Barcelona apartment input, please
Jul 31st, 2014, 05:10 AM
#21
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Thanks, ribeirasacra
E. Granados
is one of my favorite streets in Bacelona. ( beautiful, treelined, elegant)
I love Eixample,( it is big , though) I don't like staying in Gothic, a personal preference .
For a first time visitor ,for only a few days, try to be as central as possible. - close to
Placa de Catalunya.
E. Granados
is one of my favorite streets in Bacelona. ( beautiful, treelined, elegant)
I love Eixample,( it is big , though) I don't like staying in Gothic, a personal preference .
For a first time visitor ,for only a few days, try to be as central as possible. - close to
Placa de Catalunya.
Jul 31st, 2014, 06:02 AM
#22
I agree with being as close to the Placa Catalunya as possible for a first visit.
And DESPITE the attempt to consdescend above, IMO if you do not do Las Ramblas at least once then you have not seen Barcelona.
And DESPITE the attempt to consdescend above, IMO if you do not do Las Ramblas at least once then you have not seen Barcelona.
Jul 31st, 2014, 06:57 AM
#24
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<<Euros can be exchanged for any currency.>>
No? Really?
But can they be exchanged for a complete refund (like a temporary credit card hold and then removing said hold) when you have additional costs of taking out cash and then reconverting it back at the airport on the day you leave? No? Ok, then.
<<And DESPITE the attempt to consdescend above, IMO if you do not do Las Ramblas at least once then you have not seen Barcelona.>>
There was no attempt, it was actual condescension. Perhaps our Barcelonan cabbie was the real snob when he told us on the way in that we wouldn't see any real Spaniards on La Ramblas.
And we walked the Ramblas multiple times. Placa Real, Placa Catalunya, Rambla del Mar and more are much nicer.
No? Really?
But can they be exchanged for a complete refund (like a temporary credit card hold and then removing said hold) when you have additional costs of taking out cash and then reconverting it back at the airport on the day you leave? No? Ok, then.
<<And DESPITE the attempt to consdescend above, IMO if you do not do Las Ramblas at least once then you have not seen Barcelona.>>
There was no attempt, it was actual condescension. Perhaps our Barcelonan cabbie was the real snob when he told us on the way in that we wouldn't see any real Spaniards on La Ramblas.
And we walked the Ramblas multiple times. Placa Real, Placa Catalunya, Rambla del Mar and more are much nicer.
Jul 31st, 2014, 07:14 AM
#25
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"But can they be exchanged for a complete refund (like a temporary credit card hold and then removing said hold) when you have additional costs of taking out cash and then reconverting it back at the airport on the day you leave? No? Ok, "
Not all travellers have to worry about a few dollars in " additional costs".
Not all travellers have to worry about a few dollars in " additional costs".
Jul 31st, 2014, 09:25 AM
#26
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That first one you show under AirBnB looks real GRIM to me, for example" How so?>
It doesn't matter if it doesn't to you. Just looks very bare and cold, cheap furniture, industrial, sort of like a converted garage or basement, etc. I just like a warmer and cozier decor and ambience. IF you like it, doesn't matter what I think anyway.
I don't like Las Ramblas for some reasons, mainly the touts and the obnoxious ones making duck noises which they have been doing for years now. I've never been in any other city where they do that. But of course I would walk up and down it if visiting the city, but I wouldn't want to stay on it or even right near it probably. When I stay in a hotel, once I was in Hotel Jazz which was only a couple short blocks away from it, but at the top, not the middle, so close to the Eixemple area and placa Catalunya. I would eat by going the other direction (away from las Ramblas direction). It can get tiring just all the poeple around those stores, also. I would be very surprised if locals were hanging out on it, I sure don't hang out at the most congested tourist locations in my city, either.
It doesn't matter if it doesn't to you. Just looks very bare and cold, cheap furniture, industrial, sort of like a converted garage or basement, etc. I just like a warmer and cozier decor and ambience. IF you like it, doesn't matter what I think anyway.
