Homes in Madrid often strike a careful balance between playful colours and minimalist features, and Pumpkin Flower is a great example of Madrileño chic. The natural light is great and the neighbourhood you'll be staying in, Lavapiès, is one of the hottest places to stay if you're into world cuisine and urban art. While the insides of this home are immaculate, the building itself could do with a fresh lick of paint, especially the hallway. If this isn't too much of a turn-off for you, Pumpkin Flower is a true find. Home truths: * At present, the host only provides one pillow per person * The door lock is quite old and tricky – our home critic needed quite some time to figure it out * There's room for seven, but the last guest would need to sleep on the sofa bed * There are several steps leading to the elevator – those with limited mobility or heavy suitcases beware * The only parking in the area is public, and therefore payable *