Hello. After going back and forth as to where is an ideal location in Barcelona for 2 families with 5 children in tow, we have narrowed down our choice to Apartment Arenas. It is located in Eixample (right), I believe. Anyone stayed in this apartment or familiar with this location? We would appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

http://www.vrbo.com/206350

The neighborhood in general is quite nice. I have no idea about the specific property.

the exact location is not clear from the listing.
Eixample is a big area.

Danon, the address is Llança , 25. Barcelona. It is near Tarragona metro station. I'm hoping this area of Eixample is ideal for our stay?

It's in the left L'Eixample, near the university hospital, a good 30-minute walk to the Plaça Cataluña.

We stayed once a bit further out on the same metro line... it was safe and easy to use ( lots of students). You don't have to walk to Catalunya - one stop and you can change lines to the center - only four stops to Catalunya.
The location is not ideal , but I imagine the same size apt. would be much more in the very center.
Metro system in Barcelona is very good. Also, you have only one stop to Espanya - from there you can easily go to Monjuic ( or take a train to Montserrat) and one stop in the opposite direction to the main train station.
If you wish to be in the very the center, look for an apt near Catalunya .

hi k'girl,

yes it's good being one stop from Espanya, but the trouble is that if you need to change lines there, the connecting tunnels are very, very long. we stayed at a hotel nearby, and I can't tell you how fed up we got with those tunnels in 3 days.

I agree with what danon says about possibly looking for an apartment more in the centre.

Annhig's comments just reminded me that we did not change lines at Espanya . but stayed on the same line (green) to Catalunya ( six stops) or Liceu ( Ramblas - 5 stops).

take a look

http://www.footballticketsbarcelona...._metro_map.jpg
the same (green) line will get you to Passeig de Gracia -- the most elegant street in the city with several Gaudi buildings.

It looks nice, but doesn't appear to be inexpensive. The location, Left Eixample near the Fira, is not convenient to main sites and with five kids in tow you may not want to spend that much time on the metro and in transfers. (From the large Espanya station you can go to Las Ramplas and Placa Catalunya without transfer.)

On the other hand, it's hard to find that kind of space. But there are other options. Here's one:

http://bit.ly/bxwepc

Thanks to everyone's responses. Unfortunately, this apartment could not accommodate us for the entire 5 nights and we ended up in another apartment near Catalunya which I think was a better choice in the end. Can't wait to see Barcelona!

you are welcome. Barcelona is fantastic!