If you want to escape from the tourists after doing your sightseeing in Barcelona, this is a great neighbourhood. It's convenient, has all the small shops you need and the locals are friendly and helpful. We feel as if we had a genuine experience, which included the banging of pots last night throughout the neighbourhood as part of an ongoing campaign for local independence. The small restaurants are also significantly less expensive than in the downtown area. There is also easy access using one of two different metro lines. Sadly, we didn't meet Paul and Marta, but we were met by Bogdan, who was incredibly efficient and communicated with us up to the final minute when we got into our taxi to head for the station. The apartment is small, but very tastefully and conveniently furnished. The bed was also very comfortable. We can highly recommend it.