txtree

Hi everyone, so I thought I was going to take my 70-something parents to London as a milestone birthday celebration (and some of you came through with wonderful hotel ideas), but they say they prefer Spain. So it looks like Madrid and Barcelona. Exciting!

I can join them only for the Barcelona leg, so I thought I'd find a lovely, sweet, charming, well-located hotel in Madrid for my parents. Then have them take the train to meet me in Barcelona, where I hope my brother and his wife can join us. So I'm thinking it makes sense to rent an apartment for our family in Barcelona.

All of this will happen in October. I'd love your advice on hotels in Madrid that would be great for my parents - something special but not too froo-froo. And also your thoughts on which neighborhoods might be best for the Barcelona part (and if you want to recommend a specific apartment rental that can accommodate five people, that would be awesome).

And I'm sure I'll be back to you with more questions.
Muchas gracias!!

danon

In Barcelona
rentals:

http://www.habitatapartments.com/

and more expensive:
http://www.destinationbcn.com/

I prefer Eixample area close to Passeig de Gracia

pdx

We're planning on renting this apartment next year. Good price and location. Be aware there isn't an elevator but there are 4 floors so you may be able to reserve a lower apartment.
www.gaudisnest.com
We reserved it for a trip this year but had to cancel and our deposit was immediately refunded. They were very nice and informative via email.

txtree

Thank you! Any thoughts on the location of this apartment:

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ia-central.htm

opaldog

It looks like a good location to me. We used habitat apartments last november and were very satisfied. Our apartment, La Pedrera, was located a few blocks over (west) on Rambla de la Catalunya. We were very happy with our location and it isn't that far from the apartment you are looking at. The public transportation is very good in Barcelona.

txtree

Thank you very much for your feedback. I'm now considering the Hotel Murmuri, which has apartments and seems to be in a fine location too.

http://www.murmuri.com/

Not sure whether anyone has a view on this hotel.