Madrid's Hidden Gem: Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home!
Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home: My Madrid Mishap - A Review (and a Rant, Probably)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Madrid and my brain still feels like a tapas platter – a little bit of everything, and some bits I’d rather forget. But one place… Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home. Let’s dissect this beast, shall we? And be warned, this isn't your sterile, corporate review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, wrestling with my own vacation memories.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster in Spanish):
Finding the darn thing was a mini-adventure in itself. Google Maps lied! Or maybe my sense of direction is just… enthusiastic. I finally stumbled upon it, sweating profusely from a combination of Spanish sun and sheer panic. The entrance, with its cute little sign, promised a haven. The reality? Well, let's get to that…
Accessibility & Safety: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
- Accessibility: Okay, so the elevator was a lifesaver. I’m not in a wheelchair, but my luggage felt like it weighed a ton. Thank God. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests. I'm not qualified to assess that fully, but at least there's a lift. More importantly: CCTV everywhere! In the common areas, outside… made me feel a LITTLE better about my, uh, questionable decisions at 3 am one night.
- Cleanliness & Safety: Here's where they REALLY try. I'm talking daily disinfection in common areas, anti-viral cleaning products, the works. I got a strong whiff of sanitiser everywhere. They're seriously committed to the whole "COVID-be-gone!" thing. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff seemed well-trained in safety protocols. They even mentioned room sanitization opt-out – which felt a little weird, but hey, options, right? I think my room was sanitized before I got there. Maybe.
Rooms: My Little Madrid Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room (yes, I chose a non-smoking room, a triumph for me) was clean, with a decent air conditioning unit, bless its tireless heart. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a godsend – crucial for my Instagram addiction, as you can imagine. I had a desk (useful), and a closet (essential for stuffing all my clothes). The bed was comfortable, with a decent mattress. No complaints there.
- The Bathroom Saga: My bathroom was small but functional. I wish there had been more counter space. But the hot water was glorious after a long day of sightseeing. Speaking of, the hair dryer was a decent quality.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Tapas-Fueled Rollercoaster
- Breakfast (or Lack Thereof): Breakfast [buffet] was offered, but it wasn't fancy. It was… adequate. Coffee/tea in restaurant was good to start the day, at least. I was happy to see Asian breakfast offered too.
- Restaurants & Bars Around: The hostel doesn’t really have restaurants of its own, which means a search for the best churros in Madrid is in order, let me tell you.
- Snack attack: This is where the convenience store around came in handy.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- The Staff: The front desk staff were generally helpful, although sometimes a bit… distant. Maybe it was the language barrier. Or maybe they'd seen too many tourists tripping over themselves.
- Luggage Storage: A godsend for an early arrival and a late-night flight.
- Laundry and Ironing: Essential for a messy traveler like myself! The laundry service was reliable. I didn't use the ironing service, because, let's be honest, I live in crumpled clothes.
- Other Amenities: There's a concierge service, but I didn’t use it.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, The Missing Spa Day):
- Relaxation: This isn't a spa resort, people. No spa, no sauna, no massage. I'm a bit bummed.
Getting Around: Navigating the Madrid Maze
- Airport Transfer: They do not offer a complimentary airport transfer, which is a bummer, but the taxi service was available.
- Parking: There's car park [on-site], but I didn't have a car.
- General Travel: Madrid is super walkable, so you probably won't need a car anyway.
For the Kids (or Not):
I didn't travel with kids, so I can't speak to the "family-friendliness" of the place.
And Now, for the Emotional Breakdown…
Look, this isn't the Ritz. This isn't the Four Seasons. But considering the price and the location in the heart of Madrid, it's a good deal and it worked out, right?
The Verdict? (Buckle Up)
Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home is… a decent place to crash. It's clean (ish), the Wi-Fi is good, and the location is killer. But don't expect luxury. It's more like a functional, slightly-worn-around-the-edges, but ultimately functional and charming place.
SEO & Metadata (because I'm trying to be helpful, too):
- Keywords: Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home, Madrid, Spain, accommodation, hotel, review, budget travel, clean, safe, central location, near Plaza Mayor, accessibility, wifi, air conditioning.
- Meta Description: Honest review of Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home in Madrid. Find out about accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, and if it's worth the stay!
- Alt Tags (for images): (If I had images, I’d use alt tags like) "Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home entrance", "Clean room at Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home", "Hostel lobby with sanitizing station."
