I'll start this review by saying that Marlen is lovely and we couldn't have asked for a better host.

If you're the sort of person who insists on peace and quiet at all times then this may not be the best venue for you as the little street outside is quite busy. However, it's mostly not traffic noise, it's street noise made by the locals going about their business and for me this added to the charm of staying right in the center of a big city. Simply closing the balcony doors eliminates most of the noise. There are bars, restaurants, a supermarket and all sorts of interesting happenings within metres of the front door and I absolutely loved it.

The apartment itself was spotlessly clean and modern and felt homely rather than the usual tired, unloved look of most holiday rentals.

I highly recommend this apartment as the perfect place to experience inner city life in Madrid.

PS. If you arrive by train and don't have a lot of luggage then try to walk to the apt rather than take a taxi as the 45min walk is interesting and enjoyable and gives one a good idea of the lay-out of the area.