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Review 1333: Spain Select, Plaza Mayor

Recommended. Review by Jake01 from UK

1bed/1bath apartment in Plaza Mayor, Madrid

When

January 2005, 1 week

Location

This apartment is actually part of the Plaza Mayor. As we'd never visited Madrid before, this location couldn't be better. We were right in the middle of the busy historic centre of the city. All the most famous attractions were within walking distance, and we were able to get a real feel for character of Madrid.

Nearby Amenities

Right beside the Plaza Mayor is a wonderful old market called San Miguel, with butchers, fishmongers and grocers, so shopping for food couldn't have been easier. Also there are plenty of convenience stores in the area. Having said that, there was a strong temptation to eat out at every hour of the day. The historic centre of Madrid is full of restaurants, bars and cafes. Close to the Plaza Mayor is a narrow street called Cava Baja where has a fantastic collection of restaurants of all types.

The House/Apartment

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid's most famous landmarks, and being able to stay in such a place was a real luxury. There were three balconies looking out over the square. As a historic building, there are some "quirks" that some might find inconvenient, but for me only added to the charm.

The apartment is on the first floor (no lift), just above one of the square's main arches. It was bright, spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with lots of attention to detail. Being the Plaza Mayor, this is a busy area. Nonetheless, the layout of the apartment is such that we didn't consider it any way noisy. A dressing area separates the large bedroom from the square below. The bars and cafes are obliged to close at a reasonable hour.

Note from SlowTrav It cannot be determined if this is the same apartment as the later review we have for Plaza Mayor from Spain Select, as this is a one bedroom and the other is two bedroom. It is possible apartment names have changed since this review was submitted.

Garden

No garden.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The apartment was spotlessly clean and comfortable. In keeping with the style and location, there are period pieces of furniture which, for me, added to the experience. With 2 bathrooms, two sofas in the living room and six chairs in the dining area, there was more than enough room for 4 people.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The apartment has one large master bedroom with an en suite bathroom. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom (with a bath) was tastefully decorated. In the entrance hall there is an additional sofa-bed for two people to sleep. (We didn't try this out so can't comment on it.) There was another bathroom with a shower.

Kitchen

The kitchen is on two levels, which some might find inconvenient. (I found it charming!) Nonetheless, there was everything we needed - fridge with freezer, microwave, oven and hob (2 rings). There was also a washing machine and dryer.

Problems or Bonuses

It's difficult to stress enough the surprise at finding ourselves actually "in" the Plaza Mayor rather than "near" or "next to", even though we were well-advised. Some visitors, I suppose, will be more sensitive than others the background noise. Others (like me) won't believe their good luck in being able to stay in such a building.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

When booking, Spain Select were very careful to explain all the pros and cons of the apartment, to make sure it was right for us. We were greeted by Sandra who spoke good English and was very helpful. The price for the week (January) was 980 Euros.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

This apartment would probably not suit someone with mobility problems, but for anyone else, I'd would wholeheartedly recommend this apartment, and would love to stay there again.

Things to do in this area

There was plenty to do and see in the area. We were right in the middle of "Austrian Madrid", within easy walking distance of the Palace. The museums - The Prado, Reina Sofia an Thyssen Borneo were a bit over 10 minutes walk away. Right beside the Plaza Mayor is Casa Botin, famed as being the oldest restaurant in the world, having been operating as a restaurant non-stop since early 1700s. Their speciality is roast sucking pig. A visit is well worthwhile, but requires booking ahead.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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