Just posted this, but I think I forgot to click "Spain," so reposting here. Apologies if it appears twice...

Okay, I have huge respect for Fodorites...you got us through an amazing 16 day drive through Ireland last year, and through a previous Paris/Italy foray, and I'm not giving up on this question without one more shot. I think I gave too many options last time - my fault.

We're going to be renting an apartment for our 4-night Barcelona stay during our 2 week trip in August. We're two fifty-something, very active travelers, my husband and I, who aren't much for tours and would much rather explore a city on our own. We've narrowed it down to either a Cocoon Barcelona or a Habitat Apartment -

El Sol, near Jaume 1 and the bottom of Barri Gotic, near to El Born. I believe it said it was near Sant Just. It looks lovely and we think we like the location, within walking distance of Las Ramblas, Barcelonetta, Picasso Museum, etc...it's just that some previous posters have mentioned maybe not feeling safe on the windy little streets late at night.

There are also other apartments in Barri Gotic - Boqueria, Colom 2 are two that come to mind...but we thought this one may be our best choice in that area.

I've also read lots in favor of staying in the Eixample. I know it has wider streets, brighter at night, maybe safer (or at least a safer feeling). We aren't planning on coming home at 4 a.m. or anything, just don't want to be frightened to walk from the Metro to our room in the wee hours.

Help? Thanks!

yep it is there twice. Just for your info - there is only one board -- "Europe". Clicking Spain doesn't place the thread in a different forum, it just lets folks search for info about Spain.

Posting on this thread so the other one may sink to the bottom....

3 Years ago I stayed with my daughters then aged 13 and 15 in an apartment in a calle off Argentaria - a long pedestrian street that leads off Placa Jaume 1. Barely 3 minutes walk from the metro there, about the same to the Picasso Museum. We weren't around walking the streets much after 11pm, but we felt perfectly safe there and had a really good time.

We thought the location was great and had no problems with feeling unsafe there. We really liked the cosy 'village' feel of the Barri Gotic/Born area. In fact a highly rated hotel - the Banys Orientals - is located right on Argentaria. If you do stay in that area, try to find time to check out Taller de Tapas on Argentaria.

Have a great time in Barcelona!

caseyhen- Yes the suggestion to stay in raval would be great if you were not somewhat dubious about potentially "risky" areas.
although I always post that raval being safe, if you are paranoid about dark streets and an "edgy" ambience then i would pay no regard to marlenitas advertising post.
calle argentera in el borne is very lovely, as recommended by julia_t. it runs from via laietana (which cuts between gotico and el borne) to the santa maria cathedral, which is beautiful. i would recommend an apartment around here- this is one on the paseo del borne (passeig del borne): http://www.way2stay.com/Barcelona-ap...en-52-1085.htm
Paseo del borne has plenty of little terrace cafes on its boulevard, it is adjacent to the cathedral and argentera, and although it looks like a walk from the metro its just a couple of minutes (i pass every day) and you will feel safe. its also a minute from museo picasso (hence the name).

We stayed in this Habitat apartment in February:

http://www.habitatapartments.com/pedrera.htm

LOVED the location and the apartment was great.

This sounds like a great place - am still considering an apartment for a 6 night stay but am concerned that the deposit required at most places seems to outweight the benefit of staying at a hotel. Most places require 300Euro cleaning deposit. Your thoughts?

gypsy queen - I wonder if you have two separate items rolled into one - there is usually a cleaning fee (around 60E) and a 300E Security Deposit that is returned when you depart. I have successfully negotiated waiving the cleaning fee for most rentals - try asking.

You're right - so I should check on what is cleaning deposit as opposed to security deposit? And we should get the security deposit back - all things being equal - and they keep the cleaning deposit?

gypsy_queen: I have never heard of a cleaning deposit aside from a security deposit and to be honest, its sounds a little sketchy. you're supposed to leave an apartment reasonably tidy- the deposit being split like this is bizarre and may not work in your favour. There should be one simple damage deposit which should be given back after the apartment has been checked. Leaving an apartment tidy (but without having to roll your sleeves up) is a informal courtesy. Unless this particular agency does not charge cleaning fee and expects you to scour the place!

I stayed in the El Borne area. Safe and central with wonderful street life- The apt I stayed in was the Calders on "Loving Barcelona" web site. I highly recommend- clean convenient- adv for 4 BUT really would be a crowded with anything more than a couple with 1 small child.

a cleaning fee is pretty common. Some owners don't charge for cleaning or just include it in the rent. But it is not sketchy at all to have a non-refundable cleaning fee.

A security deposit is an different thing altogether. It is a deposit against damage and/or things like unpaid telephone charges, etc.

We had a great experience with www.lovingbarcelona.com.

yes i know there is usually a cleaning fee. what i meant between the damage deposit being split is because "cleaning deposit" is quite subjective. i would hope there are proper terms about "how clean" you are actually supposed to leave the apartment in order to get this part of your deposit back.

Wow, I'd forgotten all about this thread and just did a search for my name and found it active. I love Fodors .

Travel_buzzing, I think you'll be pleased to hear that we reserved an apartment in El Born, the Habitat Apartment's Princessa 3.

http://www.habitatapartments.com/princesa3.htm

We leave on Wednesday, so we'll be movin' on in on Thursday afternoon, for four nights. I'm excited - and at this moment overwhelmed with all the last minute to-do's, both trip- and work-related. Like many other Fodorites, I'm having trouble giving up the research, stepping away from the computer, and packing! Thanks for all the help.

yeah that's a really nice location. You will be here for the festa major in Gracia (BCN biggest neighbourhood festival) which starts on wednesday for a week. be sure to check it out, they decorate the streets beautifully.

Hello

after my friends recommended me to look on www.cocoonbarcelona.com to rent an apartment in Barcelona I decided to stay with them. We stayed in a charming apartment called Gotic Suite and were really satisfied with the service of Cocoonbarcelona. From my nice experience I can recommend you Cocoonbarcelona.

Wish you good luck.

Sira

Hi caseyhen,
I am considering renting one of the Princesa apts through Habitat and I wanted to ask how you liked the building and location. Thanks!