We never used AirB&B before and were very nervous about what to expect. Ariel, our host helped at every step with any kind of information we needed- transport from the airport, how to get to the apartment, he was even waiting outside for us when we got there. we were allowed to access the premises early in the morning on arrival. Location is perfect, two minutes walk from Placa d'Espanyia where you can get on the Metro and also jump on the bus. there are buses to many of Barcelona's touristic points of interest right outside the apartment as well. don't waste money on taxis when in Barcelona. Buses and Metro will get you everywhere and is quick as well as cheap.
Ariel's apartment was great. we never expected this but it worked out that we had our completely private side of the apartment: own bathroom, own dining room, own balcony, own bedroom... So it felt more of a hotel stay than staying in a typical AirB&B room in someone's home. We often left in the morning and came back early afternoon for an hour to rest our feet before going out again. Every day the beds were made for us, the bathroom cleaned so Ariel is doing everything he can for guest to feel like they would be in a quality hotel. he even hanged our towels on the balcony to dry. there was instant coffee making facilities in the dining room and the cups were cleaned by the time you came back. no kitchen facilities were available but we didn't needed, i wasn't going to cook while i was there... we brought take out dinner one evening as we were too tired to stop at a restaurant to eat and had a meal at some of the little restaurants just across the road from the apartment. it was fantastic to know you're just a few steps from your bed after a long day walking around Barcelona and after a fabulous paella :).
The apartment itself is great, clean, although is not the Ritz. But if you keep in mind this is actually someone's house, your expectations should be just right. just a little bit outdated in some aspects but very very clean. We were happy with our choice. I've tried getting a 4* hotel in Barcelona and in the same area, i would have paid at least 3 times the money for a room you just sleep in. for a fraction of that cost we got an apartment (less kitchen but i'm sure if asked, Ariel would let you use his).
You get bottled water in the bedroom every day, plenty of cupboard space, as i said coffee/tea making facilities in the dining room, sitting space on the balcony, what more do you need? I understand that the apartment we had benefits from a second bedroom, but we didn't need it, so door was shut all of the time. But it shows that it would suit a family.
the Magic Fountain is 5 minutes walk from the apartment and make sure you go there, both during the day and in the evening for the water/lights show. also not far from Ariel's place is Poble Espanyol. we walked there one day and enjoyed the experience very much.
Ariel is very happy to help out with information about the area, transportation and Barcelona in general and he's even providing you with a map of the city.
the apartment was very easy to find when coming from the airport, we were there in about 30 minutes from exiting the terminal. on departure, we had an early morning flight so had to be at the airport very early. we caught the public transport bus (47 I think) from just a few steps outside the apartment, so i'm very impressed with Barcelona public transport. buses start at about 5am in the morning.
if you were considering Ariel's place for your trip to Barcelona, don't hesitate, just book it. it is very good value for money and easy getting everywhere to see all the hot spots in Barcelona. and save your feet, take a bus, take the metro- this is the advice i would give myself and i am giving you. it took us a day or so to figure out how good the public transport is and in that time we actually nearly killed our feet (we're both in our 40s).
we had a great time and i'm sure you will too if you decide to stay at Ariel's.