The location is unbeatable--walking distance to museums, the Retiro, restaurants and nightlife, the Plaza Major, and even the Atocha train station. There's a subway station around the corner, too, but I only used it once or twice. Belen's apartment is small but charming, in a historic building. The summer heat can be intense, but that's to be expected, as is the occasional noise from the street below. Belen is very warm and helpful and I highly recommend staying with her. I stayed with her twice!