Rick Steve's books are all wonderful in my opinion, but this one I especially appreciate, as my little sister has lived in Madrid for about 9 years, & I visit whenever I can. I think Steves hits the nail on head with his focus on how much of your time to spend where, although since I've been able to stay with my sister & her guy, I don't have to be concerned with hotels or hostels. I also have more time to spend, & so go slower than a tour or fast trip would. I do think his picks for where to focus a limited amount of time are on track, however, & his section on Madrid & surrounding day trips, which I am most familiar with, are straight up. I love reading his books, they go down like stories, very easy to read, & you're taking in information without even realizing it.
His description of Madrid's night life is real & surreal & the truth, it is completly strange to be out on the streets & sidewalks at 11:00 PM seeing the crowds of people, not all partier's, but whole families, just strolling. It feels safe, in fact the only real crime to concern yourself with is the one Steves stress's, which is pick-pocketing. I've been fortunate although dumb on occasion, hasn't happened to me, although it did to my sister her first year or two there. Her experiences helped me learn what not to do. You never feel weird like you do in large American cities as woman alone out late.
The public transportation is also excellent as Steves states, the bus's are a bit more complicated, but you really can easily get around as a newcomer on the subways, without speaking spanish, the signs & free maps are clear, & the 10 punch cards are a bargain, exactly as he says.
I've read other of Steves books about places I haven't been, & wouldn't hesitate to place myself in his hands.