Tomas’s apartment is perfectly located above the Callao metro station, about 100 yards from the Gran Via. It is on the 4th floor but the elevators are quick and make entry and exit very easy.
The unit itself provides good space with the living room, small kitchen and bedroom with a full bed. The bathroom was dated with a typical fungus on the caulking but in good shape overall, good water pressure, and lots of towels were provided. The air conditioning units leaked a bit of water but no other real issues.
We unfortunately had significant issues checking in to the apartment. We were originally going to check in at 2:00pm but asked Tomas the day before if 1:00pm would be OK and he said it was fine. This is when he first told us that someone else, Victoria, would be handling our check-in, and that we should let her know 1-hour prior to arrival so she could meet us at the apartment. After Tomas confirmed the 1:00pm check-in, we confirmed a lunch date with a friend from Madrid.
After some delays leaving Segovia, we contacted Victoria with an hour’s notice as instructed and let her know we would be there by 1:30pm. She did not answer the phone after multiple calls and did not reply to our text message until 1:20pm, at which time she finally gave us notice via text message that she could not meet us until 2:00pm for check-in. (At this time, we already returned our rental car and was 5 minutes away from the apartment.)
Knowing that it was only a 30-minute difference, we waited outside of the apartment building with all of our luggage for the 2pm check-in. Unfortunately, Victoria never answered her telephone, and told us via text message she was having problems with the keys, that there would be a little delay. Then another 20-minute delay. She finally showed up at 3:05 to check us in.
We could understand (though slightly annoyed since we followed instructions) when the time was pushed to 2:00pm and patiently waited. If Victoria had been upfront and said that 3:00pm was realistic, we could have taken all of our luggage to lunch and met up with our friends. Since we thought we only had a 30-minute window we waited at the apartment as she gave us excuse after excuse and finally showed up after 3:00pm (with us waiting a full 90 minutes). At that point, our friends had to leave for an appointment and we missed the lunch completely.
We understand things happen – but the lack of proper communication, complete disregard to the check-in time, and then no apology from the host – was disappointing. If you choose to stay at this apartment, make sure you are flexible with your timing.