Copper Harlequin

What's not to love about this Madrid apartment? First, there's the bright living area with cosy seating, glossy wood floors (which are heated in the winter) and warm, bohemian accents. It's the perfect spot to kick back after a busy day exploring – just throw open the French doors for views of the bustling Calle del Almirante and let the breeze waft through the flat. We also adore the kitchen, made even better by a huge island where you can cook up a storm and socialise with a glass of wine. Add in the ultra-comfortable bedrooms, sleek bathrooms – complete with rainfall showers – and the daily cleaning, linen and towel changes, and this home is a winner. Also a big hit? The location, which has everything you'll need right on your doorstep. It's twenty minutes on foot to Palacio de Velázquez, fifteen minutes from designer shopping on Calle Serrano and just a short stroll or metro ride from downtown, but our favourite spot to visit is colourful Chueca, only a five-minute walk away. Filled with intimate sidewalk cafes, buzzing nightlife, world-class eateries and chic tapas bars, it's an excellent area to while away the evenings, getting a taste of local Spanish life.

Home truths:
*The third bedroom is separated from the living room with a curtain, so it's not very private
*All the beds can be split into singles on request
*The living area may feel a bit crowded with six guests
*Cutlery and crockery are limited, and the kitchen lacks basic cooking staples
*There are three steps leading to the elevator
*Heating is central in the building, not individual in each apartment, and is under the floor
*Only a few capsules are provided for the Nespresso machine – you can buy more from the hosts or bring your own
*Your hosts can arrange a cot, high chair and children's dinnerware on request
*The host has several near-identical homes in the same building, which means that the layout, floor level and design may vary