Manuel's apartment, as all the reviews confirm, is simply THE place to stay in Barcelona! My girlfriend and I spent a week in this idyllic place and could not be missing it more. Upon landing in Barcelona, it is a short taxi ride away, where Manuel met us and took us up to the rooftop hideaway. The infamous service lift is small and may look worrying, but after one ride, it is not a problem, and personally we found it fun.

The terrace really is great, with an array of carefully tendered plants and comfortable seating in abundance. You can lounge on the beds, or sit under the canopy with the large table and benches, or stand on the upper terrace and take in the amazing view of Barcelona that you will not get elsewhere.

Inside, the apartment was spotlessly clean, and had every appliance we could have needed. The bed was big and comfortable. The shower room also is very big.

Manuel himself was the best host one could hope for. He is very respectful of your privacy, and watering of the plants was never a disturbance. We had a fantastic time visiting all the places he had usefully laid out on a map for your arrival, and suggested great restaurants to eat at. Best of all was discussing our shared interests in the arts, history, and finding out all about Barcelona. Being outside of the tourist hotspot it is quieter, but just below the apartment you have everything needed - supermarkets, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, bars, all of top quality and great character. Getting to the centre of things is easy as well as right on your doorstep is the bus, and just a few minutes walk is the metro, or taking a taxi is equally easy as they can be found on the road outside.

We were also fortunate to visit during the 'La Mercè' festival. Topped of by the incredible Piromusical Manuel himself directed previously, this annual event really was the highlight of our trip - we found ourselves involved in it every single day, as it takes over Barcelona! We could not recommend highly enough that you visit whilst this festival is occurring.

My girlfriend and I cannot wait to visit again and when we do, Manuel's apartment will be our choice of accommodation for sure. We miss the apartment and Barcelona greatly!