Juan is a fantastic host. From the moment my friend and I arrived at his apartment, Juan went out of his way to make us feel at home. First, he greeted us with cold water; cava; chocolate; and a hand written note. When we had settled in, he gave us a detailed orientation to the city, marking his recommendations and favorite spots on a map to take with us. Throughout our stay, Juan was incredibly helpful and accessible. He arranged a special lunch for us at a neighborhood restaurant; helped us make advance reservations for La Sagrada Familia (saving us from standing in line for hours); and personally drove us to the airport at 5:00 on a Saturday morning.

On our last day in Barcelona, Juan spent the afternoon and evening with us. He rented a car and drove us to Montjuïc, shuttling us from spot to spot so that we could see the entire hill. After dropping off the car together, Juan gave us a walking tour of one of his favorite neighborhoods in Barcelona that ended at the beach. After swimming and walking along the coast, we returned to the apartment for cava on the terrace before going out for dinner and drinks. Needless to say, this night was one of the highlights of our trip.

Juan is a wonderful host and a gracious guide. His apartment is clean, orderly, and comfortable; and Juan himself is kind and resourceful. If you want to stay in Barcelona, you can’t find a better place!