Over all the experience was positive. The flat was in a very good location with shops, and restaurants. The metro station was in the plaza right below. The apartment was clean and the bed was comfortable. I was able to use the kitchen/refrigerator. I had my own bathroom which was located in the hallway. The apartment was within walking distance to museums, the Atocha train station, and main streets.
Initially, I wrote to Iris twice and did not get a response for two weeks. I contacted Airbnb and they were also not able to reach them after several attempts. Airbnb cancelled the reservation. Iris then responded and offered me the opportunity to stay there. I accepted.
At the check in the host was not there and the key was left in a near by bar. I did not meet them until the night before I left. Up until the communication was through text. There was a heat wave going on in Madrid. I requested a fan. The host left it 2 days later. It was clear from the description that there were cats, but the hosts asked me to provide food and water.
It was not clear that I would need to care for the cats. Having the fan made a huge difference as the bedroom is in a courtyard.
The morning that I left the host was willing to help me to get a taxi to go to the train station.