Eliana, know by all as Eli, is a very friendly, generous, and easy going host. While the apartment and room is small and simple (perfect for traveling solo), it is exactly what I wanted during my week in Madrid - nested in a working class neighborhood with easy walking to any centro site. (I wish you luck traversing the zig-zagged medieval streets!). Eli and her son's gracious hospitality, complete with enough English to support my growing Spanish, made for many enjoyable conversations and lots of suggestions. I had no cell service and limited laptop while arriving but Eli and Cris made sure I got to their apartment. Unexpectedly, Eli included me in her dinners when I was "home" at that time....so Latina of her warm spirit. Muchisimas gracias, Eli!
Do not miss el Rastro on Sundays; and carry a street map for navigating the crazy streets if you want to appreciate the layout and become more self sufficient (so you can watch everyone-locals and visitors-on their mobiles ;-).