Barcelona Questions- Probably part 1
 

My sisters and I are planning on visiting Barcelona for about a week in May. Since there are three of us we decided an apartment would be the best option. I am scouring the internet to find a place that meets our qualifications which are a terrace or balcony, washing machine and internet. We would prefer not to have to share beds but would share a room. I am looking at some of the Habitat apartments which have the qualifications we seek. My question (yes, I finally got to it) is about smoking. It doesn't say it is prohibited and I am worried about the odor that smoking imparts. Has anyone had that problem with the Habitat apartments?

We are flying into and out of Barcelona airport. What is the best way for three women to get to an apartment in Barcelona? I will be traveling heavy with a work computer and a large bag so minimal schlepping is preferred. I know that there are taxis but are their car services with a larger vehicle that we would pay a flat rate?

Three women traveling with heavy bags, I'd take a taxi. I'd take a taxi anyway. They aren't that expensive, and especially for three people it probably wouldn't save you too much to take the airport bus and then a taxi to the apartment.

Great information about Barcelona at www.maribelsguides.com.

I believe that Habitat is an agency that manages properties that have different owners, so I would imagine they do not all have the same smoking requirements. If you have questions about a particular apartment, you can try asking about it.

Do be careful with information about washers and dryers in apartments. Our experience with a Habitat apartment (which was quite nice, actually) said that they had a washer/dryer. What they really had was a very small washer which supposedly finished spinning the water out of the clothes more than most washers and therefore qualified as a dryer. The clothes were not dry. They were quite damp (wet, actually) and had to be dried on a clothesline like aparatus that they furnished. Made for very wrinkled clothing and dampish feel in the apartment. If you really want dry clothes. Go only with a place that says they have two separate machines--one that washes and another that actually dries.

We have stayed in two different Habitat apartments and never had a problem with cigarette smoke. I would just confirm with them that there had not been smokers in the apartment that you are interested in. My understanding about lots of european washer/dryers situation is that having one machine is not uncommon. And it doesn't do a very good job, but just bring clothes that are easily dried (maybe not too many blue jeans). All part of the different life that most people live in other countries.

I agree about dryers in Europe - not really what we are used to. We stayed in homes and apt. in many cities and I can recall only one real" dryer.
In May, Barcelona should be warm enough to dry things overnight.

The Habitat Apt we stayed in last Nov did not have a dryer. We had to hang our clothes dry out on the balcony (with clothes line). It wasn't an issue, except that Barcelona is very humid, so the clothes did not dry after an entire day. We eventually took them inside the apartment and hanged the clothes next to a space heater in order to completely dry the clothes.

There was no trace of cigarette smoke in the apt.

You can find apartments that meet your needs in many parts of Barcelona, but I'm partial to the old city or Gracia areas. Rates are lower here than many other European cities but when you get separate sleeping arrangements they go up. A good owner or agency will tell you truthfully if there has been smoking in the apartment.

Take a taxi from the airport. (Are you flying into El Prat? That is considered the "Barcelona" airport but some airlines fly into Girona, which is about an hour away. That makes the taxi expensive and a bus or train may be better. Then take a taxi to your place.)

From El Prat, for three with luggage should be around 30 euros.

When you check in, ask to be shown how the washer/dryer works. We spent days trying to figure it out on our first trip before the teenage son took over. They will be small capacity but quite effective.

Ron
www.likelivingthere.com

Ok. I won't worry about the washer/dryer situation. Following the week in Barcelona I will be working in London and figured I could take less if there was a washer/dryer in the apartment. I will look for a laundry or laundremat.

I would like to know if anyone has stayed in the apartments we are considering or to comment on the area they are in.
These are the apartments we are considering:
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...rdisydney.htm?
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...view/born.htm?
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ew/gracia.htm?
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ew/marina.htm?
http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...w/gaudi66.htm?

thanks

I have not stayed in any of the apt, but
El Born is the best location of the ones you have listed. Another area we like is Eixample.
Public transit in Barcelona is great and cheap, so as long as there is a stop not too far, you'll be o.k
The very center of Barcelona is Placa de Cataluya ...
For April this year ( my 4th visit to the city) we have booked
Eixample 6 apt. with habitat

Danon, thanks for the advice. I will be looking for your trip report before we go.

Hi AGM, among the 5 apts, I'd pick the Born one as I think that's the "best" location. Next I'd choose is Gaudi 66, it's next to Hospital Sant Pau (don't miss a visit) and Sagrada Familia. Sydney & Gracia are close to Parc Guell, which is a bit far out IMO. Marina is ok I guess.

we'll be in Barcelona April 28th - May 4th. I seldom write trip reports. You may wish to book before that time.
yk posted a great report not long ago.

Thanks YK that is exactly the information I needed. I passed it along to my sisters. I will also look for your trip report.