I was attracted to the reviews of this apartment and indeed, my expectations were beyond exceeded. I will break down my experience by the key elements that will matter most travelers. I stayed in this apartment 5 weeks, and if I come back, there is no other place I would want to stay.
1) the apartment: cozy, easily accessible, clean, spacious, and has everything you need to make this feel like home for a long stay. Think details: extra sheets, pillows, coffee machine, washer, etc. It is on the first floor so it's an easy stair climb if you like walking, but there is also a lift if you are feeling lazy :-) It is on a very quiet street which is great if you are a light sleeper. The living room and the master bedroom are towards the main road where you get a lot of light, the room with the twin beds and the dining area are inward facing.
2) location: in my view, after having explored much of the city during my stay, the location of this apartment is the perfect intersection of central, accessible, close to nature, and homie (feels close to locals). Montjuic is less than 10 minutes walk, and you can spend hours exploring the mountains yet be just a close walk back home. Sant Antoni market and others are also a walking distance, and the lively Blai street where you can find the best tapas in town. The metro and the bus station are a 5 minute walk, and if you are a biker, there's a bike rack right around the corner from the building to lock your bike. Lots of grocery shops, pharmacies, convenience stores, and great restaurants around.
3) the hosts: by and large, this is what can make and break an experience. Rosa and Miguel are beyond just hosts, they quickly become a family. Aside from airport pick up and all the small touches of fruit baskets and such, they are a text message away for anything one may need. For example I wanted a desk to work from home, they set up a table and got me their son's chair for the month so that I can work comfortably. This is one example among many, but hands down they have mastered the hosting experience and I cannot be happier to have chosen their home.
Thank you Rosa and Miguel!