Another thread seeking advice on an apartment in Barcelona
 

I've got another thread going, "Barcelona Dilemma", on which I've gotten some great info and advice. One bit of which was to start another thread asking for advice about this particular apt in Barcelona:

http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...ent-1122-1.htm

Anyone know anything about the company? Is the location as good as it sounds in the write-up?

I know it would be small for the three of us (my husband, my 19 y.o. son and myself) but larger than a hotel room. And our time in Barcelona is going to be so short that most of it will be spent out and about.

This looks great to me. Especially the price! But I know very little about Barcelona. So am I missing something? Or should I jump on this before someone else grabs it?

Thanks!

Anyone?

I gave you my opinion on the other thread. The area is close to El Born ( good), the apt seems nice. Check what floor it is on. You can get much bigger apt for only 20 euros more

We used
http://www.habitatapartments.com


and were very pleased with the service. I think some other posters used the same company.
Not familiar with Friendly rentals but have seen the name on the board.

Thanks again, danon. I'll check out your link.

My main concerns at this point are the safety of the area (and I'm glad that you think it's probably fine) and the reliability of the company.

Frankly, considering how little time we'll probably spend in the apt, I'd rather use the extra 20 euro a day for splurging a little on food and drink!

I've looked the location up, and I think you'd be o.k. You'll be near the post office and not far from the lively Plaça del Palau, on the very lower end of the Ciutat Vella, as danon says, near to El Born.

In general, the Habitat agency tends to get even better reviews than Friendly Rentals, if you feel you can afford the upgrade.
If not, you should be o.k.

But...I would stay very clear of the Raval unless the apartment is in the northern end, very near Plaça Catalunya. In my opinion, the Raval just is not yet gentrified enough for anyone not very familiar with the city-and certainly not for the first time visitor. I feel very strongly about this.

Thank you, Maribel. I really appreciate your taking the time to look up the location and sharing your advice with me. And we will definitely heed your warnings about the Raval.

we used the Habitat apartments last year when we stayed in Barcelona and had a good experience- good customer service and very reliable. We stayed in El Born near the Santa Maria del Mar church and loved the area. Definitely within walking distance to many areas with a bit of a local feel to it.

I just checked out the Habitat site and the first apt I saw looks very good:

http://www.habitatapartments.com/sic...apartamento=24

But I have a couple of questions about Habitat. I read their conditions page but, due to the way things are stated, I want to be sure that I understand.

First of all, I don't see a cleaning fee listed anywhere. Do they charge one?

Secondly, am I right in understanding that you give them a credit card to hold the reservation but don't actually pay a deposit? The complete charge plus damage deposit is payable in cash upon arrival?

Thanks, Blanche. I really appreciate the positive feedback on Habitat.

We did not pay a cleaning fee last year with the habitat apartments ... and while their site mentioned a deposit they did not ask us for one when we got there and paid. maybe cause we are 50+ :) ... suggest you email your questions - I received prompt and explicit replies to all of mine....

hi .. just found it - we had stayed at Born 2 apartment at Flassaders, 31 2 - 1 - Born Area. Hard to find (make sure you have their directions) , very basic but clean and in a charming area

Thanks again, Blanche!

If there's no cleaning fee, then this apt is actually cheaper than the other. And seems to be in a much less "iffy" area.

And I really like the fact that people here have actually used and liked this company.

Danon, thanks again for posting that link!

I'll look for it. Thanks again, Blanche!

Wow! Habitat offers so much more in our price range. It's going to be tough making a decision!

That Habitat apt that I posted the link for sounds like it's in a good, quiet neighborhood. And we like quiet when we're trying to sleep! But would El Born or the Gothic quarter be more convenient?

not sure which Habitat appt you posted the link for but our experience with El Born area was good .. about 15 minutes walking distance to Cathedral, Los Ramblas, port area.... had a couple of local grocery stores as well as some local tapas bars / taverns / restaurants with good food - some more expensive but others lower budget.

Thanks again, Maureen. That's very good to know.

Good luck with your Ireland decisions! As I posted on my other Barcelona thread, Ireland is our starting point for this trip. Our daughter is getting married there. We'll be there for just over a week. But probably won't have time for a lot of sightseeing on this trip!

Hiya,
Thought you might like some feedback on this part of Eixample.
It will be a quiet area, mainly because it's a bit out of the way. The metro line Tetuan does not have great links and this is the less attractive part of Eixample Dreta.
Although it is a short walk to Sagrada familia, which I think is possibly the only (1 time) benefit of this choice.
Sorry to be harsh.
Definitely pick the first one over this.

Not harsh at all! That's exactly the kind of feedback I needed. Thanks, travel_buzzing!

We are using Habitat as well and are going to be staying at this location the last two weeks of this month!

I can let you know how everything goes when we return. So far communication has been very good. For the cleaning fee, if you stay longer than 7 days they do not charge you for this.

http://www.habitatapartments.com/amstel.htm