If you are looking for a peaceful and artistic place to stay with different facilities nearby and an excellent host with a lot of knowledge about (art)history and the city, then Alfonso's place is where you should be! This was my first time in Madrid and i got so much information and tips to visit, that I really need to come back again! A long weekend from March 1 till March 3 was far too short to see everything what Alfonso told me about! :-)
Alfonso is a friendly, but also serious host who takes care of his visitors and treats them with respect. He makes you feel welcome and relaxed and loves making jokes. He is someone who also loves to learn from his visitors. I had some really great conversations with him about a lot of subjects, from things happening in today's society to Spanish history and even the way of life as it is for himself or for people nowadays, all conversations in all honesty. Alfonso knows a lot and loves to share the things he knows, you can ask him almost anything without hesitation.
His apartment is spot on; super clean and styled with different artworks. My favourites were the different antique mirrors on the wall and a little statue in the bathroom. Also the black dining table with a little silver tea/coffeepot set on it was just fabulous. The room I stayed in was big enough for me, with a good mattress, pillows and blankets. There were extra blankets available if I got cold, but the temperature was great, so I didn't needed them. You will not be disturbed in your sleep because the room is located at a quiet side with no traffic passing by. There is the possibility to have a small breakfast served by Alfonso to start your day. I enjoyed that little extra thing.
With a supermarket across the street, the impressive Reina Sofia museum and beautiful Retiro park in walking distance and even a event location/club nearby, I had everything I wanted and needed for my short stay. Also, with Atocha station nearby, you can easily travel by public transport, but for my stay I walked to all the places I wanted to go. For instance, I walked in approximate 20 min. to the Lavapiés neighbourhood from Retiro park. I used the airport express bus to travel from the airport to Atocha station and back, a trip of +/- 35 to 40 minutes one way for 5 euro. From Atocha station to the apartment is about a 10 min. walk.
I really recommend Alfonso as a host to book for your stay in Madrid, you will not be dissappointed. If only it was to have (a breakfast, lunch or dinner with) churros and chocolate down the street, as I forgot to do! :-)