El Encanto de Malasaña

Centrally located, clean.

Be aware that, in addition to your reservation, a €85 cleaning fee and a €150 damage deposit are required. You will not be allowed to check in without paying these fees. The reservation is non-refundable, and changing dates is not permitted. Once you arrive, you will have to endure the consequences. Before your stay, you must complete an online application that resembles a job interview. A selfie of all occupants is also mandatory. You are required to sign a contract that only protects the group called Holplace. When I inquired about the inspection of the apartment upon check-in and check-out—given the mandatory damage fee—I was informed that their maintenance team checks the condition before and after your stay, but they do not do this in your presence. You pick up the keys from their office, which is located 15 minutes away from the apartment. If you have heavy luggage, as I did, you'll need to take a taxi twice. After collecting the keys, they emphasize that smoking is not allowed in the apartment. However, I found this curious, as the bathroom had a mix of odors including cigarettes, mold, and sewer smells. I expected this smell to dissipate, but the smoky scent lingered on the curtains. A significant health concern was the mold in the bathroom ceiling. Initially, it appeared freshly painted, but they had clearly covered the mold with a quick touch-up. I recognized it as mold right away and attempted to contact Booking.com but was unsuccessful. I am allergic to mold and felt unwell during my seven-day, six-night stay. By the third day, the mold worsened due to the humidity. The apartment lacks an exhaust fan and windows, which contributes to persistent dampness. The shower is also exceptionally uncomfortable. The towels we were provided resembled two rags for mopping floors—worn and old—and we received only two towels for two adults over a seven-day stay. No extra garbage bags were supplied.

Quietness and location

Location