Andres made me feel welcome from the very first email. He responded promptly, inquiring how and when I would arrive and offering to pick me up at (and take me back to) the train station -- which he did.

The apartment was immaculate and my room was spacious and airy. Andres offered me maps of Valencia and showed me the routes to the Old City, the City of Arts and the beach by bus and by foot. His English is quite good. And he was generous and patient as I tried out my Spanish.

His attention to details is inspiring... a private bath mat for each guest, serving breakfast (which he provides) to meet my schedule, and even offering bath salts when I mentioned using the jacuzzi tub.

Andres also provided insider details, like ... the food market in the center of the city is closed on Sundays and it is impossible to get freshly-made paella for one, only a portion from an already-made batch. (So when a friend of a friend living in Valencia offered to meet me for a meal, I knew exactly what to order!)

Andres' apartment is outside of the old city walls...perhaps a 30 minute stroll? (I didn't time it.) I rented a bike in the old city for 7 euros a day. It was a wonderful way to get around, day and night. And while it came with a lock, Andres offered to let me keep it on his balcony.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Andres. His apartment is a comfortable and elegant home away from home.