Greenhouse

I have 3 other options all near the Majestic Hotel. This one is a little larger than the others. All are priced the same. You can view the exact location (Borne area) by clicking on Maps.

http://www.beapartment.com/en/luxury...a-park-born/61

RM67

That's just a stones throw from where we stayed. I think it's a good location - you are near the metro, the park is beautiful, and you have a great baker (Hofmann) a short walk away for breakfast. I would argue that's right on the outskirts of Born though, not that it matters hugely.

BigRuss

That's not really El Born area - need to go on the other side of the Arc for that.

But it's not a bad location. Just a bit of a walk to the Eixample sites and Born sites. Short Metro ride elsewhere.

Greenhouse

Ok. Thanks, RM & BR.

Do you think this is a better location?

http://www.bcnapartmentrentals.com/e...nya-island/20/

RM67

I think the location of the first property was fine. As both I and BigRuss said. It's just not El Born.

Mimar

Depends on what you want to see in Barcelona. The second apartment is better located to see the Modernism sites in the Eixample. Either place looks fine.

Christina

I'll admit I like the second location and have stayed in that area. I find it convenient for transportation, restaurants, etc. It's also near the Provenca train stop which could be convenient (from the airport, for one thing), and some major bus lines, such as to Parc Guell.

I am not that familiar with the other area, so don't know if it will have as easy access to restaurants and cafes, and find it curious they call it El Born as it isn't. In general, I distrust owners who lie like that. I think both are about the same distance from a metro stop, but suspect that first one may not be quite as convenient for some other things (like the train and I'm not sure about bus lines). If you are interested in the Turibus or whatever it's called there, the first location is close to where you can pick it up, also (along P de Gracia).

Robert2016

The second apartment on Carrer Aragó, around the corner from Rambla de Catalunya, is an excellent, safe, upmarket location in the Left Eixample, where we prefer to stay. It's an easy walk to La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the two other Moderniste buildings, Casa Lleo i Morera and Casa Amatller as well as the Museum of Modernisme.

Foodwise, it's ideal, at least for us.
On Aragó you'll be close to the Reserva Ibérica, if you're a fan of Iberian ham. For breakfast, there's La Pastisseria for some of the city's best pastries and Brunch & Cake for full breakfasts.
For tapas, Cerveseria Catalana is only two blocks away, and Mont Bar, just 5 blocks from the apartment.
For the city's best selection of wines by the glass, there's Monvínic, 2 blocks away.
DelaCrem for ice cream on Enric Granados, 2 blocks away.

As Christina says, to reach the Park Güell by bus, you can take the 24 from the Passeig de Gràcia or you can catch the HOHO Bus Turístic from there. Very handy for sightseeing.

ekscrunchy

Are you seeking other recommendations or are you set on one of the choices you mentioned?

baladeuse

I actually stayed in the second apartment 2 years ago and would definitely recommend it. The apartment is lovely, comfortable and well maintained, and as Christina says, the location is very convenient. A short walk to La Pedrera and many other points of interest. The Rambla de Catalunya is a pleasant street with stores and outdoor restaurants.

If you have any questions about the apartment I'd be glad to answer them.

baladeuse

Sorry, didn't see Robert's response. Agree with all his recommendations, particularly Cerveseria Catalana.

Greenhouse

Thanks, everyone. All of your replies have been really helpful.

Great to have a personal recommendation from you, baladeuse. Thanks for responding. I can't quite make out if there is a balcony you can sit out on from the pictures. It doesn't look like it, but I was wondering about that.

And yes, ekscrunchy I'm open to other options as long as they're 2 bed/2bath.

baladeuse

Nope, no real balcony. If memory serves me correctly, there's a kind of closed-in porch overlooking the street (with the brown sofa in one of the pictures). As you can see, it has big, almost floor to ceiling windows, but I can't remember if you could open them or not, sorry.

ribeirasacra

Your first choice seems to be licensed, the other not. That is the first one shows a HUTB registration number.

The law states that every property registered for letting as a vacation rental should show it's registration number in any advertisement.
Read this information in TA https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...Barcelona.html
A recent crack down on illegal renting has meant a lot have lost their place to sleep in their forthcoming vacation.
http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.co...urist-rentals/
Please ensure no matter what you rent it is legally registered even if it shows a HUBT number. That could be falsified.

kimhe

Both are excellent locations, and the first one is very close to El Born, although modern and more tranquile than Born itself.
http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...rescapesection

ekscrunchy

I spent a week at this 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom five years ago and thought it was great; the agency, Destination BCN, was terrific to work with as well:

http://www.destinationbcn.com/ghost.php

More on the apartment in this trip report:


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...inter-2011.cfm