Gorka's place is located in a residential ares in north Madrid, approx 20 min walk from stadium Santiago Bernabeu. The house is pretty nice and quite peacful, hardly ran into anyone in 6 days. There were however some commotion from the street in the evening.
Thumbs up for beds and pillows, ensuring great rest from all-day walking. The central room (living room) is quite dark and not as bright as shown in the pictures. Both the kitchen and bathroom are really small and tight, bigger people might have difficulties using both.
Closest Metro station is a 4 min walk (Estrecho) and it takes you to the city center in 15-20 minutes (approx 1,50e one-way fare, depending on the exit stop - i think). I recommend you get a 10-ride card at the station.
ZOO was really nice. Spent a nice warm sunny day there and both kids loved it. We watched the dolphins' show (slightly shorter but more informative than Lisbon) and the birds' show, both were nice.
One day we planned a day-trip to Toledo. Went to the railway station only to be informed all the trains were full. (Yes, we were late in the day and it was May 1st). Be sure to book your tix online at least a few days ahead. 21e return ticket.
Eventually we hopped in a mytaxi (there are plenty), pulled it from the street (not thru app) and negotiated a deal similar to the price of train tickets.