Modern hostel near Atocha station with artistic design and relaxed atmosphere. The garden patio provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Madrid.
Way Hostel Madrid is an independently run design hostel on Calle de Relatores in the Lavapiés district of central Madrid, Spain, between the bohemian Lavapiés neighbourhood and the museum-rich Atocha area. The hostel has built a reputation for its artistic aesthetic — the interiors incorporate murals by local Spanish artists, vintage furniture, and warm lighting that give it a character closer to a creative studio than a conventional budget hostel. Accommodation consists of mixed dormitories ranging from 6-bed to 10-bed configurations, with individual lockers and quality mattresses, and a small number of private rooms available for guests who want more privacy. The hostel's garden patio is its most distinctive amenity: a rare outdoor private courtyard planted with mature vegetation that provides a calm retreat in the dense urban core of Madrid. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and the lounge area with books and art materials encourages residents to linger and interact. The hostel does not organise a structured daily programme, but staff are knowledgeable about the Lavapiés neighbourhood's underground music venues, independent cinema programmes at the nearby Cine Doré, and the multicultural restaurant scene for which Lavapiés is celebrated. Atocha station is a 12-minute walk, providing connections to the AVE high-speed network and the city's Cercanías commuter trains. The Tirso de Molina Metro station on Line 1 is five minutes on foot. Lavapiés is one of Madrid's most ethnically diverse and culturally active neighbourhoods, with a market, theatres, and a festival calendar that bring a distinctive energy quite different from the tourist-focused districts around Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía.
Amenities
- garden patio
- kitchen
- lounge
- artistic design
- lockers
- luggage storage
Location
Calle de Relatores, 17, 28012 Madrid
40.4108, -3.7038 View on map
Highlights
- Garden patio hostel in Lavapiés with artistic murals and a rare private outdoor courtyard in central Madrid, Spain
- Creative interiors with local artist murals and vintage furniture — distinctive among Madrid budget options
- 12-minute walk to Atocha AVE station; Tirso de Molina Metro (L1) five minutes on foot
- Lavapiés neighbourhood multicultural restaurants, Cine Doré independent cinema, and music venues nearby
Tips for visiting
- Lavapiés market on Calle de Embajadores is excellent on Saturdays for fresh produce and street food
- Cine Doré, Spain's national film archive cinema, is 5 minutes away and shows classic films for €3–4 per screening
- Tirso de Molina Metro (L1) connects in three stops to Gran Vía and four stops to Puerta del Sol
- The garden patio is open year-round but is most social from April to October in the warmer months
- Download an offline map before exploring Lavapiés — the neighbourhood is dense and navigation can be confusing
Accessibility
Way Hostel Madrid is a traditional building with limited wheelchair accessibility. The entrance from Calle de Relatores and several internal areas involve steps, and the garden patio is reached via stairs. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking to confirm whether an accessible room configuration is available.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Way Hostel Madrid different from other Madrid hostels?
Way Hostel is known for its artistic identity — murals by local artists cover the walls, the furniture is vintage-sourced, and the garden patio provides a genuinely peaceful outdoor space rarely found at this price level in central Madrid. The atmosphere is relaxed and creative rather than party-focused.
How close is Way Hostel to Atocha train station?
Atocha station is approximately 900 metres from the hostel, a 12-minute walk through Lavapiés. The station serves the Madrid Metro (Lines 1 and C), Cercanías regional trains, and the AVE high-speed network connecting to Toledo, Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona.
Is the Lavapiés neighbourhood safe?
Lavapiés is one of Madrid's most cosmopolitan and vibrant neighbourhoods, generally safe for travellers by day and evening. As with any dense urban area, basic precautions with valuables are sensible, particularly in crowded markets and street festival settings.
Does the hostel have a garden?
Yes. One of the hostel's standout features is a private garden patio, unusually spacious for a central Madrid property. The patio is open throughout the year and serves as the social centrepiece of the hostel, particularly on spring and summer evenings.