This lovely apartment is exactly as it looks in the photos (bear in mind that as always the lens does make areas look slightly larger than actual size - but it was all still great). Amazing find, heavily recommended!
I was a little nervous about what we would find, but Antonio was a great host and gave us very useful information. Air conditioning worked perfectly, and because the apartment faces east we had lovely sunny breakfasts with more shade on the balcony in the afternoon but still sun at the front of it if wanted! Useful sea breeze. Comfortable bed - and sofa bed too says our daughter. Plenty of wardrobe space for all of us but in the bedroom of course. All cooking stuff you could want (no peeler, but good knives - oh, no scissors - would be useful for hand baggage only guests!). A great coffee 'pod' machine, with a few pods to start us off. Local supermarket 10 mins walk away sells the pods, including decaff, very reasonably. Mercado Cabanyal in same direction a few minutes further on, worth a visit (or two...). (ikea)Induction hob, we knew how to use it, but you could look it up... Very good wifi (broadband ? Newly installed as we arrived).
Great view, and lively night life especially at weekends - but effective blackout blinds, and the double glazed doors are very efficient.
Public transport very cheap and easy to use. Tram to link up with metro system 5 mins walk. On the direct line to the airport, with just the change to the tram through a barrier to other side of platform. We worked out the timetable...allow time for changing lines etc., some only every 20 mins. From the airport arrivals to Metro takes you past the Tourist Office stand - grab a map (not totally to scale...) etc! If like us you have only hand baggage, make a beeline for the Metro to avoid the queue. A 'bono metro' covers 10 (or so - airport takes €2 and centre/Colon to Marina €1.50) journeys (can be shared) €11 includes the fee for the card, which you can recharge. A ticket to just get you to the Marina from the airport is €4.50, includes the €1 for the card.
We also took a taxi, from outside Las Arenes hotel, less than 5 mins walk, to the outskirts for a paella. €6.60.
The apartment is on the top (3rd) floor, so no one above and great views. Very private. But 3 and a bit staircases,no lift. I felt much fitter by the end of our week! Both of us are well over 60 and I'm not very active, so just ok for me - if you have problems with stairs, think hard.
Mozzie plug ins and 'tablets' are provided, although we didn't need them really - but did keep windows shut from duskish...
Great walk in shower. Good bath towels. Everywhere very clean.
Thank you so much Antonio, hope to return!