Malasaña is a frequent traveller's favourite. An ever-changing landscape of artisan cafes and local galleries, it's a perfect start to an off-the-beaten-path holiday. In the Flow is a typical Malasaña resident – relaxed and bohemian, with a mixture of high-quality furnishings and flea-market knick-knacks that add to its charm. It might not be a great home if you're particularly tall (due to the slanting ceilings), but it's big, bright, and comfortable.

Home truths:
* There are several steps leading to the elevator – those with limited mobility or heavy suitcases beware
* Aside from a TV with local channels, there aren't many entertainment options in this home
* When we visited, the electric hob was in need of some TLC
* The ceiling windows don't have any shutter or blinds – bring a sleep mask if you need absolute darkness