I don't like Las Ramblas for some reasons, mainly the touts and the obnoxious ones making duck noises which they have been doing for years now. I've never been in any other city where they do that. But of course I would walk up and down it if visiting the city, but I wouldn't want to stay on it or even right near it probably. When I stay in a hotel, once I was in Hotel Jazz which was only a couple short blocks away from it, but at the top, not the middle, so close to the Eixemple area and placa Catalunya. I would eat by going the other direction (away from las Ramblas direction). It can get tiring just all the poeple around those stores, also. I would be very surprised if locals were hanging out on it, I sure don't hang out at the most congested tourist locations in my city, either.
Aug 3rd, 2014, 10:36 AM
#27
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2 new ones into the mix:
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ew/pedrera.htm
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...-balconies.htm
Thoughts?
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ew/pedrera.htm
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...-balconies.htm
Thoughts?
Aug 3rd, 2014, 12:21 PM
#28
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Both upscale areas in Eixample., close to Gaudi attractions ( not Sagradsa Famili) fine shops
and restaurants.
Some posters said that the first one is a bit old an needed a redo. Not sure if it has been done.
and restaurants.
Some posters said that the first one is a bit old an needed a redo. Not sure if it has been done.
Aug 3rd, 2014, 01:06 PM
#29
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Hi DebitNM, sounds like you're looking for a studio/1 BR but not sure what other amenities are important to you or your price range? Have a couple of apartment suggestions for you based on personal experience…the 2nd one is a bit offbeat in that we shared common areas with the apartment owners but it was an absolutely beautiful, newly renovated apartment, very reasonably priced, and the owners were 2 of the nicest people we have ever met.
1. In June friends of mine stayed in various units at Gaudi's Nest Apartments located a block from La Sagrada Familia in the L'Eixample district with gorgeous views of La Sagrada from the apartments and rooftop terrace. Very helpful apartment owner, Artur, who also runs a small cafe next door. Location is a bit outside the main city center but a block from the Sagrada Familia metro so easy to get around. Good reviews on Trip Advisor; my friends were very satisfied.
http://www.gaudisnest.com/?lang=en
2. For our recent 10 night stay in Barcelona, we stayed at a bed and breakfast - BarcelonaBB - in a brand new 3 room suite called the "White Room" (bedroom, small study, private bathroom) located inside the owners' private apartment 2 floors above the main B&B level. We had our own private living space but were invited to share their kitchen, living room, and dining room which worked out really well. The owners were very welcoming, engaging, but not obtrusive and very respectful of our privacy. My husband and I felt very comfortable sharing the space with them. Daily breakfast was served to us and the other guests on the main B&B level even though we also had the option of cooking our own in the apartment. The owners also rent private apartments located in other buildings - all listed on their website.
BarcelonaBB is located in the L'Eixample district at the corner of Carrer Mallorca and Carrer Girona, a very central, convenient location walkable to many of the major sites but also a block from the Verdeguer Metro. I had considered some rentals in Barri Gotic/Born but after seeing both areas was very glad I chose this section of L'Eixample - it had a nice neighborhood feel with food markets, wine shop, gym, etc within a block or 2 and several good local restaurants. Take a look at my Trip Advisor review (under the same internet name) and other reviews. I do realize sharing an apartment this way might not appeal to everyone but it worked very well for us thanks to the 2 lovely owners and we both agree it was one of our favorite rentals. We are planning to return next year.
http://www.barcelonabb.com
Any questions, let me know. Good luck with your search. We fell in love with Barcelona!
1. In June friends of mine stayed in various units at Gaudi's Nest Apartments located a block from La Sagrada Familia in the L'Eixample district with gorgeous views of La Sagrada from the apartments and rooftop terrace. Very helpful apartment owner, Artur, who also runs a small cafe next door. Location is a bit outside the main city center but a block from the Sagrada Familia metro so easy to get around. Good reviews on Trip Advisor; my friends were very satisfied.
http://www.gaudisnest.com/?lang=en
2. For our recent 10 night stay in Barcelona, we stayed at a bed and breakfast - BarcelonaBB - in a brand new 3 room suite called the "White Room" (bedroom, small study, private bathroom) located inside the owners' private apartment 2 floors above the main B&B level. We had our own private living space but were invited to share their kitchen, living room, and dining room which worked out really well. The owners were very welcoming, engaging, but not obtrusive and very respectful of our privacy. My husband and I felt very comfortable sharing the space with them. Daily breakfast was served to us and the other guests on the main B&B level even though we also had the option of cooking our own in the apartment. The owners also rent private apartments located in other buildings - all listed on their website.
