Travelled to Spain with two friends and we had a wonderful time staying in Heleen and Rodrigo's appartment.
Heleen met us at the appartment about 11pm as we had a late flight. She then showed us around; two double beds and large kitchen/dining room; sweet little balcony looking over the street and a bathroom.
The area is similar to perhaps Brixton in London in that my guide book c.2008 didn't speak highly of the area, but it has completely started to transform with a great road of tapas bars which are MUCH cheaper and tastier than things found on the Ramblas. Easy to catch the metro from Para-Lel or walking to the Gothic Quarter took about 20 minutes. All in all a fantastic weekend away, thank you Heleen and Rodrigo!