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One of the oldest hotels in the city, the Paris is great value for its location on Puerta del Sol. The rooms are more than adequate, but not all have air conditioning – a serious drawback during the summer. On the plus side, there’s a shady garden and the English-speaking staff couldn’t be more helpful.

This large early 20th-century building was completely renovated in the 1990s and is an absolute bargain on account of its location. All 170 rooms are clean, comfortable and in great demand, so book ahead.

Art lovers on a budget should look no further than this modest-sized hotel, just across the road from the Prado. Some rooms have views of the famous avenue. Room safes and satellite TV are other pluses. Popular, so book ahead.

An easy-going, friendly place with a great location near Sol and the night life of Santa Ana. The rooms are generously sized, but those overlooking the street can be noisy. Some are en-suite.

In the heart of Madrid, this friendly hostel is convenient for the night-life of Huertas and the art galleries on the Paseo del Prado. The 24 rooms are clean and nicely decorated and have TV and phone. There’s also a bar and laundry service.

A rather quaint hotel, conveniently located near the Prado, with a certain period charm. The high-ceilinged rooms are spotless, but those facing the street are noisy in summer. On the plus side, rooms are larger than usual and the English-speaking staff are very helpful. There’s room service from 8am–7pm.

A pleasant hostel in an historic part of Madrid, close to the museums of the Paseo del Prado. Some of the rooms have balconies with rooftop views of the city and are surprisingly quiet, bearing in mind that this area is also known for its nightlife.

Handy for the nightlife of Chueca and the shops and cinemas of Gran Vía, this friendly, efficiently run hostel is in an old house on a busy shopping street. All rooms have showers but toilets are shared.

The location of this 3-star hotel, often used by tour companies, is excellent – just a few metres from the Gran Vía and with easy access to the Palácio Real. All rooms have direct-dial phone and satellite TV, and a baby-sitting service is available for couples keen to explore the city’s famous nightlife.

Overlooking a quiet square, yet surrounded by shops, bars and monuments, this hostel is excellent value. The comfortable rooms all have satellite TV and some overlook the courtyard. Also has its own coffee shop; a good place to get to know fellow guests and trade information.