Staying at this apartment was a terrific experience and we highly recommend it for discerning guests looking to stay close to the center of Madrid in a very comfortable, spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated apartment at a reasonable cost.

As a host, Gemma is perfect -- responsive, helpful, well informed, a delightful service-oriented personality, and generously accommodating. As an example, the kitchen was stocked with coffee, tea, milk and various pastries and goodies from local suppliers. A pastry with a candle for my birthday greeted us on arrival. Being foodies looking to indulge in Madrid's wonderful culinary offerings, Gemma was full of excellent suggestions on food markets, the best places to eat, and shopping. (Our best dining experience recommended by Gemma was at Triciclo, only a few minutes' walk from home). Apparently, the Michelin Guide likes it too!

Gemma's sensitivity to her guests' needs and her attention to detail were evidenced in the welcome booklet she prepared. This is packed with useful information -- from how to operate the state of the art kitchen appliances, to ordering taxis, restaurant recommendations and everything you could possible want.

The apartment felt like it was our home for 4 days. Our bed was most comfortable. Linens, towels and other furnishings were tastefully selected. The decor is contemporary elegance personified. Water pressure and temperature is perfect. Everything you need is there -- cable tv, flatscreen monitor, AC, Bose sound deck with CD, tuner, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. We didn't miss a thing. The kitchen is as described and fully equipped for light as well as elaborate cooking.

The location is charming. We didn't want to stay in an area like la-di-da Salamanca with it's rarified atmosphere and designer shops, but rather a safe, attractive, established, central neighborhood with food markets, tapas bars, restaurants, local theaters and small businesses where young professionals live. Barrio Las Letras was just perfect in all of these respects (Cervantes used to live there). The apartment is on the first floor of a (relatively) quiet hillside street on on which there are no bars but just audiences that gather for and leave a small theatre 100 or so meters away.

Of all of the apartments we've rented, this was by far the most satisfying experience. We'd return in a heartbeat and wholeheartedly recommend it to discerning travelers who appreciate quality and service.