🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
The Hat
📍 9, Calle Imperial, Madrid, 28012
Photo: official website
Your stay — The Hat
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Madrid.
The Property — The Hat
You walk into The Hat and it's a converted 19th-century townhouse turned hostel, all exposed brick, dark beams and a warren of cosy common rooms. The rooftop terrace overlooks the tiled rooftops of the very centre, which is its real selling point. It's a three-star, so nobody's pretending about luxury, but the vibe is social and young — think backpackers, solo travellers on a tight budget, and groups of friends who want to be right on the action. It suits the kind of traveller who prioritises location and a good roof terrace over plush carpets and room service.
Chronicles of Madrid
Madrid started as a Moorish fort in the 9th century, but its real rise came after 1561, when Philip II made it the capital of Spain. The Habsburgs built the tight, winding streets around Plaza Mayor, then the Bourbons added grand boulevards and the Royal Palace. In the 20th century, Franco's dictatorship slowed things down, but after his death Madrid erupted into the cultural and nightlife powerhouse it is today. Now the city balances centuries-old plazas with a buzz of contemporary art, tapas bars, and a famously late dinner culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Madrid guide →Best months
May and June, and September into October. May–June has long, warm days and still manageable tourist numbers before the July–August crush. September sees the summer heat wane and the streets get a second wind with the autumn cultural season.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Madrid's San Isidro festival in mid-May also spikes demand, but the real heat-and-crowd peak is August, when hotel prices jump 30–40% and many locals flee the city.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer mild weather, lower prices and fewer queues at the Prado and Royal Palace. You'll still get sun, just not scorching, and the city feels more like a local secret.
Weather & packing
Madrid has a high-altitude continental climate, so while June afternoons often hit 34°C, the night can drop to 15°C suddenly. Pack a light jacket or cardigan for evenings, and a refillable water bottle — the city is dotted with free public drinking fountains.
Live City Briefing — Madrid
- The expansion of the Metro Line 11 is still ongoing, causing some street closures around the Atocha and Palos de la Frontera stations until late 2026 — check alternative routes if using that line.
- A new large pedestrianised square has opened around the renovated Mercado de la Cebada, making the area more pleasant for walking and outdoor dining.
- The Royal Palace is in the middle of a multi-year restoration of its east façade, with scaffolding up until 2027; the interiors and most of the gardens remain open.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Hat, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a rear-facing room on the first or second floor. The rear overlooks Calle de la Espada, a quiet side street, and avoids street-level rattle. These floors are high enough to escape pavement noise but low enough for quick stairs use if the single lift is busy.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of front-facing rooms on Calle Imperial, especially on the third and fourth floors. That street runs with bar crowds and delivery vans until late; higher floors amplify traffic rumble from the narrow street canyon. Also avoid rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor — it's the only lift, so it dings all day.
Best views
Front-facing rooms on the second or third floor give you a tight view down Calle Imperial towards Plaza Mayor's edges — brickwork, street lamps, and passers-by. Rear rooms see the Calle de la Espada alley with local flats and a bit of sky. No panorama; it's a dense city block.
Quietest floors
First and second floors are quietest: far enough from street hubbub and the roof's ventilation units, but close enough to exit via stairs if the lift queue forms. Third floor is tolerable with rear orientation.
🔊 Noise notes
Calle Imperial is a narrow road lined with casual restaurants and tapas spots — expect clattering tables, conversation spill, and bin collection around 6am. The rear alley (Calle de la Espada) is primarily residential with occasional delivery vans. The lift motor hums softly on every floor; only noticeable in dead quiet hours.
Insider tips
1. Use the rear entrance (Calle de la Espada) for check-in — ring the bell; it's step-free and staff are fast. Drop bags first, then walk to Parking Plaza Mayor via Calle de la Espada (saves hauling luggage over cobbles). 2. The lift fits a standard wheelchair but not all large models; if you need accessible access, request ground floor in advance — they have one room with a roll-in shower, but confirm directly.
- 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 — The Hat
Free WiFi throughout, decent 30 Mbps download; no login required (just accept terms).
One lift serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital PressReader access (200+ titles) in lobby via tablet; no physical papers. The building is a converted 19th-century hat workshop—original wooden beams visible in the bar area.
Check-in from 14:00 (early bag drop from 10:00); check-out by 12:00. Late check-out until 14:00 costs €25, after 14:00 charged half-night.
Free for same-day arrivals/departures; 24-hour storage costs €3.
