Tucked away in a typical Madrid townhouse in Chamberí, Grottino is a great base to explore the city. The streets surrounding this home are part of a neighbourhood that's just as opulent as Salamanca, yet closer to the old centre – which is great for a first-time visitor. Grottino might not be the brightest home in our collection, but a lot of care has been invested in designing the lighting in this small home, so that it resembles an urban chalet. We particularly liked the brick wall in the bathroom and the chic kitchenette.

Home truths:
* Even though the artificial light is well-executed, it's worth mentioning that there's no natural light in this home
* The TV is quite old and only equipped with local channels
* The kitchenette only has the bare basics – not ideal for avid cooks
* There is no air conditioning in this home
* There's also no dining area in this home