I stayed at the Goya suite early January 2014 for 3 nights as an alternative to a hotel. The place is brand new so everything is clean and tidy. I was seduced by the photos on the web of living in an authentic apartment.

Communication was good with Marga. We met at the agreed time. She handed me the keys and showed me how to use the premises.

I am somewhat more critical about my experience. The main staircase is under renovation (I know this is beyond Marga's control), but I'd rather enter a chic hotel lobby when I get to my room than wander through workers with bags of plaster and dust everywhere.

Although there is a police station next door, and I always felt safe, Calle Montera is a bit sleazy. There are prostitutes hanging out near the apartment after dark. I got solicited a few times.

The 4 suites consist of an apartment that got converted into 4. I had the corner one. As others have noted, the street (Calle Montera), is pedestrian and can be quite loud at night with people talking and walking. Luckily, things calmed down after midnight and it was not a problem for sleeping (this was January, so I had my windows closed).

The apartment has been designed more in terms of appearance than functionality. I highly value aesthetics, but they must go hand in hand with use. I had difficulty and frustration using the kitchen. The sink is located in a corner squished between an oversize refrigerator that makes it very hard to reach and use. Two stove burners are next to the sink, so it becomes impossible to put something next to it, if not dangerous if the burners are hot. The dishwasher (useless) should be removed, the fridge should be an under the counter model to free up space and make it more enjoyable.

The bathroom seems like a converted closet as it is almost too narrow. Sitting on the toilet bowl and you have your face against the wall.

In the living-dining room, it was hard to create an intimate atmosphere at night. You either had 7 LED ceiling lights that flooded the room, or two 30 Watts table lamps that were so dim that you needed more. Ceiling lights should be on different circuits and better light tables should be given. There are no extra electrical plugs. I had to go hunting for one behind furniture to plug my iPhone.

The apartment is cluttered with plastic objects (plants, shells, spruce branches, ribbons on doorknobs) that look good on photo, but that are useless for the leasing.

I think with a few simple fixes, the experience could be greatly improved.