My family is planning a 5 day trip to Barcelona right after Christmas. We are a large group - 8 total, all adults and I would like to keep it as budget friendly as I can get. Rather than hotels, I would certainly consider a guesthouse, hostal (not hostel), B&B or better yet, an apartment. Does anyone here have a recommendation for a 3 bedroom apartment in Barcelona that can sleep 8? I have checked into the archived messages and have looked into the websites that people have mentioned and have inquired directly through the agencies about some but am not yet ready to commit to a reservation and deposit. I keep hoping that through further research I will come across something a little cheaper in price., hopefully around a ballpark figure of $1400 USD for the four nights. Any suggestions? I know I need to make these reservations early since Christmas is a busy time of year. Mil gracias.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Pat, when we are in the EU we usually rent from VRBO or Homelidays.com. Doing a quick perusal of VRBO I see lots of 3-4 bedroom apts, in neat areas, that will fit your requirements. I would imagine that Homelidays has the same. When renting apts in the EU make sure you understand what floor it is on, and verify that the complex has a working elevator. Get the actual address and use Google "Street View" to "walk" up and down the street. Make sure that it is not on a noisy street. Since you are renting in winter, verify the heating arrangements; does it have a supplemental heating charge? We always try to pick units that have lots of good recomendations. Another plus is a local agent to handle repairs, etc.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10916 posts
I work with someone who rented a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Barcelona and really liked it. Check vrbo.com listing 73784. I will be going to Barcelona in September and rented this apartment (actually, I think they rent out the entire building), but have changed my reservation to a 2 bedroom 1 bath in the same building. One thing I think you will find with apartment rentals is the price that is listed is for 2 people, and it increases for every person over that amount. Another thing to look for is if they charge an additional cleaning fee.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
358 posts
My family rented a wonderful apartment through Vacation Rental By Owner (VBRO) in Barcelona, between Placa Catalunya and Placa Espanya (in front of the Rochefort metro stop), 3 BR, that may accommodate you. It was 5star on all fronts, but it is very much booked. Not sure what you mean by "after Christmas", but you can look at the apt on vrbo and contact the owner via that website (she may have other recommendations). She is an American and lives in the US. Here is the website: http://www.vrbo.com/274411 approx $200/night.
SuzieeQQ
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Also, Barcelona is one city where I have noticed that rental owners often offer more than one apartment in the same building. You may even consider two 2-bedroom apts that may open up available choices for your group. Good luck!
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
Add my vote to vrbo.
Posted by
OP
back in the Americas
761 posts
Thanks to all for your advice. SuzieeQQ, I did see the apartment you recommended but it is already rented out for the week after Christmas. I will keep that one in mind for future trips. I have sent off inquiries to several owners/agents and am waiting to hear back from them.
Posted by
Tijuana, Baja Ca, Mexico
62 posts
I rented in a place call "Apartaments Marina" just two blocks from the Sagrada Familia, an Hipercort next of it, good Parking, Gas Station 2 blocks, Metro Station two blocks, Great! I think you can find it by Booking.com
Posted by
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Check out Enjoy Barcelona. We stayed there last summer and really enjoyed it. The apartment we stayed at was a one-bedroom in Placa Reial, but they have apartments all over the city -- many are quite large and the prices are very reasonable. I was very impressed with their customer service.