Ramon’s place is quite small, but very well designed so you don’t really feel cramped. It was quite sufficient for us as a couple for a week.
We were met personally by Ramon, which is a big plus. He is a mine of information, which is helpful as there is not any printed information in the flat. I guess everything is digital these days.
The place is very well equipped and supplied with pretty much most of one’s basic emergency needs, such as salt, pepper, olive oil, coffee, etc. Pots, pans, a toaster, and electric kettle. There’s a two-ring range, a washing machine, handy bathroom with ample hot water. It’s amazing how it all fits in so efficiently.
There’s a Carrefour Bio half a block away, Carrefour Express (open ‘til midnight) just a block and a half, and a large and very economic Lidl a bit further on. There are a wonderful local produce market two and a half blocks (Barcelo) and a four-level food court nearby on Fuencarral (Mercado de San Ildefonso). You can really live well on a tight budget in this area.
The location is excellent if you are looking for the real Madrid experience. Malasaña is full of local life. Tons of great restaurants, bars and terraces. There are no Hiltons or Sheratons anywhere in sight.
It is just a block and a half from Tribunal metro station on Line 1, which even has a lift to get you up to the street, (which many metro stations don’t offer). Metro from the airport is a breeze, with just one change of trains.
First impressions may not be the best as it’s located on a side street busy with night clubs and vintage clothing shops, but that’s what Malasaña is all about. The interior apartment, despite being on the ground floor, is quiet. We heard no street noise at all. We always felt very safe by day or night.
One drawback is the bedding, even though the mattress is very comfortable. The bed is located on a mezzanine level (loft) over the seating area up a steep flight of wooden stairs under a low ceiling. Fine if you are young and nimble. Nevertheless, if you need to get up often at night, it is quite an operation to get down to the bathroom in the dark.
All and all, a good stay and we hope to return next year.