We had a great and very pleasant stay at María's. Apt is in a great South city centre location, walking distance to Royal Palace (10mins) and Plaza Mayor Downtown district. Public transport option abound including paid city parkings. Madrid Rio new riverside park promenade is nearby too. Atlético Madrid fans, Calderón is a few blocks away! All your shopping, restaurant and groceries needs are well covered in the neighbourhood. Quarter is busy but the apartments side-street location makes accounts for its quiet and chill atmosphere, with the occasional neighboor chat and car noise of a local city neighbourhood when windows are left open.
Apartment was welcoming, ground floor has a cute small inner patio. As other reviews said the apartment is larger and nicer than it lets on in the pictures. Well lit and spacious with the long corridor connecting the kitchen and living room to the toilet and bedroom. There is room to leave your luggage aside and unpack without crowding the apartment.WiFi was spotless and fast. Kitchen and toilet are fully equipped and adjusted to the size of the apartment. Water pressure is good. Nevertheless, the kitchen did feel small for those used to having and valuing ample room, sink, and counter space for cooking. Counter got crowded easily and there wasn't that much room in the counter for mixing, cutting board, letting dishes dry and the like.
Another short point we saw, if any in a great apartment, was not having a covered or indoors hanger rack for our laundry. There was one in the patio just outside of the house (small if you have a big load but good enough size) but it had no rain cover, not useable on a rainy day.
María and brother Raúl, were excellent, all-caring hosts. They were easy to contact and responded to our inquiries. Thoughtful and trustworthy. They were waiting for us at our arrival and gave us all the necessary instructions.
The night we arrived the water heater malfunctioned and we were left with no hot water, one of us having to start and finish shower cold. But María replied (23h30) and made all the arrangements to get the heater fixed first thing the next day. Raúl came for a stopgag repair before the technician actually came a few hours later. Issue was resolved and eventually had hot water throughout our stay.
We did forget our mobile charger behind and they were kind enough to pick it up for us and hand it a few days later. We were grateful with their concern and response, as they proved to be good hosts.
Highly recommended for a stay of a few days in Madrid. Ideal for couples or small group of friends. Great for value.