BarcelonaBB is located in the L'Eixample district at the corner of Carrer Mallorca and Carrer Girona, a very central, convenient location walkable to many of the major sites but also a block from the Verdeguer Metro. I had considered some rentals in Barri Gotic/Born but after seeing both areas was very glad I chose this section of L'Eixample - it had a nice neighborhood feel with food markets, wine shop, gym, etc within a block or 2 and several good local restaurants. Take a look at my Trip Advisor review (under the same internet name) and other reviews. I do realize sharing an apartment this way might not appeal to everyone but it worked very well for us thanks to the 2 lovely owners and we both agree it was one of our favorite rentals. We are planning to return next year.
http://www.barcelonabb.com
Any questions, let me know. Good luck with your search. We fell in love with Barcelona!
Aug 3rd, 2014, 01:43 PM
#30
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Just took at look at your apartment links and really like the ones near
C/Enric Granados which was also one of our favorite streets, and a convenient location. Always nice to have a balcony although not sure if you'd use it much in November? We really enjoyed the daily interaction with our apartment owners which enhanced our Barcelona experience but you may prefer your privacy. The Gaudi Apartments are not as upscale as some of the ones you are considering - my friends selected it mainly for the view/terrace but I think the C/Enric Granados location you are considering is a nicer area and more convenient. If you do choose Enric Granados you'll be close to our favorite restaurant, Etapes.
C/Enric Granados which was also one of our favorite streets, and a convenient location. Always nice to have a balcony although not sure if you'd use it much in November? We really enjoyed the daily interaction with our apartment owners which enhanced our Barcelona experience but you may prefer your privacy. The Gaudi Apartments are not as upscale as some of the ones you are considering - my friends selected it mainly for the view/terrace but I think the C/Enric Granados location you are considering is a nicer area and more convenient. If you do choose Enric Granados you'll be close to our favorite restaurant, Etapes.
Aug 3rd, 2014, 02:38 PM
#34
Those are both nice apartments (I didn't look too closely at the details - i.e. stairs/elevator/AC/etc) but I still prefer the Gothic area for a first visit. Especially if you like markets - we were equidistant from La Boqueria and Santa Catarina markets - you don't have to be cooking in your apartment if you simply enjoy wandering around markets (which we do).
But - as I said before - it's all good! Here's a link to our Barcelona blog - you can see a lot of pics of the area we stayed in very near the Barcelona Cathedral.
http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...v/e_barcelona/
We had such a great time - thanks for reminding me!
But - as I said before - it's all good! Here's a link to our Barcelona blog - you can see a lot of pics of the area we stayed in very near the Barcelona Cathedral.
http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/l...v/e_barcelona/
We had such a great time - thanks for reminding me!
Aug 3rd, 2014, 05:27 PM
#36
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Clicked on Elizabeth_S Barcelona blog and what a nice apartment she found in the Barri Gotic! And she's right, you are close to great markets (I went to both.)
Each area of the city has its charm so it is hard to decide where to stay. I struggled with that, too, but ended up very happy with my choice in Eixample. In the Barri Gotic/Born area you are in walking distance to many sites and you're in the heart of the historic area but it can be more crowded with cruise passengers among other tourists. Probably depends on the time of year (we were there in June/early July) so in Nov that may not be an issue.
If you decide to stay a little further out, it's helpful to be close to a metro station if you plan to use that as your primary transportation. We walked a lot but also used the metro and taxis.
Each area of the city has its charm so it is hard to decide where to stay. I struggled with that, too, but ended up very happy with my choice in Eixample. In the Barri Gotic/Born area you are in walking distance to many sites and you're in the heart of the historic area but it can be more crowded with cruise passengers among other tourists. Probably depends on the time of year (we were there in June/early July) so in Nov that may not be an issue.
If you decide to stay a little further out, it's helpful to be close to a metro station if you plan to use that as your primary transportation. We walked a lot but also used the metro and taxis.
Aug 4th, 2014, 05:54 AM
#39
Here's a link to the agency for that apartment - Klaus has some lovely BCN apartments. I can't attest to the legality of the apartments although I recall he was very active in a Tourist Apartment Rental Association.
http://www.athome-barcelona.com/
http://www.athome-barcelona.com/
