My Honest Review of the Ok Hostel in Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the capital city in Spain, and for many travelers, it’s one of those European bucket list locations. I recently stayed at the Ok Hostel in Madrid and will share my honest experience while I was there to help you decide if this sounds like a place you might stay at during your Spain vacation.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at the Ok Hostel Madrid?
The Ok Hostel Madrid was one of the cheaper stays on my Spain trip, with a nightly rate of 29 euros for a 6-person room. For reference, this was in April just after Easter in a six-person dorm-style room. Prices will vary depending on the type of room you book and the time of year.

Why Are Hostel So Much Cheaper?
Hostels are generally cheaper than hotels, with nightly rates at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a hotel stay. When you’re traveling around Europe, the price of hotels can quickly add up, so hostels are a fantastic way to help cut down costs. 

Of course, the reason why hostels cost so much less than hotels is because you don’t have a room to yourself, but if you’re out exploring most of the time, this isn’t a dealbreaker. That said, if you're traveling with a friend or partner, you have the option to book a private room, though this will cost you more than dorm-style rooms.

What Time is Check-In at the Ok Hostel?
Check-in for the Ok Hostel in Madrid is at 3:00pm (or 15:00 hours).

How Do I Get to the Ok Hostel from Madrid Airport?
If you plan to take public transit, the trip is about an hour, whereas a car ride is roughly 30 minutes. If you're taking public transportation, the easiest way is to catch the 203 bus at the airport ('T2 Aeropuerto') that's heading to Estación Atocha. Stay on that bus for about 45 minutes and get off at the Estación de Atocha. From there, take Bus 1 going to Pinar De Chamartin. Stay on Bus 1 for three stops (roughly 5 minutes) and get off at Tirso de Molina. Then, it's just a short 5-minute walk to the Ok Hostel.
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What I Liked About the Ok Hostel Madrid

• The location - As with most hostels I’ve experienced, the Ok Hostel is in a central area of Madrid, walking distance to major city sights as well as the primary train station. The hostel is even located at the beginning of the Madrid's famous El Rastro Market.
• Friendly service - I thought the people at the front desk were really nice and helpful.

What I Didn’t Like About the Ok Hostel Madrid

• More busy and loud - This hostel was definitely one of the busier ones I’ve stayed at and had more of a party-hostel vibe to it. That's fine if you're going for that, but if you want something more low-key, it's probably not the best fit.
• Bad washing machines - Don’t do your laundry here! While they have a washing machine and dryer, they ended up making my clothes smell awful. I then had to re-wash my clothes at a nearby laundromat. 
• Bathroom setup - The mirror and sink were outside of the room where the shower and toilet were, which meant you had to get ready in the regular dorm room where everyone was sleeping. This isn’t a big issue during the day, but if you’re up early, it can be awkward trying not to wake other people.