The place is in a really nice location. Very close to many attractions. Plaza de la Republica is within walking distance of many good restaurants. If you are looking to be close to what I would call 'downtown' this place is a good option.
The Good:
The host was very nice and took time to explain some points of interest in the area and answered our questions with good local information. He had freshly ground good quality coffee for us and an esspresso pot (stove top). The apartment was 'stylish'. The host let us use a Metro Bus pass free. The host spoke perfect English, no communication problems.
The bad:
- No actual walls dividing the bedrooms. (just curtains)
- Floor was dirty even though host charges a cleaning fee
- Mattress are directly on the floor
- There was a cockroach on the 'kitchen' and around the beds
- Also found pieces of finger nails on the floor
Of note:
- The host appears to have done much of the work on the inside of the place himself (did not ask, do not know for sure if he did the work or not) and it appears that the 'craftsmanship' of whoever did the work was very lacking and not to what I would consider to safety code. (gas burning stove inside a wood pull out kitchen contraption, Multiple Light switches that do nothing, exposed electrical wires, 'dining room table' that could easily collapse' ) I think the host is very creative however it is clear he is not handy with tools, or whoever did the work is not.
Overall this a nice place to stay and the host is very nice and helpful. If you want to be in a central location and don't mind a quasi-bachelor pad then you will be fine here. For the right people this can be a great place to stay in order to tour the city. If you need separate rooms and don't want to hear your travel companions use the bathroom you will not like this place.