We had a fantastic stay in Magda's historic apartment. It was very spacious, every bit as big as the photo's made it look. There were 5 of us and we each had our own rooms, with 2 en-suites and a 3rd bathroom very close. The building was straight out of a film-noir set, it was historical, whimsical, authentic and romantic, from the wonderful entrance hall with a fabulous gated lift, through to the tiled expansive hall-way of the apartment which ran from front to back, providing a classic channel for light and fresh breeze throughout. Everything was ready and clean, with more than enough crisp bedding and towels for all. We used all 4 bedrooms and everything was fine and comfortable, a few loose-tiles on the floor here and there but this just added to the character and authenticity. We only used 2 of the showers, both were great, particularly the rear bathroom shower which was hot, fast and just what was required. The dinning area and balcony were great, the latter being out of direct sunlight but provided a great hangout for a glass or two and relaxed dining. The rear views are over cooled terracotta yards and house tops etc, so not stunning but realistic and interesting. The kitchen was fine with enough pots and pans for our 5-man party, dish-washer was great, hot water was always available via combi, toaster, kettle etc all fine. Being English, I would have loved a tea-pot (ha ha!) and a few more large mugs but plenty plates, crockery and cutlery etc, although if there had been 8 of us perhaps you would need slightly more. The top floor location was excellent with Juliet-balconies on the front 2 bedrooms with views onto the lively street below. We took ear-plugs but did not need them! The noise-level was not an issue.
Gracia was simply the best, very best, location in the City, in our opinion. If you want to be out of the tourist melee and located in the 'real' Barcelona, then look no further, it was fundamentally Catalunya - I would emigrate and live there in a flash! Its full of bars, shops, squares, tapas, restaurants, patisseries, fruit shops, butchers and small markets. All bustling, all walkable from the apartment and also walkable from down-town too, for the energetic. We usually walked into town and rode the easy to navigate metro system back to the local stop. Wifi worked a treat in the appt., and Laura was very responsive to any questions or issues we had.
I would not hesitate to recommend Magda's apartment and we genuinely look forward to returning - it was everything we wanted and more!