I lived in an apartment for three months at the intersection of Calle Jesús and Calle Huertas.
No problems.
We also used the Antón Martín metro a lot.
No problems.
In April, we stayed closer to Sol at
Hostal Adriano .
No problems.
I am curious why you want to avoid Sol or Gran Vía.
Now Lavapies I can understand.
Buena suerte