Best Airbnb ever. I stayed here three weeks for a Spanish course in Barrio de Salamanca where the apartment is located. Fernando was kind enough to pick me up from the airport, a service he provides to guests staying two weeks or more. It was a big relief to have someone to meet me when I arrived, jetlagged and disoriented, and take public transport with me to the apartment.

Fernando was kind enough to provide a starter pack of fruit, veggies, drinks, and snacks, a great help for the first few days when I was still getting my bearings. It was very convenient to have a washing machine in the apartment.

He was away in his second home almost the entire three weeks I was there, but always made sure I had everything I needed and was available via text or Whatsapp when I had a question.

The apartment is in Salamanca, Madrid's poshest district, but Lista, the local neighborhood, is down-to-earth and friendly. It is an attractive urban neighborhood with lots of little shops, cafes, and bars. From the apartment it’s a five-minute walk or less to two metro stations on different lines.

El Kiosko de Pan, a bakery and cafe, is across the street and convenient for picking up breakfast and light meals. Fernando also recommended La Antigua Churrería or Chocolatería Valor, which are close by, for chocolate and churros. There are two inexpensive gyms around the corner, one that works out cheaper for stays of longer than a month and another that is better for short-term stays. The gyms offer a wide variety of classes and exercise equipment. There is also an Orange store nearby where you can pick up a local SIM card.

I’m already planning a return visit. ¡Mil gracias, Fernando!