We couldn't have asked for more. It's our 3rd time in Barcelona but first with our daughter (who's 3). We've never stayed with Air bnb but an apartment met our needs better. We also wanted a different experience to a city centre hotel but didn't want to compromise on design & experience you'd expect from a boutique hotel. What we got was better than that!
Mike was so welcoming, was able to provide us earlier access (a bonus), responded quickly to messages, bought some welcoming 'essentials' (coffee, wine, milk etc!) and gave us an excellent overview of the apartment, area and city, tailored to our interests and family.
Poble Sec was a perfect neighbourhood for us, if you want to experience local life but catered to tourists too it's fab. It feels really original and less overwhelming that the more modern part of the city. But 5min stroll you can be in the underground/bus etc, 15min walk your on the Ramblas or even better the waterfront. We took this route most days, and explored Born, Barcelonetta, etc. We took the underground for longer trips, so simple. Montuic is just up the hill (a hike!) but we went up twice, took the cable car to barconleta, Joan Miro museum and botanic gardens, etc it's really lovely,
We didn't eat more than a few steeets away, and we ate like kings. Japanese, Italian, tapas, modern tapas, a la carte, hipster, etc. Really good food & lovely small restaurants. Mike's tips were great too - Lolita not to be missed. We had a 3yr old so limited to dinner but the neighbourhood as lots to offer in nightlife. The apartment is in a quieter street though, and in the back bedroom we slept silence. If you love good modern design this apartment is for you. Only thing I would change is a sofa & tv, and good locks on the balconies. We didn't trust our 3yr old in the front bedroom on her own, but there are ladders too to the mezzanines so we knew it would be more likely we'd all bunk up! It is an ideal apartment if you need 2 bedroom as both can be closed off and v private from each other (double doors, en suites etc), but we loved it too! It is up 2 flights of stairs, so not good if you are less able.
Beds are super comfy, storage great, bathrooms gorgeous (luxury towels) and great selection of books if you like art, design, architecture and more. Beautiful kitchen. Washing machine, dishwasher, nespresso, all super. Our 3yr old even said she loved the kitchen!
Local shops cover all needs, bakery, supermarket etc. Overall Mike was a great host, the apartment was top class design - original + modern, v highly finished, and the area felt safe, welcoming and relaxing. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.