Hi, advice needed yet again!!!!!
I think I have found the perfect apartment but is in an area I can't find much info on. It is in Embajadores close to a casino. Would you guys suggest this is ok for a first visit?

Many thanks, Di x

Hi, Di Kitchy! Is this in Madrid? If not, where in Spain is this? Be sure include the city location in all your subject lines so we're sure to where you're referring. Thanks!

If referring to the Embajadores area of Madrid, I'm not familiar with any casino there, but there are a lot of betting shops around Madrid. These places don't constitute a bad area, though, like in other parts of the world. Embajadores area in Madrid isn't exactly central, though. It's very residential and a good walk to the old city center, but it's okay, sure.

If you want, send me the exact address via Private Message and I'll give you my thoughts. I was just in this area of Madrid yesterday, but have been several times before, too.

Saludos, MadridMan

Thanks MadridMan but sadly when I contacted the apartment owner it is full It was Latino Rastro off Calle de Rodas. It suited perfectly too!! Getting bit subdued with the selection process now to be honest.
Di

tough luck but planning is part of travel, cant do one without the other. I am sure you will find your place.
try apartamentos goya 75
cheers

Thanks, have looked there and it is very promising. I think my problem is that I now know my way around Barcelona so well I've forgotten the pleasure of checking out a new city! But I will carry on and look forward to all the wonderful food, drink and local culture!!!

Just to keep the info here accurate. Sorry about the booking BUT I would like to offer my insight of Embajadores.
This neighborhood is just south of Lavapies with easy access to the center. Not even a mile away.
My family lives in the neighborhood and my husband grew up there. It has many parks, is very close to Atocha and if you walk home from the center, it's all down hill. The buses will get you anywhere quickly and the metro too.
The ambiente of the the 'hood is great! Many Spaniards with an increasing diversity from other countries. This is truly a Madrileno neighborhood and very close (walkable) to the city center.

There was/is a Bingo casino on A/ Ferrocarril which is near the cercanias Delicias stop. I don't know if it is still there or if it was converted into an Evangalical church.

Hi laduque,
thanks very much for that information. The more I look the more confused I'm getting and where we want to stay changes by the hour! At the minute we like the look of the Zeffrelli apartment close to Jardines de Sabatini but guess that may change!

I would stay central around La Latina, Opera or the Huertas area. If you have been to Barcelona many times and have never been to Madrid, I would suggest these areas as they are not only central, but also very pretty and full of charm as well.
Remember, Madrid is a different city than Barcelona. I hope you enjoy Madrid as much as we on this board love it.
We all love to give our opinions on this great city, so keep your questions coming.

Let us know where you booked?

more central and more old La Latina, if you want access ok with metro and away from the crowds then around plaza de Castilla.
if you want working class and all typical spaniards then my old neighborhood of Quintana, line 5 of metro.
chao

Hi, found an apartment, Zeffirelli but am not sure which barrio it's in and which agent I should book with. Would prefer to go direct to owner but not sure if that's possible. I just want to get this out of the way so that I can get on with the exciting itinery stuff!!
Thanks in advance
Di x

Apartment owners have agents largely because they don't want the hassle of dealing directly with the public. Plus, they don't have the resources to find renters themselves as the agent does.

I couldn't find an actual website for the "Zeffirelli Apartments", but did find it to be on calle de Torija, 6 in Madrid. This is a very good area, mostly residential, but also very very close to the old center. Actually, it's part of the old center, but I mean it's away from the tourist center. It's close to the Senate building, Café de Chinitas flamenco tablao (my vote!), to OPERA and the Royal Palace. Good location, indeed, and in a nice, old building. You'll love it.

In some photos I see that it does seem to have an "outdoor" terrace/patio with a table and chairs, but I'm guessing it's part of the interior patio, essentially the air-shaft on/near the ground floor so don't expect much sunlight.

Saludos, MadridMan

Thanks for the reply. It's very reassuring to have your opinion. I shall book now. Not too worried about the terrace getting sun, it's just nice to sit out and eat/drink sometimes.
I had looked at the Cafe de Chinitas which looks very exciting but couldn't find a price but with the closeness of the apartment it would seem silly not to try it one evening.
Thank yo again
Di x

As a follow-up, you may not only not have sun, but you may also only have views of the walls of the buildings facing this central air-shaft for 3 floors up - but you may well see the sky way above you.

Café de Chinitas charges roughly 35 Euros per person for the show which includes one drink.

Saludos, MadridMan

Oh now that's put the doubts in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry about that. I'm talking about THIS image below. Have you seen this image? Doesn't it look like an enclosed patio, mostly walled-in? If this is part of the central patio of the building, you'd have 4-walls surrounding this patio 3-floor high.

Oh dear...now I don't know what to do. Almost considering going back to the Wilson in Barcelona........

But were you considering this place MAINLY because it had a "outdoor patio"?

Saludos, MadridMan

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you can contact the El Corte Ingles ,and they can find you an apartment to your liking, they even have English speaking staff
http://www.viajeselcorteingles.es/viajes...od_comunidad=10

all their agencies in Madrid. I must admit to MM likings that I am a customer there since 1972!

Be great if they had an English web page but thank you for this
Di

hahaha welcome to Spain.
you can email at Princesa 56 near plaza de Espanha, they will find someone who can communicate in English

princesa2@viajeseci.es

Is where my family books their travels. Hope it helps
Cheers

Thanks for all your help and advice

Di