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Review 3137: Urban Flats, Apt 3 Plaza Real

Recommended. Review by Aileen21 from US

2bed/1bath apartment near Las Rambla, Barcelona

When

21-26 October 2007, 5 days

Location

The apartment is a very short distance from La Rambla, tucked off a quiet corner of Placa Real. Placa Real itself was gracious and inviting, lined with collonaded walkways full of restaurant and hotel tables, perfect for a quick drink at the end of the day. The square's palm trees were full of green parrots flying about, which added to my feeling that the place seemed magical.

Nearby Amenities

It could not have been more convenient, literally everything we wanted was within a short walk. The Bouqueria Market was five minutes away, and there was a pharmacy, several convenience food stores and several restaurants within one block. My husband went to the market each morning for fresh breakfast pastries and breads.

The House/Apartment

The apartment was on what would be called the fourth floor in the US with a charming old elevator. The building was old, with a black and white checked marble foyer. The apartment was quiet, even though it was so close to the Rambla. The interior had been redone with some nice touches ... hardwood floors, good bath and kitchen fixtures, (except for the hand-held shower and rickety shower curtain), a full size refrigerator, a spacious hallway.

Garden

A small balcony ran across the back of the apartment, facing an interior courtyard. It was pleasant to sit with the two sets of French doors open, but it was not really a very usable balcony, though it had a cafe table and two chairs. The interior courtyard was full of laundry and some construction noise during the day.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The apartment was clean and basically as represented on the web site. It seemed a bit sparse when I looked at the site, and that proved to be the case. The furniture was adequate, an Ikea-type dining table and four chairs, two side chairs, and a (rather uncomfortable) two-person couch. There was a TV which received only local Spanish stations.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The beds were good, the wardrobe storage in the bedrooms extensive, and each bed had reading lights. The bathroom's handheld shower was a bit of a disappointment and the jury-rigged shower curtain, suspended by chains from the ceiling. It all worked though, and none of the four of us actually felt it detracted from our stay.

Kitchen

The kitchen was good and reasonably well equipped. We made several dinners and managed everything (with a bit of improvising, but that is part of the fun of being in new places!) The fabulous market was so close and enticing that we could not resist bringing home exotic mushrooms and a duck and some strange goose-neck barnacles and wonderful fresh eggs. Also at the back of the market is a great fresh pasta maker. We had an easy dinner of mushroom and veal raviolis with his tomato sauce.

There was also a clothes washer and dryer in the kitchen, which we used.

Problems or Bonuses

Some of the furnishings were a bit tacky, but it didn't really matter. The wonderful old elevator, the massive carved wooden doors and windows, the location, and the lovely Placa Real made up for any deficiencies.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

Urban Flats and their representative Carlos were excellent. Every email was answered promptly and Carlos's English was fine. He even ordered us a taxi in advance because we had to leave at such an early hour on our last day.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

We would go back. The value was excellent and the advantages far outweighed the minuses. We paid €685 for five nights -- €70 per couple per night -- for the best location in Barcelona. What's to complain about? My overall impression of the place is very positive because we were so happy there. Just walking into Placa Real is a pleasure all of its own.

Things to do in this area

Sit and drink and watch the parrots in Placa Real. Go to the Bouqueria.

The best seafood restaurant any of us have ever experienced is Passadis del Pep in Barceloneta. No menu, no prices, the food and drink just come and it is extraordinary. It's the freshest seafood I've ever eaten, expensive but worth every penny.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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