Alex and Gemma's place was perfect. Not only was it in an excellent location in the ultra cool Gracia neighborhood (away from the throngs of tourists), it also was extremely well furnished- it had all the essentials you'd ever need but it still felt very spacious and not at all cluttered. The building it is located in has an elevator and it thankfully came with an air conditioning unit, which we needed in the hot summer heat.
Alex was the one who greeted us on our arrival. His suggestions were spot on and you get the impression that he's genuinely an affable person. He even went out of his way to print out tickets we bought to go see La Sagrada Famalia.
We could have easily spent more time in Barcelona and at Alex and Gemma's place. I'm pleased to give Alex and Gemma a good review! They are very deserving of it!