Carmen’s place was brand new and modern from the entrance on in, including the way the keycards were dispensed from a machine. Though things didn’t work like we are use to in the States, there was a detailed professional instruction book that took you through everything step by step. The building was super quite and clean except trash pick up during the night, but it was just barely noticeable if you were awake. The apartment is on the quiet side of the building. We loved the welcome bag of breakfast snacks which came in very handy after a red eye flight. The super market was 100 meters / yards away as well as a pharmacy. The location was excellent. Two minutes to plaza Major, three minutes to Mercado San Miguel, seven minutes to Chocolateria San Gines, twelve minutes to Puerta Del Sol ( the heart and soul of the city ), the Palacio Real was 10 minutes and the Prado Museum was 17 minutes all by foot. We never used mass transit or Uber except to get from the airport and to the train station. Only ten minutes to the train station and you only need arrive there 30 minutes before departure. So the location was perfect! I got locked out of the building just before departure and Carmen came and let me in within 10 minutes. She must live in the building. For two people this place is awesome! The exterior may look a little run down, but from the entrance on in everything was brand new and amazing! The neighborhood and city was totally safe. We never felt nervous for a second. I would stay at Carmen’s place again in a heart beat!