I stayed with Pilar for almost 3 months. During my stay she showed me the utmost hospitality and generosity and it was a truly memorable experience. I would highly recommend staying with Pilar if you are looking for an authentic Spanish experience.

The location of the place is fairly convenient. About 400m (5-10 mins walk) away from the nearest metro. This station is on the circle line which connects you to the other lines running through central Madrid. Thus, although the location is not directly in the heart of Madrid, it is still well connected.

The park along the river Mazanares is nearby and makes a great place for jogging and cycling. You can also walk to key attractions like the Cathedral of Madrid, Basilica de San Francisco el Grande and the Royal Palace. From there, it is a short distance to Plaza Mayor, Sol and Gran Via. The walk to Plaza Mayor through Cava Baja and Calle Segovia is particularly charming, with streets lined with cafes and bars and restaurants.

The neighbourhood fairly quiet, since it is located away from the bustle of more touristy spots. However, the place is located near the Vicente Calderon Stadium and when there are games, you can hear the crowd clearly. There are markets located all around, so grocery shopping is just a 5 minute walk away.

The furnishings for the room are classic, comfortable and elegant. The highlight is a spacious and comfortable bed that will sleep two easily. There is also adequate wardrobe space which would be especially useful for students staying long term.

Bathroom fittings are more modern. The shower is fitted with a monsoon shower head and instant hot water.

Should you need to use the kitchen, it is adequately stocked and I found cooking daily during my stay convenient.

The house in general is typical of a Spanish urban home. It is not large, but it is adequate and definitely comfortable. It is certainly welcoming and it is easy to feel like you are coming home, rather than just returning to a hotel.

As for Pilar herself, I would rate her extremely highly as a host. She is very gracious, helpful and patient. She is neat and keeps the house clean and tidy. She also gives her guests the privacy they need and she was comfortable to be around with.

All in all, if you are looking for a place to stay, whether for a short holiday or for long term, I recommend that you give this listing a shot, especially if you can appreciate something like a Spanish homestay experience.