This apartment was absolutely fantastic! Clean, nicely decorated, great WiFi, Netflix, and some unexpected touches: iron and ironing board, coffee maker with coffee pods, a throw blanket, even cloth placemats and napkins. The living room is nicely sized, with two sets of French doors opening out on small balconies with a street view. Small kitchen had everything one needs for a vacation stay including a two burner cooktop, full-size refrigerator, microwave, blender, toaster and small washing machine. Two bedrooms, one larger than the other but both with comfortable double beds (and extra pillows). The main bedroom has a huge closet with full-length mirrors. The other is a tighter space with a wardrobe but no place for hanging clothes. Two small bathrooms. A/C throughout, plenty of lighting, fresh paint in relaxing colors... I loved this place! I only met Leonardo on checkin but he was pleasant, explained everything, and told me to contact him anytime, day or night, if I had a problem (I didn’t).
Pluses: three blocks away from the Lavipies Metro stop and a really good full-service 24-hr grocery store. Easy walking to Sol and the Prado. Netflix (in English), great WiFi, air conditioning, quiet.
Things to be aware of: 3rd floor (which is the 4th floor to Americans) walk-up (no elevator) which is a challenge carrying a heavy suitcase. Bathrooms are tiny, by American standards, and if you are a larger person, the shower could be an issue (it’s 2 feet by 2 feet square). The street is on a hill; you will always be walking up or down from the apartment. Lavipies is a multicultural, immigrant neighborhood and may be too “gritty” for some. (I felt perfectly safe but some people may perfer a more upscale, tourist-oriented setting.)
I highly recommend this location, especially if you want to get out of the main tourist areas and spend some time in a real neighborhood. I was there for two weeks and loved every minute of it.