- Focus Keyword: Plaza Mayor Hostal Far Home Review
My Hostal Far Home Plaza Mayor Pilgrimage: A Messy, Wonderful, Madrid Muddle (and Maybe a Mild Meltdown)
Alright, so here's the deal. I'm in Madrid. Hostal Far Home Plaza Mayor. Sounds fancy, right? Let's just say my travel itinerary started with Pinterest dreams and ended with me, slightly rumpled, desperately Googling "how to conquer a tapas coma." Buckle up, buttercups. This is going to be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Did I Pack Enough Socks?" Existential Crisis
- 12:00 PM (ish) – Arrival at Barajas Airport (MAD). Flight was delayed. Of course. That’s basically my travel mantra. Stood in a queue that seemed to stretch into eternity, fuelled only by hope and a lukewarm, slightly stale croissant. Managed to (finally) navigate the airport, locate my luggage (phew!), and stumble onto the Metro. The Metro is a beast. So many lines, so much… well, confusion. Let's face it, I could've been on my way to Valencia, I had no idea if I was going the right direction.
- 1:30 PM – Check-in at Hostal Far Home Plaza Mayor. Found the place! Gorgeous building, classic architecture, the kind that makes you feel like you've somehow stumbled into a movie. The receptionist? She was a goddess. Patient, spoke perfect English (thank heavens), and even managed to smile at my jet-lagged, slightly panicked face. My room… well, let’s just say it was “cozy.” More compact than I pictured, but clean and with a tiny balcony overlooking a charming, noisy street. Noise? Oh yeah, the noise of Madrid. It's a symphony of car horns, chattering, and the general vibe of a city that never sleeps. Love it or hate it. I'm currently teetering on the "love it" side, mostly.
- 2:00 PM – The Great Unpacking and the Sock Revelation. Okay, here’s where things got real. Unpacked. Realized I’d packed approximately three pairs of socks. THREE! For a trip of indeterminate length. Cue the low-level panic. This is the moment the existential dread kicks in. Do I do laundry now? Later? What if I need… socks?! This is how I spend my time.
- 3:00 PM – Plaza Mayor Stroll (and Attempted Orientation). Right, time to emerge. Plaza Mayor. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I just stood there for a solid five minutes, mouth agape, soaking it all in. Then… the crowds. Oh god, the crowds. Navigating was like trying to swim upstream in a river of humanity. Took a deep breath, took a picture and wandered the perimeter, trying to get a sense of direction. Failed. Miserably. Got lost in the labyrinthine side streets. Ended up buying a churro. It was glorious.
- 4:00 PM – Tapas Disaster (and Delight). Found myself in a tiny bodega recommended by the receptionist. Ordered a random selection of tapas. Which were amazing! Patatas bravas, croquetas, little skewers… heaven. Then… the sangria. Oh, sweet, delicious, potent sangria. I may have overindulged. Pretty sure I laughed at my own shoelaces.
- 6:00 PM – Nap Time (Necessary). Woke up two hours later, vaguely disoriented, and clutching a half-eaten piece of cheese. Success!
Day 2: Art, Ham, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 9:00 AM - Coffee and the Quest, Part I : I woke up with a mission… to find a decent coffee. The coffee in my room, was, well, let's just say it wasn't winning any awards. Wandered the streets, dodging scooters and attempting to decipher the Spanish for "latte," eventually settling on a tiny cafe that seemed to cater mainly to locals. It wasn't amazing, but it was drinkable, and the atmosphere was buzzing.
- 10:00 AM – The Prado Museum (or, "Why Did I Not Book Tickets in Advance?!"). Okay, the Prado. I should’ve booked tickets. I know. But I'm a spontaneous traveler (read: disorganised). The queue was… tragic. Like, the kind of queue that makes you question all your life choices. Decided to cut my losses and just admire the outside, took a bunch of photos, figuring I'd come back. No, didn't. Didn't.
- 11:30 AM – Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (and Guernica… and Tears?) This, though. This was something else. Found a spot outside. A guy with a guitar played a beautiful song, so I just enjoyed everything. Got lost in the modern art for a while. Even, shed a tear. That painting got to me!
- 1:00 PM – The "Museo del Jamón" (Ham Heaven). Right, needed sustenance. Found a "Museo del Jamón" (Ham Museum… basically, a ham shop). Got a sandwich with jamón ibérico. Honestly, the best thing I've eaten in days. The ham was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the experience – surrounded by mountains of cured meat – was just… very Madrid.
