Yes, the street noise goes on ALL NIGHT LONG including garbage pickup at 2am every night, but the location makes up for it. Located just one street off Puerta del Sol, the Esmeralda is at the center of everything: Walking distance to the big shopping street of Gran Via; hop on, hop off bus stops just on the corner; the metro located at the plaza. The room is small but ok for one person. Double layers of glass windows do little to stop the street noise at night, but the extra long pillow wraps easily around your head to block some of the sound. I would stay here again.

An ideal place to stay in Madrid. Nice host, very central, close to metro, surrounded by restuarants, clean room, towels changed daily and reception open 24 hours. Using this hostal as base one can visit the main highlights of Madrid just be walking to them - Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, King's Palace, Prado Musuem etc. Not to mention that the main shopping streets are only minutes away! The only negatives are sometimes noisy people in the street below who do not seem to sleep during the night and the small room. But otherwise Hostal Esmeralda is a good choice to stay in.

This was our second visit to this hotel. A small good value hotel.
Excelent location (close to Puerta del Sol) & friendly staff.
Good value fot your money.24 hour reception. Everything is clean, the towels are changed every day.