🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
Hostal Arco Iris
📍 27, Calle de O'Donnell, Madrid, 28009
Your stay — Hostal Arco Iris
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The Property — Hostal Arco Iris
Hostal Arco Iris sits on a quiet street just off Gran Vía, a three-star that feels more like a clean, no-nonsense base for exploring. The lobby is small and functional, with tiled floors and a helpful front desk, not a design statement. It suits travellers who want a reliable room in central Madrid without paying for frills they won't use.
Chronicles of Madrid
Madrid began as a Moorish fortress in the 9th century, expanded under the Habsburgs, and became Spain's capital in 1561. The Bourbon dynasty reshaped it with grand boulevards and neoclassical squares. Today, the city balances royal heritage with a gritty, modern energy—museums like the Prado sit alongside street art and 24-hour tapas bars.
Best Time to Visit
Full Madrid guide →Best months
May, September, October — warm but not scorching, crowds thinner than midsummer, and festivals like San Isidro in May or Madrid Fashion Week in September add buzz without gridlock.
Peak / festival surge
August is peak, driven by European summer holidays and local festivals (e.g., Veranos de la Villa). Hotel prices jump 40–60% from shoulder rates. Many locals leave, but tourists fill the city for outdoor events and rooftop bars.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer discounts (20–30% off peak), mild weather (15–20°C), and fewer queues at top attractions. Spring blooms in Retiro Park; November sees shorter daylight but cheaper flights.
Weather & packing
July in Madrid hits 35–40°C by afternoon, but evenings can drop to 20°C—pack layers. Bring a light scarf or jacket for late dinners and air-conditioned venues, and always carry a refillable water bottle.
Live City Briefing — Madrid
- Gran Vía is undergoing a pedestrian-friendly redesign, with some lanes closed until late 2026—check for diverted bus routes and allow extra time crossing.
- Madrid City Council has extended the city-centre low-emission zone (ZBE) enforcement, so petrol cars from before 2000 and diesel ones before 2006 may be fined—use metro instead.
- The new 'Madrid Río' park extension along the Manzanares opened a second phase in spring 2026, adding cycle paths and picnic zones—good for a cool evening away from the heat.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Arco Iris, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request interiors-facing rooms on floors 3 or 4. These are above the street-level bustle but not so high that lift noise becomes intrusive. The internal courtyard (if it has one, common in Madrid hostales) should buffer street sound.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of rooms at the front on floors 1 and 2. Calle de O'Donnell is a busy through-road in the Salamanca district, with traffic noise from early morning. Ground-floor rooms may also pick up lobby and street chatter.
Best views
Front-facing rooms on upper floors (3-4) give a view down O'Donnell towards Retiro Park, with mature trees and classic Madrid architecture—nothing spectacular but pleasant. Rear rooms overlook interior courtyards or neighbouring rooftops.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 to 4 are the sweet spot: high enough to dodge street noise, low enough to avoid lift machinery rumble if the lift goes to the roof.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle de O'Donnell carries steady traffic from early morning (around 7am) until late evening. It's a main east-west route parallel to Alcalá, so expect buses and delivery vans. Weekend nights are quieter but not silent.
Insider tips
1) If you're arriving by car, know that street parking on O'Donnell is regulated (blue zone weekdays), so ask reception about nearby garages—there are a few on Calle del Doctor Esquerdo. 2) Check in early if you can—this hostal has limited staff hours and no 24-hour desk, typical for a 3-star hostal in Madrid.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostal Arco Iris
Free WiFi throughout, adequate for browsing and email but not streaming; no login required just select network
One small lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
Digital newspaper access via PressReader on a tablet in the lobby; no physical papers
Standard check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop free from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 costs 15€ (subject to availability)
Free luggage storage behind reception for same-day arrivals/departures
Step-free access via a side ramp, lift fits standard wheelchair; no specially adapted rooms
No on-site parking; nearest public garage is Parking O'Donnell at Calle de O'Donnell, 24 (5-min walk), ~25€ per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2.50€ per person per night, applies to stays in Madrid city (reduced after 9 nights)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required; a 50€ card hold for incidentals at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Oratorio San Felipe Neri (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia San Luis de los Franceses (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Ejército de Salvación, Hermosilla (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Oratorio de la Hospitalidad de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galería Comercial-Pasaje Mutualidad — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
Casa Árabe — 89 m · ~1 min walk
Teatro Bellas Artes — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Caixabank — 938 m · ~12 min walk
Farmacia Puertas — 743 m · ~9 min walk
Comercial Salamanca — 79 m · ~1 min walk
Príncipe de Vergara — 115 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs from major banks like Santander or BBVA for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist-heavy spots like Sol.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless is standard even for small amounts; American Express is less common. Keep some cash for small shops and market stalls.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis round up; hotel staff get a euro or two for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A café con leche at a local bar or cafeteria costs around €1.50-€2.
A menú del día (set lunch with starter, main, drink and dessert) at a neighbourhood bar costs about €12-€14.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant runs about €12-€16; you can eat well for under €20 including a drink.
Bocadillos and empanadas from bakeries and small bars near La Elipa market are cheap and filling.
Mercadona and Día are common budget-friendly supermarkets in the 28009 area.
