Barcelona holiday apartment

On arrival, we wondered if we had made a big mistake asking for the top-floor flat. As with many of Barcelona's old apartment blocks, there's no lift and a lot of stairs to climb.

However, once you're up there, you've got the easiest skip up to the fantastic roof terrace to eat breakfast in the morning or sunbathe. Plus, if you're going to eat loads of Catalan three-course menú del dias like we did, it's a great way to burn off a few calories and you soon get used to the climb.

And, of course, more than anything else, to be able to open two sets of French windows and sit glugging a glass or two of vino tinto whilst gazing in awe and wonderment at Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, well, as they say in Spain, "vale la pena" (it's worth the pain).

Interior-wise, the flat is IKEA-equipped and modern, but it still manages to retain its original charm and we really felt at home here. It's a lovely, sunny flat too... perhaps not quite as big as it looks on the photos (the usual wide-angle lens scenario), but fab nonetheless.

Artur describes the area as quiet. Let me clarify that for you. There is no such thing as quiet in central Barcelona; there are just varying degrees of construction, scooter and bin-lorry noise. If you want a quiet holiday, this city is definitely not for you. What Artur means is that, relatively speaking, there is less racket here than you get living near Las Ramblas.

You couldn't ask for a better spot in terms of amenities, though. Everything's practically on your doorstep... cheap, reliable public transport, cashpoints, the fresh food market and so on.

And if you need to know where anything is, Artur and Joana live across the landing. They are lovely and friendly and will make you feel very welcome indeed. Enjoy!

We stayed here for 5 days in May and thoroughly enjoyed the Barcelona experience. With an 18 month old and one on the way we were a little hesitant in booking a busy city break however Barcelona is welcoming, fairly kid friendly (don't expect a wealth of baby changing facilities or highchairs in restaurants) and full of exciting sights and quiet spaces to relax with the family.
The apartment was clean, fully equipt and well presented with absolutely stunning uninterrupted views of the Sagrada Familia. It also backed on to a little children's park with swings, rockers and a slide which was an unexpected bonus. The entrance hall was in need of a little maintainace and prone to a funny smell (cat wee??) however this was not a major drawback - a big consideration in staying here with children is the fact there is not a lift to access the apartment so you will be climbing alot of stairs even if staying on one of the lower floors. The roof terrace on the 5th floor is a tough climb but well worth it for the views of Barcelona and for soaking up a few rays.
The apartment owners are very accomodation without being intrusive and provide lots of infomation and literature to assist your stay. Unfortunately the gas was being fixed the day we arrived so we did not have any hot water for a shower, we were however compensated by the owner who provided us with a free full Catalonian breakfast on the roof terrace the next morning, so we were all well fed, if a bit smelly!
The Eixample is a good location in that it feels safe and is quieter than other parts of the city, you are with 20mins walk of most sights and very near to metro stations, which despite the guide books warnings we found fairly painless to negotiate with a buggy ( be prepared for a bit of humping up stairs at some stations though).
All in all, the apartment was good value, well located for shops and food markets and we would use the apartment again for another visit to Barcelona although we would probably have an adult break next time.

We thoroughly enjoyed our re-visit to this beautiful city. We were able to show her off to our son and his new wife (as they were on their honeymoon) and a dear friend. Artur & Joanna were very attentive & accomodating.Their English was excellent and they were gracious served a luncheon of the local tapa's and wine that we loved.
The apartment was exeptionally CLEAN and well appointed.The free wi-fi was very helpful as international cell charges are expensive. We struggled with the stairs to our 4th floor apartment but the VIEW was certainly worth it! The restaurants Artur recommended were fabulous and everything was either nearby or convenient to all public transportation. We loved it! We hope to return to this beautiful beautiful city again and again. This one never comes off the "Bucket List"