We were warmly welcomed by Ester, and enjoyed our stay at Xavier's apartment. It is well equipped, and had everything we needed. Since we were four, the washer was especially welcomed.
We had stayed in the Gothic Quarter before, but decided to give the Gracia neighborhood a try this time around. We're glad we did: everything you might need is within a short walk of the apartment. There're squares throughout the neighborhood, where you can hang out and really feel like a local, away from the hordes of tourists that you spend most of your day with when you're visiting sights.