At very short notice after all the local hotels were full, Maria agreed to put me up so I could get to the IFEMA Conference halls...she only lives 20mins walk from the centre in a quiet neighbourhood which is much quicker than standing in a queue waiting for a taxi or bus. Upon arrival she offered me a cold beer or chilled water and showed me to the room which was immaculate. That evening her husband insisted on driving me to the Metro (20mins walk away) so I could get my bearings for my later return. I did not spend much time with her as I had late (business) dinners and early starts but she exceeded all my expectations and offered great value too. On my final morning my Hailo cab to the airport was waiting for me at 0545 and I could not believe she was waiting in the kitchen to offer me tea/ coffee ! I believe that was because of her politeness and nature rather than the fact she was glad to see the back of me !

I would thoroughly recommend her home to anyone visiting IFEMA as an alternative to a stuffy hotel filled with boring business delegates...ole Maria !