We got off the airport bus at Plaza Espagna and within 10 minutes we were at the entrance of the apartment block. Well...when we first turned up we thought "what have we done?" It didn't look at all like what we have experienced in many years of travel. The public space isn't glamorous.
But, open the door to the apartment and you are pleasantly surprised! The AirBnB pics make it look like a narrow space. It isn't. Totally comfortable for two. A nice space to eat, a comfortable space to lounge and watch TV (yes English stations), a nice, modern, functional kitchen, a small but perfectly usable bathroom with modern fittings, (and good hot water!), an adequately sized bedroom leading to a cute little balcony where you can have a glass of wine (and hang out the laundry). Oh, the washing machine is in a clever little niche out there!
Now- the little things: it's clean and nicely prepared. The owners have put the guests first. We were here for 5 days... Shampoo and soap provided, two portions of washing machine detergent, little breakfast cakes for each day and coffee capsules for the nespresso machine for 5 days.
Simple, clear instructions for recycling. Even a shopping bag. As Francisco said, "we hope that you will need nothing more to stay".
Yes, plenty of small basic supermarkets within a two minute walk, and there is an excellent market (St Antoni) only 10 minutes away, with a large Lidl supermarket on site.
Plus an excellent bakery two shops down from your entrance!
Lots of cafes, bars and restaurants for those who want them.
The Poble Sec Metrobus two minutes away and the more central Plaza Espagna metro is 10 minutes. It's a quiet neighbourhood abutting the leafy hilly area containing the fortress, art gallery, foundation Joan Miro, numerous gardens, the funicular...All with stunning views of the port and city.
The host: Francisco is a nice person. He explained the various functions of the apartment clearly, helped us out when the entrance door was not functioning correctly and was available to help.
Would we recommend it? Yes, if we put aside initial impressions.
And, given the crazy prices being charged in Barcelona, it's fair value.