Mariola’s apartment was located in a lovely neighborhood of Malasaña, close to boutique shops, restaurants, and transit. The apartment was nice, although it faces an interior alley/courtyard, so there's not an abundance of sunshine. Also, there is some hallway and upstairs noise from the neighbors.
We had a problem checking in. The host reached out to us and asked us when we would arrive. We stated 4 pm and the host stated that we could check in there. However, when we got there, the apartment was being cleaned. Tired from our flight, we didn't feel comfortable leaving out belongings with a stranger. We had to wait over an hour after 5 pm until the apartment was ready and just moved around the apartment as the apartment was being cleaned. I would have understood if we checked in early, but after 4 pm, the apartment should have been ready.
Although the host told gave us a small refund and told us that we could check out late for the troubles, cleaning staff knocked on the door at 1:25 pm when we stated that we were leaving at 1:30 pm. We felt very rushed.
The apartment was fine and comfortable, but the check-in and check-out process was stressful.