Advice
The list below comprises some of Madrid's cheapest establishments. It's important to keep in mind that to some extent you get what you pay for, so you can't expect luxury accommodation for the prices these rooms cost. Every effort is made to ensure that each of the hostels listed below provides above-average service in its price/category, but it's not possible to inspect every room, at all times of the year.

It's important the look for the following basic things when taking a room:
Make sure you see the room before agreeing to take it - not all rooms are equal, especially in older buildings (as these usually are).
Cleanliness is of course important, more for some than others, and will vary.
In winter, heating is an important factor. All hostels should provide adequate heating, but opinions on what is adequate vary. If the room is cold when you enter it, make sure that you can control the heating.
If the hostel is on a busy street, then it will probably be noisy until very late at night (or early in the morning), particulary in zones with nightlife. If you're a light sleeper, it might be worthwhile sacrificing the view of a streetside window for a quieter room at the back of the building.
If you're not comfortable with the location of the hostel, don't take it. You should follow your instincts and stay away from zones that aren't to your taste. Remember that what some people find quaint, others find sleazy.
Every room should at least have a sink but expect to pay more than the listed price for rooms with toilets/bathroom ensuite unless it's specifically mentioned in the further information provided.
Hot showers are not always included in the price of the room. In summer this probably won't be as important, but at other times of the year you should take this cost into account in the price of the room.

The basic details provided below on each pension are expanded in the pull down lists headed "Further Information". The prices shown are for the most basic room, and usually don't include a bathroom or toilet unless specifically mentioned. Some places offer rooms with or without a bath.
Also, make sure to check the lists of hostels and hotels for some alternatives for accommodation during your stay.

For hostels in a particular city zoneselect from the list below:

Located in the district of Argüelles, it is a good option for those who want to be near the "Complutense University", the "Constitutional Court" or the hospitals.

The building is a good property with elevator, and central heating.
There are 16 rooms and 5 baths to share. A quiet house, without noises, in a safe zone, next to the "El Corte Inglés" in Princesa Street and this commercial area.

The hostel is very clen and comfortable, with wide and sunny rooms.It is an antique house in “The old Madrid”, but they have an elevator.
Very close to Gran Vía, in the center of Madrid. Well communicated with the metro and many buse lines. Virtually sites in the center are within walking distance. Very near the trendy chueca zone, with a wide selection of bars and restaurants. You can make reservation by e-mail.

Individual without bath: 20 EUR Double without bath (twin): 28 EUR Triple without bath (3 beds): 42 EUR Double with complete bath (twin or double bed): 36 EUR 7% IVA included. Visa
e-mail: pension@tierrared.com http://www.tierrared.com/pensionantonio/index.html

Good value, clean and recently renovated, this pension is located very central, near Gran Vía and Plaza de España,
There are single, double and triple rooms, with bathroom ensuite or shared.
A discount is available for stays of longer than 5 nights.
English spoken.
Open 24 hours.
There is no elevator in the building.

Rooms: 13
Prices 2003 Double without bath: 36-42 EUR Double with bath: 50 EUR Triple with bath: 54 EUR Visa

Clean and pleasant hostel, located in a symbolic building.
The street is quiet, next to the Opera square, the Royal Theatre and Royal Palace, and also to the Puerta del Sol.
There are rooms with bath, and other that have the shared bath.
Services:
- Air conditioned
- TV satellite & Canal +
- Heating 24 h
- Public telephone
- There is no elevator in the building

Email: hostalluz@telefonica.net

Rooms: 10
Single without bath: 24 EUR Double with bath: 36 EUR Triple with bath: 48 EUR Quad with bath: 64 EUR

In Huertas area, near Sol, and plenty of Tapas Bars and night live.
There is no elevator in the building.

Downtown - near the Puerta del Sol, the Rastro, and The plaza Mayor.
This hostel is walking distance to most of the major sites in the center-zones, and plenty of shopping. Clean and comfortable.

All rooms with TV, central heating and fridge. There is a public telephone.

Rooms: 10
Individual with bath: 21.03 EUR Double with bath: 36.06 EUR Triple: 45.07 EUR Special prices for groups.

Central heating, TV in rooms, public telephone. English spoken.
On a typical street of 'Old Madrid', next to the Puerta del Sol, and the shopping area along Carretas st.. Close to Huertas, one of the principal areas for Madrid's famous nightlife.