Barcelona for the First Time - How about this apartment?
 

We are in the early planning stages of our first trip to Barcelona in November 2010. I have looked at some apartments on vrbo and wonder about one that looks good from the pictures. The link is http://www.vrbo.com/231722 Is anyone familiar with this apartment and/or this neighborhood of Barcelona?

I would love to hear recommendations for neighborhoods and apartments. Thanks in advance.

We have visited Barcelona for the last two years in May and after walking all over the city, El Borne is still my favorite area. We have stayed in an apartment very near the one you are looking at--
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/.../princesa3.htm

Good luck and I think it looks like a great spot. It is very near a very popular restaurant/bar area (in front of St. Maria church) so only problem might be noise at night.

macdogmom: the apartment you stayed in looked very nice. How did you find the company habitat apartments to work with? Did the apartment have a street view? Thanks.

we have used habitat twice ( will again in the spring) - very easy to work with.

We also used Habitat Apartments in Nov 2009. They were super easy to work with.

Yes, they were very easy. Just need to pay them in cash when you arrive, although last year I think I paid them with a credit card and paid a small fee for that. The apartment link I sent you looks out on a small street/alley with no cars. We have also stayed in one of their interior apartments in the same building. It had no outside window in the living room, just a window in the bedroom, so I recommend this apt. more highly. But we really like the bldg and the area--very quiet but close to everything going on in the Borne district.

macdogmom: I am seriously thinking about princesa3. I read on the habitat website that they can ask for a damage deposit of 200 euro. Did you have to pay this deposit? If so was it in cash or did they let you use your credit card for that?

El Born is a great location; there is plenty to do and see nearby and moderate walks or the Metro will get you elsewhere in the city. But it can be busy and noisy, although that is less an issue in November.
How many in your party? That could make a difference in the best choice of apartment. And is this any special occasion?

No, they never asked us for any kind of deposit. We just paid when we got there. As I said, they preferred cash but on our last trip I paid with a credit card when I met one of their representatives at the apartment. They charged a slight service charge for using credit card. THe apartment is very well located and quiet.

I have been looking at all of the habitat apartments and while I am leaning toward the Princesa 3 I also like the Born 3 http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...view/born3.htm It is large, and although sparsely furnished has a balcony on the street and an outside area on the back bedroom. It is only 25 euros more for my stay.

Is anyone familiar with this apartment? I have appreciated everyone's input so far.

opaldog, this poster stayed at Born3 2 years ago:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...comment-683460

[I found this by using the advance search function here.]

Hi. We are staying at vrbo 231722 in late May. happy to let you know how it goes

LeFlaneur: I will take a look at the vrbo apt. I have gone ahead and reserved the Born 3 apartment. I would love to hear a trip report when you return from Barcelona.