"Casa Granada" is the name of the lovely apartment I rented from Drew & Tamar in Barcelona. They were a very nice and amenable couple to work with, and I have to say, everything they said about the place in their description is true.

The flat is near to everything: transportation, the Passeig de Gracia, the Gothic quarter and Plaza Catalunya. It’s also on a charming, fashionable street I had never heard about before, Enric de Granados. It had lots of good restaurants and cafes, and more specifically, it's on a block that's a pedestrian walk way. On one side is a historic seminary and apartment buildings are on the other, and it's closed to cars. As a result, there is total silence with the flat's double-glazed windows closed. So quiet that one can hear a 'pin drop.' Even with the windows open, it was amazingly quiet. (That said from someone (me) who lived in Manhattan for 19 years!) In fact, the bedrooms are in the back and I slept with the back terrace door open and never heard a thing. Add to that the comfortable beds, great cotton sheets & pillows, all of which contributed to a most restful sleep!

The apartment's interior is light, bright and airy. The agent told me the place had been totally renovated prior to my stay. The flat is a combination of contemporary--- gorgeous, big, glam kitchen with Bosch appliances; brand-new tiled bathrooms with all the mod coms, including Grohe fixtures--- and old world Barcelona: high ceilings, dazzling antique chandeliers (everywhere,) modernist and antique furniture, wood floors and oriental rugs. The flat is comfortable and spacious, and feels like it's someone's elegant home, not a rental.

And, I should note, it's got great water pressure in the shower and lots of hot water, the instant kind! Last but not least, what a gorgeous view of the seminary, trees and the old university's botanic gardens looking out the french doors in the living room! One can step out onto two small "Juliet" balconies there, too, to take in the view.

I must say however, I was a bit put off, upon first entering the building. The lobby is drab and there's only a fluorescent bulb there at night. It looks like some construction is going on as well. The small elevator is rather banged up, too. That said, once you enter "Casa Granada," it's like another world. In fact, it was so nice, that I was happy to cocoon myself there on a rainy day and read a novel I had brought.

This is truly a great place to stay, in the heart of everything there is to see and do in Barcelona. I can't wait to go back!