We highly recommend Mariano's place, where we stayed for the past 6 days. Check-in was super easy - we advised him of our ETA in advance, and then called when we reached the apartment and he was there 5 minutes later to let us in.
The apartment was much bigger than we expected, very well laid-out with high ceilings, built-in closets in each bedroom, marble floors throughout, and floor to ceiling windows in the spacious living/dining room. Beds were comfortable, sheets soft, and as we were there in early January, we appreciated the efficient central heating system (which flips to A/C in summer). Bathrooms are modern with good water pressure, wifi worked perfectly.
The apartment is blissfully quiet despite its central location, steps away from the historical center packed with restaurants, tapas and wine bars, and shops, the cathedral, Picasso Museum, and only a further few minutes' walk to Alcazaba palace/Gibralfaro and the port area.
We would love to stay there again. Thank you Mariano!