We were staying at Sylvia’s from Jul 5 until Jul 12 of 2013 with our daughters (age 4 and 7). The apartment was spacious, modern and clean. It was clean and tidy and modern with a cozy feeling to it.
Her apartment is equipped with all the things a family would need: from the convenience appliances, to food, to Madrid map. The location is Divine. The apartment is so closed to the Retiro parque and Ibiza Metro. We bought our breakfast almost every morning from a bakery that is just 5 minutes walk from the apartment. The croissant (chocolate, butter and mini) were delicious! The Mercado of Ibiza and Da (a compact groceries store), both are 2 minute walk from the apartment, are all you need to get your groceries. There was also a wine (maybe also liquor) store across the street. Restaurants are nearby (we wanted to go to the restaurant across the street but we didn’t have enough time).
The part that we loved the most of the apartment is how it is located so strategically from the main tourist attraction places such as Retiro Parque, Prado Museum, and the Queens’ garden, but you are not in the tourist area. We felt that we’re part of Madrid, instead of living among the tourist crowd. The girls went to the Retiro Parque’s playground at the end of day and they got to play with other kids from the area. The playground is full with kids until dusk and the kids would be tired and were ready for their shower and bed.
On the first day, we needed help with usage of the stove, and Sylvia’s daughter came by not long after we called her. We requested for fans (for white noise while sleeping) and extra pillows prior to our arrival, and sure enough they were there. Sylvia also gave us some pointers where to go. The wifi works very well (we brought our smart-phones and tablets with us). The only thing missing from this apartment is a wall-clock – for those people who don’t wear wrist watch nor could bring their smartphones with them (which is normal if you’re from Canada like us because the roaming fee would be ridiculous if we use it as is in another country).
We would definitely stay here again.

Chris and Rani