Me, my partner and my 17-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoyed our five-day stay in Madrid.
The apartment was super – it really is as good as it looks in the pictures. The balcony – and the very good air conditioning – were a great bonus in the July heat.
The apartment was as clean as could be when we arrived and we appreciated that Carlos was there to meet us at gone 10pm on a midweek night. We also appreciated being allowed to leave our bags in the apartment as we had a late night return flight.
We used a taxi from the airport to the apartment and for the return journey, and the cost was a flat 30 Euros. Travelling by public transport would be easy enough though with Sol the nearest station.
My daughter likes art and football so we visited the Bernabeau football stadium - suggest booking online to avoid queues – if you are interested, some of the big museums – all within walking distance – and three photography exhibitions that were running.
We also sheltered from the heat for a couple of hours in the Retiro park and visited the Rastro market on Sunday morning, which was fun, and the Royal palace.
My partner wanted to see a flamenco show but when we asked in the bar a few paces from the apartment were told it was 39 euros each, which I jibbed at paying for an hour's entertainment.
One of the bars almost next door to the apartment seemed popular locals and served good meals at a fair price – much better than two other evening meals, which were poor quality and more expensive.
We also took a day trip to Toledo by train - 22 euros return ticket, I think – which was enjoyable.