This place is a gem, as nice as it looks in the pictures. The apartment is well-equipped (particularly the kitchen), homey, comfortable, and ideally situated within walking distance to all major attractions. There is a large, updated bathroom, and quite possibly the most comfortable bed and pillows I’ve ever encountered in a vacation rental. We brought our own music but would have been happy listening to Oihane’s wonderful and eclectic music collection. The balconies are great for ventilation, light, and a sense of connection to the neighborhood. Closing the shutters was enough to darken the bedroom for sleeping. Like most of Madrid, this neighborhood is lively into the wee hours most nights. I am a very light sleeper, and the white noise machine and ear plugs I use to block the noise in downtown Chicago were enough to block any street noise.

La Latina is vibrant, authentic, and just far enough away from the main tourist areas to make you feel like a real Madrileño for the length of your stay. We happened to be in Madrid over a holiday weekend, when the city was filled with Spaniards from all over doing their Christmas shopping. The main tourist areas (Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor) were almost unbearably crowded. We were so happy to be staying away from there.

Oihane was there to great us for our early arrival, and made herself available for any questions we had throughout our stay. She provided us with lots of breakfast items, including juice, milk, coffee, fruit, and croissants. She also provided a wealth of recommendations about her favorite places to eat, drink, shop and play in Madrid.

We will be back.