This was my first time staying with AirBnb, and I couldn't have been more impressed. From the moment I requested to stay at Anabel's Gran Via/Callao apartment, the communication was lightning-fast, and very friendly/helpful.
It was easy to get to the apartment from the Airport, about 30 minutes on the metro and a 5-minute walk (slightly uphill). She was very friendly, and helpful, and very kindly was able to let me into the apartment a few hours early (I was exhausted after a trans-Atlantic flight)! She gave good instructions on how to take care of the apartment, and how everything worked.
The apartment is exactly as described in the post. Safe area, nice building. Immaculately clean, and very comfortable. Air-conditioning and WiFi internet were both exceptional - better than I've had in many hotels (I was pleasantly surprised)! The location was BEYOND COMPARE - lots of metro stations nearby, depending on which line you need, walking distance to the Palacio Real, the Opera, the Prado, Parque Buen Retiro, Gran Via, Callao, Calle Mayor, and LOTS of amazing restaurants. Anabel sent me some wonderful recommendations for restaurants, and I was very happy with both I tried!
I would stay here again in a heartbeat, and whole-heartedly recommend staying here to anyone else on the fence. If I was forced to make any constructive comments - the bed is on the firm side (at least in bedroom, we did not try sofa). Also, there are only sheer curtains on the windows (which we knew before going - well represented in photos) - so if you want to sleep during the day, you might need a sleep mask.
Huge thanks to Anabel for making my first AirBnb experience amazing!