Planning for April 2011. If we're based in Barcelona for one week, what other cities are reachable and worth seeing? Also...tips on hotels. Usually prefer small, out-of-the-way properties.

Barcelona has plenty to keep you busy for a week, but if you want to get out of town, Tarragona to the south is a great coastal stop, with Roman ruins too.

There are coast towns to the north as well and many people like Girona.

If you like non-touristy, you should consider an apartment. You could take more than one in the same building or one large enough to accommodate your entire party.

RE: Hotels-- what is your budget? Also, define "out-of-the-way?" :-?

Fenway,
We just returned from Barcelona. We spent 5 days in Barcelona, then rented a car & went on a 3 night/4 day road trip through Costa Brava, overnighted in Cadaques for one night, then spent 2 nights in Girona. I know that trains also go to Girona. We loved our entire trip. If you click on my name, you can read my very recent trip report. I give hotels, restaurants, & sightseeing which should be helpful.

Thanks, Alan. An apartment might be the way to go. Budget is "moderate" and "out-of-the-way" refers to not in the heart of the tourist areas--more intimate, smaller properties. Thanks in advance for any tips.

Kwoo,

Thank you so much! We may be following in your footsteps! Your detailed report is very helpful.

We rented 3 times from
www.habitatapartments.com

they have 3 bed apt. in various locations.

Forgot to mention that you can take a train and/or bus up and down the coast.

We stayed in this apartment last month. Nice building, residential area. Some traffic noise but there are other apartments in the building that face the courtyard and are quiet.

http://bit.ly/cHlgjx

Looked at the properties and am leaning more and more towards an apartment... In your experience, is it safe for a group of three women to take the apartment route? Many thanks to all for your insights!

One of my four visits to Barcelona was with a girlfriend. We felt perfectly safe in an apt.
I liked the comfort, the kitchen , ( at least for the morning coffee!) the washing machine , and being able to leave passports, credit cards in the unit since no one comes in during one's stay.
Some posters prefer hotels for the services ( concierge, fresh towels... etc).

I can't think of any reason why 3 women renting an apartment woudln't be safe and Barcelona is lovely

In addition to the above, any recommendations on apartment rental agencies?

You should be very careful to know important details to you when you begin to search, such as elevator needed or not (may depend on floor - in Barcelona what is called the first floor can be what in U.S. is the first), number of bathrooms, specific sleeping quarters, faces street or courtyard etc. Don't take anything for granted and don't be afraid to ask questions until you are satisfied.