- 2:30 PM – Retiro Park Rambling (and Duck Confusion). Ah, Retiro Park. A haven. Found the pond, saw people rowing boats (the ultimate cliché, I know, but still charming). Watched the ducks. Seriously, watched the ducks for a good fifteen minutes, contemplating duck-related existential issues. They are… odd creatures.
- 4:00 PM – Cooking Class! (Spoiler: I Burned the Garlic). Signed up for a small class near the hostal. I consider myself a decent cook, generally. But the recipe called for garlic, and I apparently have a personal vendetta against cooking garlic. I singed it, the whole kitchen smelled smoky (apologies to the chef). The Paella turned out pretty good in the end, but not because of me.
- 7:00 PM – Plaza Mayor at Night (and the Buskers). Headed back to Plaza Mayor as night fell. The atmosphere transformed. Buskers playing music, the lights shimmering on the buildings, the conversations echoing through the square. Sat on a bench, people-watching, and felt a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Madrid, you're good.
Day 3: Market Mayhem and the "I Need More Socks" Crisis, Part II
- 9:00 AM – Coffee and the Quest, Part II (Success!): Took to google, and I found a little cafe that made magic. They understood what kind of coffee I wanted in the end. 10/10.
- 10:00 AM – Mercado de San Miguel (and Sensory Overload). Okay, this place is bananas. A food market. Every kind of snack, drink and food is here. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I saw a guy eating a deep-fried scorpion. (Didn't try it. Not that adventurous). The energy is insane. Crowds jostling, aromas swirling… pure, delicious chaos. Bought some olives, some chorizo and a ton of pastries.
- 11:30 AM – The "Socks Situation" Escalates. Went to a store. They didn't have the socks I wanted. Panic. I need socks!
- 1:00 PM – Flamenco Show (and My Inner Drama Queen Unleashed). Decided to book a Flamenco show. The music, the dancing… intensely passionate. The energy built and built. My inner drama queen loved it. Came close to tears. Seriously.
- 3:00 PM – Tapas, Again. Found another tiny, unassuming bar. This time, the tapas were even more amazing. And the sangria was… well, you get the picture.
- 5:00 PM – Shopping (and the Perpetual Search for Socks). Went to some shops! No luck.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant (and the "I'm Starting to Acclimate!" Moment). Found a restaurant off the beaten path. The food was delicious, the wine was flowing, and I found myself chatting to a few locals, laughing and somehow, understanding their spanish.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return)
- 9:00 AM – Final Breakfast and Farewell. Before leaving I had some coffee, and said goodbye to the city. Madrid, you've been a whirlwind of chaos, charm, and culinary delights.
- 12:00 PM – Departure from Madrid (and a Sock-Related Resolution). Resolved to buy more socks.
Notes:
- Transportation: Mainly walking and the Metro. Get a multi-day Metro pass - it's a lifesaver (and cheap).
- Food: Tapas, tapas, tapas! Eat everything. Embrace the food coma.
- Language: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "Por favor" and "gracias" will get you
Okay, spill the beans! Is Hostal Far Home Plaza Mayor *really* a hidden gem, or just fancy marketing?
Alright, deep breaths. It's...complicated. "Hidden gem" feels a *touch* optimistic. Think of it more like a beautifully tarnished silver locket. It's not screaming for attention on Instagram (thankfully!) but it's a solid, charming place, especially if you're not expecting the Ritz. Picture this: I arrived after a red-eye flight, a zombie from sleep deprivation. The receptionist – bless her soul, looked like she'd seen a few things – was wonderfully unfazed by my crazy eyes. That, right there, is a good sign. Plus, the location? *Chef's kiss*. Actually, more like *the whole Michelin-starred menu of kisses*. Seriously, Plaza Mayor is *right there*. So, no, not super 'hidden', but definitely a good, solid choice for the price, provided you're not a high-maintenance diva. (And if you *are*, probably best stick to the Ritz. You’ll thank me later.)
The location is good, you said! But *how* good, exactly? I'm talkin' *practical* stuff.