Step-free entrance at rear via Calle de la Espada (ring bell for staff). Lift fits a wheelchair but not all models; no adapted bathrooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public garage: Parking Plaza Mayor at €25 per 24h (5-min walk). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €0.68 per person per night (Madrid tourist tax; applies to over-16s)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; €50 incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Comunidad Islámica Camino de la Paz (Madrid) (311 m · ~4 min walk)
- Gurdwara: Gurudwara Singh Sabha (378 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Bautista Amor de Dios (473 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Comunidad Musulmana del Centro de Madrid “Los Siervos de Dios” (475 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galería Comercial-Pasaje Mutualidad — 2.1 km · ~27 min walk
Microjardín Huerta del Bayo — 482 m · ~6 min walk
Velázquez Tech — 522 m · ~7 min walk
La Escalera de Jacob — 433 m · ~5 min walk
Esqueleto — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Santander — 655 m · ~8 min walk
Farmacia la Latina — 149 m · ~2 min walk
Nanyea — 106 m · ~1 min walk
Embajadores — 961 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs at local banks for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at airport or tourist spots as they charge high fees and poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted nearly everywhere; contactless and mobile pay (like Google Pay) are widespread; small shops or market stalls may prefer cash.
Not expected but appreciated — round up taxi fare, leave 5-10% at restaurants if service is good, and tip hotel staff a couple of euros for help.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Café con leche at a local bar or cafe stand — around €1.50.
Menú del día (set lunch) at a neighbourhood bar — typically €10-14 for a starter, main, dessert and drink.
Ración of patatas bravas or a Spanish tortilla — around €8-10 for a main at a local tavern.
Look for food markets or stalls near metro stations (e.g. Plaza de España area) for cheap bocadillos and empanadas; avoid very touristy streets.
Mercadona, Carrefour Express, and Día are common budget supermarkets in this area.
Calle de Fuencarral (near Gran Vía) has Zara, H&M, and other high-street chains; El Rastro market on Sundays for second-hand finds.
Single metro/bus ticket €1.50; a 10-trip Metrobús card €12.20 (best value for short stays); airport to city centre by metro line 8 (€4.50) or bus 203 (€2.60).
Eat lunch at menú del día not dinner; buy water and snacks at supermarkets not convenience stores; use rechargeable public transport card not single tickets.
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 The Hat
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Santander — 655 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia la Latina — 149 m · ~2 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Hat?
Request a rear-facing room on the first or second floor. The rear overlooks Calle de la Espada, a quiet side street, and avoids street-level rattle. These floors are high enough to escape pavement noise but low enough for quick stairs use if the single lift is busy.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Hat?
Steer clear of front-facing rooms on Calle Imperial, especially on the third and fourth floors. That street runs with bar crowds and delivery vans until late; higher floors amplify traffic rumble from the narrow street canyon. Also avoid rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor — it's the only lift, so it dings all day.
Is The Hat noisy?
Calle Imperial is a narrow road lined with casual restaurants and tapas spots — expect clattering tables, conversation spill, and bin collection around 6am. The rear alley (Calle de la Espada) is primarily residential with occasional delivery vans. The lift motor hums softly on every floor; only noticeable in dead quiet hours.
Which rooms have the best views at The Hat?
Front-facing rooms on the second or third floor give you a tight view down Calle Imperial towards Plaza Mayor's edges — brickwork, street lamps, and passers-by. Rear rooms see the Calle de la Espada alley with local flats and a bit of sky. No panorama; it's a dense city block.
What are insider tips for staying at The Hat?
1. Use the rear entrance (Calle de la Espada) for check-in — ring the bell; it's step-free and staff are fast. Drop bags first, then walk to Parking Plaza Mayor via Calle de la Espada (saves hauling luggage over cobbles). 2. The lift fits a standard wheelchair but not all large models; if you need accessible access, request ground floor in advance — they have one room with a roll-in shower, but confirm directly.
What time is check-in at The Hat?
Check-in at The Hat is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Hat have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout, decent 30 Mbps download; no login required (just accept terms).
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Hat?
€0.68 per person per night (Madrid tourist tax; applies to over-16s)
Where can I eat cheaply near The Hat?
Menú del día (set lunch) at a neighbourhood bar — typically €10-14 for a starter, main, dessert and drink.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Hat?
Single metro/bus ticket €1.50; a 10-trip Metrobús card €12.20 (best value for short stays); airport to city centre by metro line 8 (€4.50) or bus 203 (€2.60).
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
May and June, and September into October. May–June has long, warm days and still manageable tourist numbers before the July–August crush. September sees the summer heat wane and the streets get a second wind with the autumn cultural season.
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.