The Room Mate Mario is diagonally opposite the Opera metro exit, across the plaza, and slightly uphill on c/ Campomanes. From the minute we stepped in, we were blown away by the hotel. Funky decor, reading area, free internet - that's just within the first 10 metres!

Reception, at check-in, recommended a street-facing room (the views were nicer) so we agreed. Got to our room, and were extremely impressed. For North Americans, the room would have seemed slightly compact, but all the facilities needed were there. Plasma screen TV (only one English-speaking channel though), mini-bar (with space for storing your own items, much appreciated), digital safe, fully functioning bathroom with insane power shower, an expansive double bed, a small balcony and free apples each day!!! The breakfast, provided as part of the room price, was more than substantial. No greasy bacon and eggs, which was no shame, but croissants, cooked meats, fruits, cake, yoghurts, juices and coffees on tap.

Mario is just a short walk from the Palacio Réal, Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol and Madrid's base for many, many bars, cafés and eateries. Access from the airport involved 2 changes on the metro (we used line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then line 10 to Alonso Martinez, followed by line 5 to Opera).

We highly recommended the hotel to young people or couples of any age looking for a chilled-out, trendy and good value hotel base in Madrid.

We really enjoyed our three night stay at the Mario. The rooms are small but adequate and, like the rest of the hotel, spotlessly clean. For us, the best points were the central location in a quiet street, the excellent breakfast and the friendly staff.

Our room was at the back of the hotel, with a tiny window and no views but the compensation was the quietness, apart from some inconsiderate corridor noise. We had no problems with the bathroom which actually had a (very welcome) bath in it.

Our favourite place to eat was the Museo del Jamon in Calle Mayor, where you can stand at the counter with the crowd of locals and have a drink and a sandwich or eat a hot meal upstairs in the equally packed cafeteria. Great atmosphere and reasonable prices.

For a full restaurant meal, try La Vaquita Argentina, tucked in a corner of the Opera square - especially good for carnivores.

If you fancy a change from standard Spanish beer, Naturbier in Plaza Santa Ana brew their own German style cloudy lager. Ask for a tostada and you will get a dark version. Very tasty.

The Tourist Office in Plaza Mayor do a selection of guided walks in English, lasting about an hour for around 4 Euros. We did a couple and found them very good value.

Room Mate Mario is a great hotel - book it now.

fab hotel, staff were very friendly and helpful, place was really clean and tidy, breakfast was great and plenty of options, room was good size, great shower, and very quiet. location is great, right beside the palace, could walk everywhere.

Lovely looking hotel and pleasant staff. As others have said though try and avoid rooms at the front near the entry door (1, 3 and 4)- very noisy until about 2am - with everyone coming back in after a night on the town. The door buzzer is also very loud.