Pinstripe

Located in lively Malasaña, an eighteen-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, this apartment is a chic choice for exploring the centre of Madrid. Its kerbside cafés, wine bars, and boutiques are sure to charm you. But as this home is just three minutes from the Noviciado metro stop on foot, it’s also a perfect base for discovering the entire city. Although recently renovated, details like the beams, traditional pine-wood flooring, and well-trodden but characterful wooden stairs, show signs of the buildings' 19th-century origins. When you start looking even more at the details, you realise that the interiors are truly considered – adorning the walls are numbered serigraphs of Spanish authors and Aimée Joaristi paintings. Contrasting rustic touches like the chunky dining table with the striking art deco lamp, the living space feels well composed and inviting. In the cosy bedrooms, the patterned walls are striking and give a real vibrant feel to the rooms, which harmonises perfectly with the views out to the serene courtyard below. We loved the little chocolates left for guests on the pillows, a truly sweet touch if we ever saw one.

Home truths:
*To reach the home on the second floor, you'll need to climb a total of fifty steps (and this original, wooden staircase is fairly worn)
*Although this home is in a bustling area, the double-glazed windows will keep things peaceful – you won't need to have them open thanks to the air conditioning
*Your host offers two sets of pillows of varying density, so you can choose the one that suits you best
*If you're bringing the family, your host can provide a cot and high chair upon request in advance
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host
*Paid parking is available both on and off the premises, but the nearest metro is a three-minute walk
*Guests are kindly asked to respect quiet hours after 11 pm