Stay in the city centre or on the outskirts? That is the big question teachers tend to ask themselves when organising accommodation for large groups. Which is the better option? Both have advantages and disadvantages; the key is to analyse and understand the specific needs of your group and the plan you will organise during the school trip. Find the best accommodation in Madrid for school groups in this article.
Our recommendation if you stay on the outskirts is to hire a private coach to take you to the city centre and on excursions — it will be cheaper and quicker for moving a large group around. If you opt for the Sierra de Madrid, there are numerous hostels where you can organise evening activities, book multiadventure activities, and foster a more intensive group bonding experience. If, on the other hand, you decide to stay in the city centre of Madrid, it is better to get around by public transport or on foot. There are affordable hotels and guesthouses where you can accommodate the whole group.
Hostels in the Sierra de Madrid
Hostels are one of the best options if your trip is geared towards multiadventure activities, if you prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, or if you have a very large group. All the hostels we recommend below are perfectly situated. If you prefer peace and quiet, you can stay in the Sierra de Madrid, an area full of natural beauty, wildlife and flora that students will thoroughly enjoy:
- Located in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, more specifically in the village of Manjirón, surrounded by reservoirs and mountains, you will find Sierra Norte Hostel, with 146 places in the hostel itself and 126 places in wooden cabins.
- In Cercedilla, also in a mountain setting, is the Villa Castora youth hostel, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
- Albergues el Colladito, also situated in the Sierra de Guadarrama de Madrid, has hostels in Los Molinos, Cercedilla, and Miraflores de la Sierra.
- Valle de los Abedules hostel, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama on the Miraflores road, also has a swimming pool available during the summer.
- Finally, the Berzosa hostel, also known as Albergue Rural Calumet, is situated in Berzosa de Lozoya in the Sierra Norte, in a very peaceful setting of outstanding natural beauty.
Hotels in the centre of Madrid
However, if you prefer an urban environment and want a trip with more of a cultural and leisure focus, here is a list of hotels in all categories for staying in the city centre, giving you easy access to Madrid’s main monuments and neighbourhoods:
- Hostal Gala (1 star)
- Excelsior (2 stars)
- La posada de Huertas (2 stars)
- Cats Hostel Lavapiés (2 stars)
- Anaco (3 stars)
- Hotel Regente (3 stars)
- Hotel Rex (3 stars)
- Hotel Preciados (4 stars)
- Hotel Mayorazgo (4 stars)
Guide to organising your school trip to Madrid
Find out more in this special travel guide we have put together so that teachers can comfortably plan and organise your school trip. Tell us your needs and preferences and we will tailor the trip to suit you. Everything about your group trip to Madrid:
