Alicia was great about getting us in from an early, overnight flight into Madrid. She was very responsive to all communications. The apartment is a fantastic place in a wonderful neighborhood. Step out the door and there are cafes and restaurants in almost all directions. Many of them excellent. Street life in those sections was very lively and exciting. There is even an excellent Museum San Isidro in the neighborhood . As a location it is truly hard to beat. The plaza mayor and the Mercado San Miguel a short walk. A little further you are at Plaza Santa Ana, a favorite of mine.
With all that activity the apartment is quiet. Well insulated windows and doors ensures a quiet evening if you want one.
The apartment itself is refreshingly normal. No extra geegaws, poor art and covered surfaces unusable for anything else. It has a sense of space and is well-appointed. The beds are comfortable. There is air-conditioning (in 2 of 3 rooms), important for July in Madrid. The place had one shortcoming. I could not use the bedroom with the spiral staircase. To me, it was a disaster waiting to happen by banging my head into the metal spiral. That left 2 bedrooms which were enough for the four of us. I would still strongly recommend Alicia’s place for all the above reasons.