Guesthouse Hostal Abadia Madrid (Madrid, Spain)

Reaching some of the city's most desirable tourist areas and popular nightlife zones is as easy as finding your way to the local metro station. Several spots are even within walking distance, including a row of famed restaurants and high-end outlets. Perfect for getting a taste of culture alongside great shopping.

You might expect a fairly basic breakfast because of the property's value-oriented hostel model. The breakfasts here, however, are composed of both handmade dishes as well as prepackaged favourites like pastries and yoghurt, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value to start your day.

The staff members here, both behind the welcome desk as well as throughout the premises, are informed about the city's lesser-known hotspots, and can direct you to whatever type of experience you're seeking in Madrid. They're also excellent for hailing cabs or arranging shuttles.

Because of the building's general design and materials choice, it's far too easy to hear your neighbours, especially during the quieter hours of night. Noise from the outside streets also tends to leak into the building, which can make it hard to get quality rest if you're a sensitive sleeper.

The towels are sorely lacking in quality, as are some of the smaller details, such as toilet paper and bed coverings. You might even consider bringing your own towels from home, if this detail represents a significant drawback. In addition, the shared pillow model on guest beds doesn't suit most guests well.

The general bedroom and living area layouts are accented well, but the hallways, lobby, and common areas suffer from signs of neglect and general ageing. These areas may not be a massive part of your stay, but they make the interior less welcoming, and could be easily spruced up.