This was my favorite AirBnB ever.
The apartment:
Bright, spacious upper story. Comfortable for the whole family and well stocked with two bathrooms, a washing machine, dishwasher and espresso machine (supply your own coffee). Lovely bedrooms and storage space, clean and functional kitchen, comfy beds. Decorated minimally, which was perfect for us traveling with small children. Small but fun and reliable elevator.
Two balconies with views stretching north and south.
The location:
Here, we got to live as close as we would to a real experience actually living in Barcelona. This area is a nice, normal neighborhood where you share the streets with friendly locals and not obnoxious tourists.
My family and I are serious walkers and we found this to be a convenient location to walk to see everything in the city. Near the lovely, playground-filled Passeig de Sant Joan, we could walk up to the hip Gracia neighborhood or down to the medieval streets of Born, or Parc de la Ciutadella and from there to the Barceloneta beach. There are multiple convenient metro stations for times you are in a rush or don't want to walk.
The neighborhood itself, L'Eixample Dreta, had exactly what we wanted--a real Barcelona experience. Alex gave us great tips on where to go grocery shopping, where to buy bread, and even a nearby little Catalan restaurant serving excellent home-style cooking to full tables of regular locals. (I loved this place so much I won't breath its name on the internet to protect its local character.)
This is the perfect home for a seasoned traveler looking to see an authentic, local Barcelona, a good step up from being close to tourists checking off their "must see" lists.
That having been said, if you stay here, go look at Sagrada Familia at night! It's close by and much more stunning after sunset, when the tourist shops have shut down and the beautiful stain glass windows are lit up.
The hosts:
Alex and Gemma were prompt and helpful, giving good recommendations and making sure we had all we needed. Also, the apartment was beautifully stocked with things we needed--like stain treater (for that errant drop of Rioja on my shirt) and dishwashing detergent.
We were able to feel very much at home.
If this is free during your trip--do yourself a favor! Book here!