Have narrowed it down to two now, similar in size & features I think.

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...ony=1&pagina=1

And the other is #3 from above:
http://lovingapartments.com/Barcelon...d-2100-en.html

Let me know preferences please! Thanks!

ok . .each for their own but I just used the company

www.bcngotic.com

the location and apartment was FANTASTIC! We had apartment 33

not that I want to confuse you but I really didn't like the La Rambla area at all. Not sure what it is like at night though.

El Born you could walk to the beach and it felt really safe etc

GOOD LUCK!

crazyfamilyof4, I would have gone with the apt you stayed in but unfortunately it has 1 bathroom. With the 4 of us, I think 2 baths would be preferable. I will check the website again to see if they have any with 2 baths since you recommend it so highly!

The exact address for #3 is Carrer de la Diputació, 205.
Anybody have an opinion on this one v/s the bcngothic apts in el born?
Thanks!

Very different areas. #3 is in modern and very local feel Eixample, whereas El Born is medieval, narrow streets, sights, museums and more tourists. Great tapas bars, cafés, restaurants and nightlife in both areas. I've stayed in both places, and I prefer El Born for the more laid-back bars and atmosphere into the night and the proximity to the vibrant Barceloneta area and the beach. Very upscale cafés, bars/night-clubs on every corner around #3.

These two sites give to the point descriptions of what to expect around each apartment:

#3 (on the corner of Carrer Aribau): http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/

El Born: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Kimhe said it well.
I also stayed in both areas but prefer to stay in Eixample and walk to El Born when I feel like it ( from 3# should take 20 min max)
I find El Born a bit 'tight" and prefer wide , elegant and leafy strees of Eixample ( at leat the area you are considering)
BTW, Ramblas is in Barri Gotic ( not my favorite late at night)
Obviously, even some of us who have visited 0Barcelona many times still have our personal favorites.

Still haven't been able to make a decision. Sooo, which area would be more interesting in terms of small stores etc? (Not looking for expensive designer clothes!) DH & DS hate to shop, DD can't do without it even if it is just browsing so at least if there are stores close to the apt, DD & I can linger or get an earlier start. I like cute/different household things & DD of course, likes to look at clothes & shoes.

Shopping is miles away from my interest range, but many people find El Born to be something out of the ordinary when it comes to small and special shops also.
http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/...-shopping-8877
http://yvonnesedition.blogspot.no/20...barcelona.html

The Old Town is FULL of clothing stores, especially near Pl. Catalunya, and Portal d'Angel. Actually, the whole kilometers from the Old Town, up Passeig de Gracia until you hit Diagonal, and Diagonal NW are one huge shopping "mile".
If you (or DD) look for low- to mid-cost stores for clothes that won't break the bank, look for the ubiqitous stores of Pull & Bear, Lefties, Stradivarius, Zara,...
For household items (quirky and useful) try Vincon on Passeig de Gracia..

Hi, so should I take that to mean that the shopping will be better near the El Born apt than the Universitat in Eixample?

... and in both cases you will be ten minutes walking away from the heavy shopping frenzy all around Placa de Catalunya, up Passeig de Gracia, down towards the Cathedral and in all the alleys. And both El Born and the university area offers respite for people with other interets ;)

Oh dear kimhe, that does not make it any easier! Thanks you for all your help though.
I just prefer the look of the Universitat apt though I agree that the El Born area seems to be preferable especially since it is closer to the beach. Maybe I should keep hunting for another apt in El Born?
And having TOO many stores nearby is probably dangerous both to our budget & our sightseeing - will never be able to drag DD away! Smiley face.
BTW, how go I put a smiley face in my text?

From what you have written, I think El Born would be the best bet given its proximety to almost everything, the beach etc. It also very much comes down to if you want your kids to spend their nights in upscale and local Barcelona in the Aribau area or in the more mixed and laid-back El Born.

Hi kimhe, thanks, another factor that I had not thought about! Which one would be considered safer?

When you come as long as into the night, Barcelona is pretty safe, Both areas will be crowded by people long into the night and I like the more laid-back Born.