Combining the cosy comforts of a home with all the amenities of a hotel, this sleek apartment is a delightful escape. The kitchen is modern and bright, with a huge island that makes cooking a dream. After a busy afternoon exploring, we loved planting ourselves on the barstools, sipping sangria and nibbling on tapas. In the living room, a glossy wood floor and wicker accents add touches of warmth, while the French doors open onto a small Juliet balcony that overlooks leafy Calle del Almirante. The bedroom has a second Juliet balcony – this one looks onto the communal courtyard – as well as a sumptuous bed and en-suite bathroom. Underfloor heating and lush rainfall showers round out the amenities, and with daily cleaning included, you'll always come home to a sparkling flat. We also loved the location – it's a residential neighbourhood bursting with Madrid character, upscale restaurants, chic bars and independent shops. For a night on the town, buzzing Chueca is a five-minute walk and has a charming array of sidewalk cafes, trendy eateries and lively nightlife. Five minutes in the other direction is Recoletos Station, so zipping around the rest of Madrid is a breeze.

Read more