofing means that we were part of all the comings and goings of the party crowds each night. At one point, it really felt as if the man standing in the middle of the street screaming drunkenly in Spanish was sitting right next to my bed. And speaking of the bed, I am still sort of stretching out the kinks acquired while trying to find out a spot that was softer than what I imagined the street might feel like if I were sleeping on it.

Ok, it wasn't that bad, but you get the idea.

All things considered, I would stay again if the price were still right. I would also make sure I was prepared and knew where I was going BEFORE my plane began its descent.

Madrid Has Left Me Wanting....

More.

That's right. I didn't get enough. 

Our first venture to Plaza Mayor

Not sure where to focus this post actually-I could share the whirlwind that was Madrid, review our lodging, relate the adventure of the entire morning spent in an attempt to get to Toledo (lesson learned: book things early), or divulge the fact that I absolutely cannot read a map. And umm.....well, I teach social studies.

**Ssshhh-don't tell my students***

I think I will save that for another post, because it truly bothers me.

Anyway, Madrid was awesome. I loved it. My first real venture into a western European country was a success-despite the pesky euro. Turns out, we picked a superb time to go due to the annual rebajas being enjoyed by Spaniards and tourists alike. Rebajas means "sales" and I do love a good sale. It made my obligatory foreign country shoe and handbag purchase much easier to swallow. 

Aside from that though, Madrid is quite the vibrant city. We were able to enjoy it sans the hordes of summer tourists and the accompanying tourist prices.It seems Spaniards just love to be out and about...all the time. Even the rain didn't dampen the spirits of los madrilenos-the one rainy day boasted plenty of locals coming and going, umbrellas in hand.

Trusty 'ole Blue. Breakfast of Champions

We were right there in the mix, trying to cram as much Madrid in the very short time we had. Landing early on a Friday morning, found us facing a full day ahead minus a full night's sleep. Which was both good and bad-- I learned on this trip that I may be young at heart, but my body is not 22 anymore. No sir. A friend of mine asked me when I returned if we went out and partied at night. I nearly laughed in his face.

Party? I was lucky to make it to 9 p.m most nights. I will place the majority of the blame on  the time change, the short trip, and the miles and miles of walking every day, but I also know that I can't just roll into another country anymore and have a spring in my step without proper time to rest and adjust.

More Plaza Mayor. Can you ever have enough Plaza?

Do I sound 80 years old?

Regardless of the octogenarian shuffle,  Madrid was stunning and I am lucky to have gone. I just want more.

What about you? Ever been to a place that when you left, you felt like you weren't quite done being there yet?


(Speaking of wanting more, there will be more on Spain. However, I am currently experiencing a bad combo of writing lethargy and no time)