This is a very nice and central apartment, suitable for graduate students or young professionals at the start of their careers looking to enjoy Barcelona'a sights and nightlife. The owner Pau was very helpful to deal with when we encountered problems with construction noise and noisy guests upstairs.
Be aware that the entrance and staircase will give a very negative first impression and that the apartment is much smaller than it appears to be in the photos. It is very well designed and tasteful - "cheap chic" - pretty much everything is from Ikea. The amenities are very basic - there is no iron, wine glasses or oven and only 4 hangers, which seems strange when they say they can accommodate up to 6 guests.
The original host Vicente was proficient and did his job but did not provide the exceptional and warm service we were expecting based on the reviews of Ewa (who was on holiday). He did not even gesture to help me and my daughter with our bags until we werre almost at the door (after navigating a hundred narrow steps) and was not helpful with our requests for an iron, hangers and restaurant recommendations. He seemed busy with other matters and did not appear to care very much about our comfort. Pau, the owner, however, has been much better to interact with.
There was very loud and disturbing construction noise from another apartment the hosts are renovating and loud, argumentative and partying guests upstairs on the first two days which made it impossible to sleep for the first 2 days. I would have liked to have been made aware of the construction beforehand. I know it is necessary to make noise to make improvements but wish it had not been during my stay.
I ultimately decided to leave the apartment and have checked my family into a hotel. For the first two days it was just me and my 12 year old daughter, but with my son and husband's arrival I decided it would not be suitable for our family - we are used to much more space both at home and abroad.
Many thanks to Pau for attempting to rebook the space and for his kind interactions with me after I decided to cancel.