Madrid Accommodation

Accommodation

Finding Accommodation in Madrid can be tricky business

Finding a room or a flat in Madrid usually takes time and a little luck. Most room openings are advertised in the classified sections of Madrid’s local newspapers and magazines. The only problem is that most of the classified sections are released on a monthly basis, so unless you get to them within the first week of publication, the chances are likely that the room will no longer be available.

When pursueing available rooms in Madrid´s newspapers, try not to be too picky. Make a list of priorities such as your budget, what you are willing to pay, and what kind of living situation you want to be in, but at the same time be prepared to be flexible.

Make as many phone calls as possible and don't count on any room that you really want. Like they say, don't put all your eggs in one basket, because landlords are well known for changing their minds at the last minute. Another good idea is to spread the word among anyone you know who lives in Madrid. Remember that most contacts and opportunities are made by word of mouth here. I can't tell you how many times I've come across different opportunities due to recomendations from friends or accuaintences.

Rent prices Madrid

If you are looking for rooms in Madrid, generally the room prices in Madrid range from 250-500 euros. The rents in Madrid depend on where the apartment is located. It is possible to find accomodation below 250 euros, but the quality will most likely be very low. The quality of rooms ranges from something roughly the size of a closet to a decently sized room with its own bathroom. Remember that Madrid is a city, and that "typical spanish houses" do not exist in the city center- only appartment buildings. Other ammenities to consider are lift access (elevator), bathrooms, size of kitchen, and a living room. I have seen rooms to rent for 350 euros that are the size of a closet, have a kitchen that is not much bigger, a window with a view of a brick wall, and no common space to share with your other flatmates. Hopefully you can avoid these "student traps" as I call them, and find something more worth your money.

Accommodation through Madrid Spanish language schools

On the other hand, if you are not yet in the country and don't have the luxury of physically being here, you can still set up accomodation in advance. One option is to enroll yourself in a Spanish language school. There is a large amount of Spanish language schools in Madrid, which include accomodation within their price of tuition. This is a great way to learn Spanish in Madrid and you don't have to worry about finding an apartment immediately upon arrival. Many language schools offer a different range of living situations, from living with a Host family up to sharing an apartment with other foreigners. However it is recomended that you only use this method as a stepping stone before you search for your own place once you get settled.
Another option is to pay a placement agency to assist you in finding a room. Whether you are in Madrid or have not yet arrived, there are a handfull of agencies that will cover you, including picking you up at the airport, storing your luggage or renting a mobile phone for you. The prices for these services can range between 30-70 euros. Make sure to inform yourself before choosing your service company, but usually this can be a good option to have some support in the beginning, especially if you don't have the time or language skills to make the phonecalls yourself.

Placing an ad in Madrid´s classified section!

If you want to start your accomodation search today, you can also place an ad with us at Madrid Connect on the classified section.
In conclusion, finding accomodation can be tricky but not impossible as long as you put forth the effort. Keep in mind that you will need a place close to public transportation. I can't stress this enough because you already do enough walking, especially if you are working and need to come and go from your house frequently. Also remember that your choice of accomodation is a serious decision. The last thing you want is to live with horrible people, or to get yourself in a bad living situation (especially in a foreign country). As long as you make your new home here in Madrid truely your sanctuary, you will have a much happier stay.

Madrid Hotels

Hotels in Madrid range from budget 2 star dives, to 5 star penthouse suites. Whether you just need a bed to sleep in and a hot shower, or if you prefer to spend your Spanish holiday in a jaccuzi in your bedroom with 24 hours room service, Madrid's hotels offer it all.

Hostels in Madrid

Madrid is a very backpacker friendly city and there is a huge selection of hostels (hostales) in the centre to choose from when you arrive. Word of caution however; make sure you make reservations for your rooms before arriving in the summer months. The amount of young travelers that pass through Madrid between May and September explodes. During this time Hostels (bed & breakfast without the breakfast..) in the downtown Madrid area are nearly all booked up or can be a bit pricey.

Madrid Holiday Flats

An alternative to hotel or hostel accommodation in Madrid is to rent a flat for the duration of your holiday.  Although an apartment can work out cheaper, it’s important to make sure that you know exactly what is included in the price, to avoid unexpected extras.  When booking a flat through an agency it’s always a good idea to check the details they give you (a “5minute walk from Plaza Major” might look a lot further away on a map…)
Prices for apartments in Madrid often vary according to the number of nights you stay – 10 nights would work out cheaper per night than 5 nights, for example.  But in any case, holiday flats can be much cheaper and much more comfortable than hostels, if you are enough people to share the rent of the flat.

Madrid Accommodation Agencies

If you're having trouble locating a flat, apartment or room in Madrid or if you're simply too busy working on other things to put forward the effort, you can always pay someone to do it for you! A handful of placement agencies will be happy to do the footwork for you in exchange for a fee. The fees range and so do the types of services (which often offer storage services and cell phone rental). But if you are looking for accommodation in Madrid, an agency might be the ideal service for you.

Madrid Storage Services

After living in Madrid for a while, it is almost inevitable that a large amount of things will have been accumulated. If you then plan to move away for a few months, paying rent for a room to keep your things in, is probably not the cheapest or most secure solution.  Unless you have the good fortune of having a friend with a large attic or cellar who doesn’t mind storing your bags and boxes, you’ll want to look into self storage.
Items can be stored for weeks, months or even years and there are plenty self storage companies in Madrid or around Madrid that offer competitive rates and good deals for long term and short term storage.  Just make sure you return from your travel in time to collect everything punctually!