Housed in a five-story building dating to 1871, this hotel is packed with historic charm and unique quirky features. The lobby is cozy and welcoming, with several brown leather arm chairs where guests can hang out. Black-and-white photos of the city hang on the walls. A library and bar, where breakfast is served, is another popular hangout spot, though most guests are out and about all day. Although it calls itself a hostel, this place is really more of a budget hotel. It draws all sorts of tourists looking for an affordable option in the middle of the action in Madrid. Businesspeople also are seen here taking advantage of the charming meeting rooms. 

Hotel Persal is situated in the Barrio de las Letras, part of the Huertas district, in the center of Madrid. Guests can walk to Plaza Santa Ana in a minute, to Puerta del Sol in five minutes, and to Plaza Mayor in six minutes. The Puerta del Sol metro and train station is also within a short walk, and there's a nearby bus stop. Other attractions within walking distance include the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (11-minute walk), the Reina Sofia and Prado museums (both a 15-minute walk), and the Royal Palace of Madrid (15 minutes). The area is packed with countless restaurants, shops, and bars. Plan on about 30 minutes to reach Madrid-Barajas Airport by car, or 40 minutes by metro.

Rooms are available as singles, doubles, triples, and quadruples, all with en-suite bathrooms. They are small, simple, and plain, with wood floors, medium-toned wood furniture, and old-style bedspreads. Decoration is minimal. Amenities include air-conditioning, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Small bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, hairdryers, showers, and magnifying mirrors. Some rooms have Juliet balconies, though it's worth noting that this part of town is lively at all hours and street noise can be an issue in some rooms. Views are of Plaza del Angel below or an inner courtyard. 

Hotel Persal offers a good selection of features for a budget property in the center of Madrid. Guests can start their day with an express breakfast of juice, pastry, coffee, and tea, or go for the full buffet featuring cereals, breads, meats, cheeses, fruit, and yogurt. Both are available for a fee. The buffet is served in a charming space with exposed pipes, industrial lighting, and wood flooring. Colorful photos of Madrid hang on the walls, and one wall features bookcases stocked with books in multiple languages. Seating is at long communal tables or little cafe tables. There's also a bar here. Ginger Restaurant on the first level is under separate management from the hotel, but the menu features Mediterranean fare using seasonal local ingredients. The three meeting rooms are charming and unique, with arched brick ceilings, black-and-white checkered flooring, exposed pipes, and wine bottles displayed behind glass. The two largest rooms can accommodate up to 50 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and nearby parking is available for a discount.