Okay, practical time. It's AMAZING. Seriously. You stumble out of the hostal and BOOM, you're in Plaza Mayor. Think ancient archways, street performers, the smell of churros... it's ridiculously picturesque. The Metro is a hop, skip, and a chorizo sandwich away. You can walk to the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum (prepare to be overwhelmed!), and loads of tapas bars. Like, *loads*. Finding your way back after a few too many glasses of Rioja? Child's play. Just follow the laughter (and maybe the gentle sway of your own body). One morning I woke up and was *literally* in the middle of a street market. Needed a scarf? Done. Needed a tiny ceramic bull? Done. Needed a decent coffee? Ah, there's the wrinkle… Read on, brave traveler…
Rooms... are they shoeboxes? Or, you know, *livable*?
Right, honesty time: The rooms are... well, they're Madrid rooms. Space isn't their *forte*, let's put it that way. My first impression? "Cozy". My second? "Okay, this is actually quite small". Think compact, but clean. I’m talking twin beds that practically touch, a tiny bathroom (the shower pressure, bless it, was… enthusiastic), and maybe a small window that overlooks… well, something. Mine looked out onto a courtyard, which was surprisingly quiet at night. The air conditioning worked, which is crucial in July. They are NOT luxurious, mind you. If you need marble sinks and a jacuzzi, again, steer clear. But if you're the type who's happy with a clean place to crash after a day of exploring, you’re golden. They’re… livable. Acceptable. And hey, you’re in Madrid! You’ll be spending most of your time *outside*, right?
Breakfast? Free? Continental? Please don't say "plastic wrapped pastries!"
Ugh, plastic-wrapped pastries... the bane of every budget traveler's existence. Sadly, yes, Far Home's breakfast is basic continental. Think: toast, some sad little croissants (that may or may not have been plastic wrapped), jam, coffee, and juice. It's… adequate. Don't expect culinary fireworks. I actually skipped it most days and hunted down a *bocadillo de jamón* and a proper *cortado* at a nearby cafe. That, my friend, is the REAL breakfast of champions in Madrid. My advice? Budget for a decent breakfast outside the hostal. It's worth it. You'll thank me. Seriously. Plus, it's an opportunity to practice your Spanish (or, you know, mangle it like I do).
What’s Wi-Fi situation like? Because, you know, Instagram...
Alright, millennial problems, understood. The Wi-Fi *was*… a bit temperamental. It would work. Then it wouldn't. Then it would briefly flicker on and taunt you before disappearing again. Think intermittent connection, like a shy ghost. I managed, eventually, to upload my photos. But if your entire life hinges on a constant stream of perfect Instagram stories? You might want to purchase some extra data. Or, you know, embrace the digital detox. I mean, you're in Madrid! Look up from your phone, breathe the air, *live*!
Staff...are they friendly? Helpful? Or just...existing?
The staff… well, it varied. Some were lovely, genuinely helpful, and spoke multiple languages (which is a godsend when you're butchering the local lingo). They gave good restaurant recommendations. One lady even helped me with my (spectacularly bad) Spanish pronunciation. (Bless her patience!). Others... were perfectly fine. Efficient. Did their jobs. Not exactly overflowing with personality, but hey, they were doing their jobs. It's a mixed bag, as it usually is in these types of places, like life itself. Don't expect the concierge service of a five-star hotel, but you'll find people there to help you. In short - reasonable.
Anything *really* annoying about the place? Give me the dirt.
Okay, the dirt. Let's be honest. The walls aren’t exactly soundproof. You WILL hear your neighbors. And the street noise, even with the courtyard view, can be a bit… persistent. Especially on a Saturday night when people are celebrating (read: carousing) until the wee hours. Earplugs are your friend. Pack them. Also, the elevator is tiny. Like, *really* tiny. I'm not claustrophobic, but… well, let's just say I took the stairs a few times. And while the location is fantastic, it also means you're constantly surrounded by tourists. Which is fine, but sometimes you just crave a little peace and quiet. *sigh* That’s really it, to be honest. The rest is acceptable. Not annoying.
So, would you recommend it? Give me a final verdict.
Okay, the verdict. For the price, and factoring in the *unbeatable* location, yes, I’d recommend Hostal Far Home Plaza Mayor. If you’re a budget traveler, or just someone who values a great location above all else, it's a solid choice. But…manage your expectations. It's not the lap of luxury. It's a perfectly acceptable, slightly flawed, charmingly imperfect place to rest your head in the heart of Madrid. And you know what? That's good enough for me. Stay Mapped
