My husband and I spent three weeks in this apartment in July 2015; it turned out to be the perfect choice for us. Gloria, the owner, was extremely responsive and a joy to deal with. She arranged for the housekeeper to meet us at the front door to the building and she was there when we arrived. We were shown the apartment, and given two sets of keys - all seamless. There was also a very nice bottle of wine and some cookies to welcome us. Two days later, Gloria arranged a visit to the apartment to make sure all our needs were met and answer any questions we might have. She also kept in touch with us during our stay.

The apartment is spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings, beautiful architectural details and small balconies off the living room and master bedroom - all much better than as pictured and described. It is in a beautiful building on the US 4th floor (level 2 in the elevator), in the fashionable neighborhood of L'Eixample, which was developed around 1900 and is full of Modernista architecture, including many Gaudi buildings, and where we always felt safe. There is quiet, excellent air conditioning in every room. The bed in the master bedroom was very comfortable; we did not use second bedroom. The linens were of high quality and towels were plentiful. The apartment was clean and quiet. We were never bothered by street noise or neighbors. The internet was reliable and fast.

All basic supplies were provided, including laundry detergents, trash bags, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, hand soap, shampoo, paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and various coffees and teas. Some items may have been left by prior guests, so I would recommend checking supplies before shopping. There is a Caprabo market one street up at Carrer Corcega, 301. The owner has left a map of the neighborhood showing nearby market locations.

The location of the apartment is super convenient, a few feet from Rossolo-Balmes exit/entrance for Provenca Metro stop. There are underground connections to many metro lines, as well as to the Diagonal metro stop, via the Rossolo-Balmes exit/entrance. The apartment is only a block or two from Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig da Gracia, with great shopping and sidewalk eateries, and easy access to major Barcelona attractions, but still feels away from the tourists.

If you are taking the train from the airport, get off at Passeig da Gracia stop. When you get off the train, the best way to apartment from there, especially if you have luggage, is to follow signs to the L3 Metro line, towards Trinitat/Nova, and take it one stop to the Diagonal stop. This will save you a fairly long walk slightly uphill with luggage.

Our favorite haunts included everything by Gaudi, especially Guell Park and the Sagrada Familia church, walking the Ramblas, sidewalk cafes, a daytrip to Monserrat by train, the Catalunya History Museum, and the Barcelona beaches.