We loved our stay in Barcelona and at Alex’s apartment for a number of reasons...
Ideally located just 10 mins walk to the Sagrada Familia and only six minutes from the metro (Encants station) and the El Clot train station (which has a train to and from the airport - 30min journey, get a T-10 card for €10.20 and this will allow you 10 trips on train/metro/bus).
We felt safe waking in the neighbourhood and the apartment is also very close to good bakers (our favourite was Farina & Sons), coffee shops, supermarkets (Dia is directly underneath the flat, Keisy’s - like a Waitrose/ Sainsbury’s - and Lidl are also close) and nearby places to eat (we liked Gran Ruca in nearby Carrer De Rogent).
Alex is very quick to respond to any communications and provided plenty of useful hints, tips and guidance before and after we arrived. The flat was as described and big enough for me, my wife and daughter. It has air conditioning in the living room and Alex also provided fans for the bedrooms. The balcony is great to sit and have breakfast early in the morning or drinks in the evening. The apartment is near to a busy street so you can hear some traffic/ people noise at night but that’s the same in most big cities.
We also liked eating and drinking at Restaurant Zed (Carrer València 399) Luigi’s ( Roger de Lluria 50) Els Y Fred (Carrer del Rec Comtal 11) , Lokal (Carrer Bruc) - all of which get great ratings on Google Map reviews. We never had time to do so, but the restaurant at the top of El Corte Ingles in Plaça de Catalunya also looks a great spot for morning or evening meals / drinks.
As well all the well known tourist sites, we also visited the beaches at the beautiful village of Sitges (about 30mins by train) and the MACBA museum - both great.
We’d recommend Alex as a great host and will be back to Barcelona again.