Location, location, location. After beginning in El Born/Gothic Quarter, we stayed at Maria's place during the second half of our trip to Barcelona, when we wanted to be closer to the Gaudi attractions in Eixample and Gracia and spend some time taking in the more local vibe of Gracia. We're so glad we did! Maria's apartment is on a pretty quiet residential block, but is just a few blocks away from the main shopping strip of Passeig de Gracia and a very central metro stop where you can catch short train rides to Las Ramblas/Gothic Quarter and to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Also within comfortable walking distances (20-30 mins or much less in some cases) are Casa Batllo and Casa Pedrera, and perhaps most importantly, several of the less hectic and less touristy neighborhood plazas Gracia is known for, where you can just sit and people watch with a nice glass of wine or coffee. As for the apartment itself, it is simply but stylishly decorated and well-appointed for a comfortable visit, including coffee maker, standard kitchen equipment, hair dryer, plenty of towels and blankets/pillows, washer/dryer, TV, a code-operated safe. The apartment is on the top floor and the terrace is a great perk to spend some time out in the fresh air relaxing between your trips out and looking out at some of the neighboring rooftops, but don't expect breathtaking views of the city or anything as it is only 4 floors up. María was very prompt in her communications and was even kind enough to offer to let us check-in about an hour early, which comes in very handy when there's about a 3 hour gap between checking out at one place and being able to check in to the next one. All in all, if you don't feel the need to stay in the midst of where all the main Barcelona sightseeing takes place down by the water neighborhoods of El Born/Barceloneta/Gothic Quarter, or would just like to make sure you work in some more time in the very charming residential area of Gracia, you can't go wrong staying at Maria's.