Madrid- Airbnb or hotel?

[Polkadottydot]

I've found a couple of Airbnb places which look ok but getting nervous in case they aren't nice. One is in La Latina. Sounds nice. There was an amazing looking one but not as central but is that better ? Argh. I'm decision frozen today

With air bnb I find the reviews to be really helpful, they normally comment on the location and whether it was convenient etc

I've found one with a decent ish review. I'm just torn on if further afield for nicer place is better

I get like this all the time too, I have to think about what the itinerary (or lack of) looks like and decide how much time we plan to spend in the accommodation vs out exploring.

For example if it's somewhere warm, and we have a pool or hot tub then we'd sacrifice some time sight seeing for time relaxing.

Check if the bnb has public transport nearby or if things are walkable. Do you plan to do late evenings in the city (dinner drinks dancing etc). If so would taxis be reasonable if you have to travel.

Hotel. Ive heard so many horror stories with air bnb cancelling ladt minute or charging unfair cleaning costs

IVe just come back from an Airbnb in La Latina. 😁 The last review wasn't positive so I took a gamble because overall it looked like what I wanted... We loved it. The place was a bit dark (I'm guessing windows only mean more heat can come in) but very cool (in the literal sense) and the area was great; it was quiet where we were but the area around was full of life and soul.

I picked the La Latina one because it had an outdoor space. In reality, of course, the patio was boiling hot, and at those times when it was merely hot, we wanted to be out and bout, not home, so we never did use it.

It also gives me a lot of anxiety to pick places to stay... And when I first get in I'm usually disappointed and depressed until the next day... Real first world problem, though, I know. I do think that being near the centre is best; it's a drag to spend 45 minutes to an hour 1/2 going in and out of town. I felt Madrid is quite compact, and popping in and out of the flat was very convenient.

We go to Madird a couple of times a year. Always airbnb

Best place we stayed was Lavapies, the middle classes in the suburbs would be horrified to consider that, but we love it there.

We've also stayed in La Latina, also near the football stadium, also just off Sol, lots of places

I dont mind being out of town a little, the buses are brilliant and I check the local streets on street view before I book. We didnt mind the travel but yes being central certainly is advantageous if its hot and you dont want to travel

This so helpful thank you. I'm paralysed by indecision. In reality we'll be home by around 10pm each night with a lot of sightseeing in the day with teens.
I'd like the chance to just sit and be and drink an excellent red wine of an evening so I think Airbnb offers that. Would love a recommendation if anyone wants to PM me? Thank you again.

I think if you're not up all hours trawling the bars then you dont need or want to be in Lavapies, believe me!
I would be guided by price in your case and size of property, you want somewhere with a comfortable sofa and living area to relax in the evenings by the sounds of it.
You know that you go out for a meal at about 9 dont you? Or are you planning to cook/snack each night indoors?
Theres one thing the Spanish do badly and that is having comfortable sofas. I have never known such uncomfortable sofas. So you have to peruse each place carefully for furnishings!

I would think for you, you want to be Atocha, Salamanca, Chueca, a little way out, but still walkable and easily traveling to sites.Thats if you want it a little quieter. We liked Cuatro Caminos too but needs a bus/metro.

You cant go wrong OP to be honest.

I've reserved one in La Latina but we can cancel for free if it doesn't look right. Just wanted something booked

We stayed here - best of both worlds.
www.jardinesdesabatini.com/en/

Perfect location, kitchenette, fab breakfast, rooftop bar, balcony

La Latina is a great place to stay. When have you booked for?

You'll be fine OP, enjoy it.

Christ the cheapest for the second week in September, is just for a studio with a tiny kitchentte thing is nearly 1400 quid!!!!

You can find an airbnb with a living room, proper kitchen etc for half that price, particularly as OP is travelling with teens, they need their own room.

Have you looked on booking.com?