We were absolutely thrilled with our host's immediate and thorough communication in very good English before and on our arrival in Barcelona. Xavi gave us accurate directions to the metro stop, met us there and carried our bags up to his apartment (narrow stairs but he carries bags up and back down). The apartment was as described : very quiet (with just a bit of morning street noise), with a private, comfy, sunny and quiet terrace. The place was very clean and modern, and the kitchen was stocked well with cooking basics, including wine and milk in the fridge. There are a few 'steps' or levels in the apartment and leading to the loft with no handrail, so we found that a bit tricky. The person using the loft said that it was hot with not too much airflow (an overhead fan would be useful for the summer up in the loft and in the apartment) and was maybe more suited to and a shorter person since the ceiling slopes and it was hard to stand up, and move freely to organize things. It could be tricky for a child as well due to no barrier or rail on stairs or from the loft down to the main bedroom over which the loft look (thus privacy is an issue). Xavi is putting in a handrail soon, he told me. The bathroom is also attached to this lower bedroom with cloth separators (no doors). However, Xavi went to great lengths before we arrived to provide some privacy between the bathroom and bedroom, and bathroom and hallway, which was the first indication of what a wonderful and attentive host he is. Xavi promised us a wonderful experience of his neighbourhood with easy walks to the Pedrera and Sagrada and short subway rides to the rest of town. Xavi's place is really near a variety of lively, fun squares, full of restaurants, terrasses with very few tourists. A large indoor market is not far and true Catalan culture abounds on the walking streets and squares full of people just chatting and enjoying themselves. Xavi even invited us to the small bar across the street, bought us Sangria as we watched Barcelona's football team play. We even saw Sunday afternoon Catalan dancing in the square as we stepped onto the street from the Metro stop. I fully recommend this apartment aside from the small issues indicated above. Compared to another place and host we encountered, Xavi and his apartment are exceptional with fully functioning WIFI. Gracias, Xavi!