Firstly, all the good points.
This economically priced flat, 35 Carrer de Blesa is very good. It could comfortably sleep four adults and a couple of small children but over that the living area would be a bit cramped. It has all the basics needed, with kettle, microwave oven, electric hob, toaster etc.
Although on the first floor of a typical old Spanish block of about 20 flats, this one has been modernised throughout. There are lovely original shutters and windows onto a small balcony overlooking the street. There is a small, Asian run, general shop opposite, open from 8.30 am until 11.00pm every day, with very friendly English speaking staff. They have several deliveries of warm fresh baked French sticks throughout the day too. If you need more, there is a Lidl’s about a seven minute walk away.
There is a pedestrianised road opposite which has numerous pinchos bars, restaurants, small shops, chemists etc, so nearly everything needed is on the doorstep. Added to this the wonderful Montjuïc hilly park garden can be accessed from the top of Carrer de Blesa, about 200 yards away.
The flat was really clean on arrival and we were able to check in earlier than the usual time, which was a great help. Matías arrived and quickly explained keys WiFi etc he also later checked in with us on WhatsApp and arranged for a taxi to pick us up for our return to the airport. He was very friendly, with excellent English.
Now the not so good.
Although very modern with good equipment like a large fridge freezer, microwave etc the flat is beginning to need a little attention here and there. The main table top is getting marked and some of the backs to the chairs are moving where big people have leant back against them. The cupboard doors could do with a bit of paint.
There is a new looking washing machine with built in tumble drier on the rear internal balcony so it was a bit surprising to find the nice cotton sheets and pillowcases had obviously been washed, tumble dried and then put back on the beds full of creases. Luckily there is a good iron and ironing board.
The bathroom is very small. Very modern and clean with a good shower and tiny rectangular washbasin. It was fine for us as we are both slim people but if you have an XL build it could be a problem.
The only drawback for us was the noise at night. A rear flat adjacent to the bedrooms seemed to be clattering pots and pans and cooking with their rear door open still at 11.00pm. There was drilling going on until 10.00 pm in the Asian Restaurant being established next door and the background noise of the lift being used throughout most of the night was disturbing to us. However, if you are people who are out until the early hours, like the Spanish, it will be fine.
And now if you can bear to read more ....a general summary.
I have visited Barcelona many times, beginning when Franco was still in charge but have never felt able to visit Montjuïc castle with its sad history. This trip was specifically to visit this part of Barcelona, Montjuïc Park. This flat was perfect for that being so close to a hill walk up to Miramar etc. Although it is a part of the city with many different cultures living together, Asian, Chinese, etc I never felt concerned for our safety when walking around here ( as somebody else had in a review) although being older, we were not out very late at night. We found everybody very friendly. I am always amazed at how many city dwellers in flats have dogs, so look out for unwanted ‘ parcels’ on the pavements here and there and expect a lot of barking.
If you are fit you can easily walk to the Ramblas , Plaça España etc but also a metro stop is just five minutes down the road, where a number of buses run too.
So, in my opinion, a very reasonable, comfortable flat, in a genuine Barcelona location, with very helpful hosts in Xavier and Matías and I would happily return to it in the future.