Hola

The location seems fine. And the apartment looks pretty funky. Looking at the photos I'm concerned that there appears to be no outside view. The window in the lounge/kitchen looks onto...? I had a look on Google satellite - is it that square building with an inside courtyard? Maybe I'm over analysing but I would prefer accommodation with outside facing windows. Check too if the apartment is on an upper floor that there is a lift. Also I can't find any mention of heating (or air conditioning when hot).

First of all,the apartment is not " in front of the Prado"!
It is closer to Atocha.It maybe in the barrio Huertas but I consider it to be on the wrong side of Calle Huertas-more rough/working class neighborhood.As mentioned the add does not mention what floor it's on-could be European 3rd/American 4rth and no elevator.Those stairs get old really soon.The fact that there are no windows except the small one in the photo suggests it's interior which makes it gloomy especially in winter.No shops around there,just a tiny food store and a seedy bar.
To get to the mueums,no problem 5-10 minutes but toget to the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace etc you will be trekking up hill for about 15-20 minutes.
I would look closer to the Plaza Mayor because at least ther ewill be some feeling of Christmas in that area.
Take a look at theses sites I use:
homelidays.com
and niumba.com

The apartment is in Las Letras, apparently near the Caixa Forum. Not the best neighborhood, but not that bad. If you want something nice, you might want to check out Spain Select (www.spain-select.com).

What do you think about this apt? Location?
http://www.flipkey.com/madrid-condo-rentals/p356808/?utm_source=flipkey&utm_medium=email&utm_term=propertyname&utm_campaign=rbo_inquiry_confirm

south of Calle Atocha....not a good location
plus, the apt. Is pet friendly.
I would keep looking.

Hi

Have a look at these if it helps

http://www.apartinmadrid.com/en/accommodation/apartments/

http://www.caballerodegracia.com/

www.yourapartmentinmadrid.com

Once you start going through all these websites,the apts will start to look familiar! What these website do is list the apts for the owners for a comission-that's why the rates differ!
I suggested homelidays and niumba because you can communicate directly with the actual owners.

How about this one?
http://www.niumba.com/comunidad-de-madrid/madrid/apartamentos/madrid/346315

Much better area-more central but the description is confusing.It states it can accomodate 5 but only 1 bedroom w/double bed,single bed and sofa bed?
Then did you scroll down and see where they ask for 30 euros for cleaning,price quoted is for 2 people,extra person (s) 10 euros each, 30% as deposit but during Christmas the price is 15 to 25%% extra.
Way too much by the time you add up all those extra charges!
Be careful-I never rent places with all those additional charges!
How many of you will there be in this apt and what is the rentyou are looking at?
How many of yoou re traveling

We are 2 adults and 3 kids ages 15, 12 and 10. We wanted to spend 100 to 120 euros per night