Staying at Mercede's was a blessing! The place was beautiful, modern and clean! Lot's of light and Mercedes was a gracious host. She was very helpful in telling me how to get everywhere, she is very willing to help with information of places to go and how to get around, and loves to chat yet also left me with quite time for myself. My room had a big window so it was great during the heat wave. I do wish we could have turned on the AC a bit more often but I understand people are worried about rising costs of electricity. But the apt has large widows and when the high sun goes down it's very fresh and lots of air circulation comes through. The apt is very conveniently located near the Atocha station that does everywhere, and near the parque del Retiro which is beautiful. The neighborhood is great and full of local cafes all of which I frequented and made friends with all the workers. Mercedes runs a great apt. I highly recommend it and I will repeat when I go back if I need to stay at an Airb&b. . ;-)