Primark and Zara outlets at Calle de Alcalá or the Corte Inglés for basics; cheaper options on Gran Vía.
A single Metro ticket is €1.50; a 10-trip Metrobús card costs €6.10. From the airport, take Metro line 8 (€4.50-€5.50) or the express bus to Atocha (€5). Avoid taxis.
Eat the menú del día for lunch instead of dinner. Buy a 10-trip card if you'll use public transport more than a couple of times. Fill a reusable water bottle at public fountains—Madrid's tap water is fine.
Good to know — Madrid
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Madrid112 (European Emergency Number) for all emergencies
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Madrid, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostal Arco Iris
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Caixabank — 938 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Puertas — 743 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Hotel Madrid Centro → City attractions (Sol, Plaza Mayor, Retiro, Prado Museum)
💡 Most efficient local transit. Hotel is on Line 1. Buy Tourist Travel Card (Zona A, 3-day) for unlimited metro, bus, and train within city.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Chamberí / Gran Vía stations (walking distance to hotel)
💡 Most economical option. Buy a multi-day travel card (Zona A) for unlimited metro, train, and bus access. Airport trains depart from Terminal 4, Terminal 2 basement, and Terminal 1.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Centro
💡 Use official white taxis with red stripe or pre-book through your hotel. Avoid unmarked taxis at arrivals.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Plaza España
💡 Use official white taxis or app-based services. Airport taxis have fixed rates. Avoid unmarked cabs. Traffic can be heavy 8-10am and 5-8pm.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Plaza España / Moncloa area
💡 Budget-friendly for groups. Line 200 goes directly to central Madrid. Night service available until 2am. Buy a 10-journey ticket (Bono) for better rates.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Hotel Madrid Centro (Avenida de América Station)
💡 Budget-friendly 24/7 option. Transfers to Metro at Avenida de América. Night buses available if early arrival.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) → Plaza España Station (Line 3/10)
💡 Get a T-Familiar card for group discounts or 10-journey ticket. Metro Line 8 is direct to central stations. Most frequent service in Madrid. Hotel is 5-minute walk from Plaza España metro.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Atocha Station → Hotel Madrid Centro
💡 Most economical option. Take C-1 to Atocha, then Metro Line 1 northbound. Buy 10-trip metro card (Abono Turístico) for local transit savings.
About Madrid
Wikipedia ↗
Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. It had a population of over 3.4 million in the city proper in 2025, and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.8 million. Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), after Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the sec...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Arco Iris?
Request interiors-facing rooms on floors 3 or 4. These are above the street-level bustle but not so high that lift noise becomes intrusive. The internal courtyard (if it has one, common in Madrid hostales) should buffer street sound.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Arco Iris?
Steer clear of rooms at the front on floors 1 and 2. Calle de O'Donnell is a busy through-road in the Salamanca district, with traffic noise from early morning. Ground-floor rooms may also pick up lobby and street chatter.
Is Hostal Arco Iris noisy?
Calle de O'Donnell carries steady traffic from early morning (around 7am) until late evening. It's a main east-west route parallel to Alcalá, so expect buses and delivery vans. Weekend nights are quieter but not silent.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Arco Iris?
Front-facing rooms on upper floors (3-4) give a view down O'Donnell towards Retiro Park, with mature trees and classic Madrid architecture—nothing spectacular but pleasant. Rear rooms overlook interior courtyards or neighbouring rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Arco Iris?
1) If you're arriving by car, know that street parking on O'Donnell is regulated (blue zone weekdays), so ask reception about nearby garages—there are a few on Calle del Doctor Esquerdo. 2) Check in early if you can—this hostal has limited staff hours and no 24-hour desk, typical for a 3-star hostal in Madrid.
What time is check-in at Hostal Arco Iris?
Check-in at Hostal Arco Iris is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Arco Iris have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout, adequate for browsing and email but not streaming; no login required just select network
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Arco Iris?
2.50€ per person per night, applies to stays in Madrid city (reduced after 9 nights)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Arco Iris?
A menú del día (set lunch with starter, main, drink and dessert) at a neighbourhood bar costs about €12-€14.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Arco Iris?
A single Metro ticket is €1.50; a 10-trip Metrobús card costs €6.10. From the airport, take Metro line 8 (€4.50-€5.50) or the express bus to Atocha (€5). Avoid taxis.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
May, September, October — warm but not scorching, crowds thinner than midsummer, and festivals like San Isidro in May or Madrid Fashion Week in September add buzz without gridlock.
Top Attractions in Madrid
💡 Free entry every day, but timed slots required even for free tickets. Best at sunset for the view over the royal palace. Queue at least 20 mins before opening.
💡 Free admission Monday to Saturday 6-8pm and Sunday 5-7pm. Arrive 30 minutes early to queue; the line moves fast.
💡 Free entry only on Wednesdays (2-4pm) for EU citizens and residents (need ID). Book timed tickets online up to a week ahead — they vanish fast.
💡 Visit on a weekday early morning to avoid crowds. The Palacio de Cristal is free; check if it has an exhibition — often quiet and air-conditioned.
💡 Check the website before going — most exhibitions are free, but some special shows charge. The weekend 'Mercado de Matadero' has affordable local food stalls.