Rafael's apartment was excellent. The location in Malasana is surrounded by really good restaurants, many bars, and shopping, and food markets, and yet it was very quiet, and was very safe and secure. The apartment was clean, extremely functional for two people. Madrid has many many people and crowds in the Centro, and it was a very brief and 7 or 10 or so minute walk to the apartment from the centre, and we were quite happy to escape the chaos and stay in Malasana. We also walked to the museums, Palacio Nacional and everywhere else. We did not need to use the metro except to get into and out of the City. We highly recommend the apartment and location. Communication with Rafael was direct and prompt. We never did meet him as he uses an agency to manage the bookings and check in, but they were also very communicative and timely and efficient.
Gracias, Mitchell & Sharon