Recommendation for Barcelona Apartment or Hotel

Check out the reviews for the BNCGotic apartments in the Barri Gotic/El Raval area on www.slowtrav.com I am renting one next spring based on these reviews. Or check out their website. It has good pictures. Air conditioning, small elevator, double glaze windows, half a block from Jaume metro stop, on L'Argenteria which is a car free street. English speaking manager on site daily. They have several rentals, mostly three and two bedrooms. Some have two baths. TV, wifi. Well equiped kitchen, washing machine. A couple have a terrace. I wouldn't say the apartments are full of Spanish charm, but they are very clean, decently furnished and look comfortable. The location can't be beat. Walking distance to many sites. Our long term (4 weeks, three beedroom, two bath) rental rate is 120 Euro a night. When we booked several months ago, I think it was around 138 per night short term, depending on the apartment.

Make sure you are not booking a place that has many retail stores on the first level. We stayed in a guest house off of the Ramblas on a side street with popular stores/shops on the first level; i think it was called Vrabrac. Noise all night long that will go directly into your ears while you try to sleep; plus noisy housekeepers/managers blasting terrible music very early in the morning. Stay clear of churches as Barcelona has many churches with bells that go off about every 8 minutes all night long. If I am ever in Barcelona again, I won't stay near the Ramlbas, or the gothic area because of noise and bells. I would maybe look in the Eixample area.

We stayed at here: http://www.upsuitesbcn.com/apartamento_familiar.php

It is in the west Eximple neighborhood. Close to two metro lines. About a 20 min walk to Place Cataluna. Not a touristy area. See the reviews on Tripadvisor. I listed the places to eat nearby. Go to Escribe for best pastries and chocolates ever. This is the flagship store. RS list the La Rambla store in his book.

Very nice decor with full kitchen, washer and dryer. Very good service and friendly staff. Just beware that the TV does not have English channels-very minor issue. The back apartments have a balcony opening into a courtyard area along with the other buildings in the neighborhood. You feel like you're living just like a local.

I had to play with various booking engines ( booking.com, hotels. com, venere, expedia etc etc) but I found a good rate for the Hotel Jazz . We had never been to Barcelona and were only there two nights.. so wanted it central . safe , clean and like you , well air conditioned as it was summer ( and roasting hot). The Hotel Jazz was all of those things.. plus it had a nice roof top terrase with a small bar, and a small pool.. and comfy comfy lounge furniture .. and some views.

I wish I could remember exactly what we paid.. it was summer of 2012 so almost two years ago.. but I know it was under 120-130 euros a night as I just don't spend more period.. it may have been cheaper. We were less then 5 minute walk from the square we got the airport bus in from, and the Ramblas.. I can't compare it to other areas in Barcelona as if one only spends two nights in a city how could they presume to know.. but we liked the hotel, we liked the room, and we liked the area.

I just looked on website .. using July 1st for three nights and they are showing a double for 126 euros.. you may find a better rate somewhere if you hunt..

Ceidleh,
Check out Negre apartments in Barcelona. We stayed there last year, it is in the Eixample area, next to a market. We were very pleased, they were easy to deal with, and the apartments are large and comfortable. There is also a rooftop terrace with views of the Sagrada Familia.

We stayed at: Barcelona Atiram Hotel located at Carrer de Casp, 1-13, Barcelona, 08010 Spain.
it was really close to several undergrounds including a main one, Plaza de Catalunya and the Ramblas. We liked it. Good restaurants and other shopping around there. It was a great hub for exploring Barcelona.